Longboard Clinic Career Highlights

Ben Bennink, aka “Big Ben” or “Bear”, has been surfing since 1969 and has been consulting to newcomers and surfing friends since the 1980's. Ben's an internationally certified NSSIA (National Surf Schools & Instructors Association [USA]) Level 4 Master Coach/Instructor. He is one of Byron Bay's local identities, best known as a soul surfer and artist.

In the 80's Ben was a founding member of both the Long Reef Surfrider's Association (LRSA) and the Reef Riders Malibu Club located on Sydney's northern beaches. He is also the author of an NSSIA endorsed online Learn to Surf Manual.

Free Surfing Highlights

Free surfs are always special, although a weekend trip to Seal Rocks, circa 83, particularly stands out. Imagine heavy rain, a huge scary S/E swell, possibly 12-15 foot waves, an uncrowded point break, breath-takingly perfect conditions. Mix that with a small group of much loved friends and some very tall stories around the campfire. It doesn’t get much better.

Coaching Highlights

All clients are a joy, but taking Yoko (now my partner) from an average and timid bodyboarder to a smooth- stepping, nose-riding, stylish longboarder is hard to beat in the satisfaction stakes. Not to mention the fact that it was during Yoko's instruction that the methodology of Longboard Clinic came into being.

Comp and Club Surfing Highlights

Yoko Bennink

  • 2008 ........ 1st Place finalist - O/30's Women's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2007 ........ 2nd Place finalist - O/30's Women's Byron Bay Malibu Classic

Ben Bennink

  • 2008 ........ Finalist - O/40's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2007 ........ 1st Place Finalist - Master's Loggerheads Malibu Classic
  • 2007 ........ 3rd Place Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2006 ........ Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2005 ........ Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2004 ........ Semi-finalist - Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2004 ........ Semi-finalist - Noosa Festival of Surfing
  • 2003 ........ Semi-finalist - 0/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2003 ........ Finalist - 0/35's Noosa Festival of Surfing
  • 2002 ........ Finalist - O/35's Anzac Malibu Classic Byron Bay
  • 2002 ........ Quarter finalist - O/35's Noosa Festival of Surfing
  • 2000 ........ 3rd - Byron Bay Malibu Club end of season tally
  • 2000 ........ Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • 2000 ........ Semi-finalist - O/35's State Titles
  • 2000 ........ Finalist - O/35's Far North Coast Regional Titles
  • 1999 ........ 4th - Byron Bay Malibu Club end of season tally
  • 1999 ........ Semi-finalist - Loggerheads Malibu Classic
  • 1988-98 ... Spent time shortboarding - it was fun
  • 1986/87 ... 23rd ASP Final - adjusted world pro-longboard ratings
  • 1987 ........ Quarter finalist - Open Men's Australian Malibu Titles
  • 1987 ........ Best Tube ride Award - Chris Crozier Memorial
  • 1986 ........ Awarded Life Membership of Reef Riders Malibu Club for founding contributions
  • 1986 ........ Finalist & Best Tube ride Award - Loggerheads Malibu Classic
  • 1986 ........ Semi-finalist Reef - Riders Malibu Classic
  • 1985 ........ Quarter finalist - Byron Bay Malibu Classic
  • Present interest in competitive surfing scene is based on having fun