Double European Championship success for Team Surfing England
Surfing England has made a significant impact at Eurosurf 2023 in Santa Cruz, Portugal, securing a remarkable 3rd place overall. The event witnessed standout performances, notably Emily Currie’s first European title win and Ben Skinner’s exceptional achievement, clinching his 12th European title. A unique highlight making Ben’s victory all the more special was having his eldest son Lukas on the open team , the first time an English father-son duo have competed together in the Eurosurf Championships. Lauren Sandland’s outstanding performance in her debut European Open event and the confidence instilled in her surfing was another standout from the competition as she continues to be an an inspiration to our aspiring junior surfers.
Ben Skinner was elated “I’m so happy to win the 2023 Eurosurf European Longboard title alongside women’s winner Emily! Overall we finished 3rd !! Team England you were amazing in the sea and on the beach…and to also have Lukas by my side was just so special!”
2023 European women’s longboard champ Emily Currie said “I’m absolutely over the moon. It has been a goal I’ve pursued throughout my career. Achieving it is so good after the dedicated effort. The journey has been a roller coaster of emotions, and I think when you work really hard for something, achieving it it’s a really great feeling.”
“It was such a good environment with everyone supporting each other. In the finals I had two run-arounds and the team came and ran up the beach with me in support!”
This remarkable achievement underscores the commitment, resilience, and skill of Surfing England’s athletes and their dedicated volunteer coaching team
Special thanks to Ben Skinner and Luke Dillon for being team coaches alongside competing themselves and to the legend that is Robert ‘Minnow’ Green for his excellent team management throughout the event.
Huge thanks to all the sponsors Korev and Caravan and Motorhome Club and the volunteers support staff and fans who’ve cheered on this amazing team.
Ben powis, Surfing England CEO said ‘We’re so stoked for the team, especially for Ben and Emily taking thoroughly well deserved golds in the men’s and women’s longboard. We’re often seen as the underdogs at international competition, but with 5 current European Champions across our junior and open teams we’re showing just how much talent there is in English Surfing, and becoming a nation to be reckoned with’
European 2023 Team Champions
1 Portugal 2 Spain 3 England 4 Italy
Full results can be found here – Eurosurf https://www.eurosurfing.org/eurosurf
