Excellent improvements displayed by Royal Navy, Royal Marine Surf Association (RNRMSA) members at Crantock Beach, Newquay for Ben Skinner Coaching Session.

The best Longboarder in Europe, Ben Skinner shared his incredible depth of surfing knowledge with the attendees of the first ‘Pro standard’ coaching session that Lieutenant ‘Bungi’ Williams of the RNRMSA organised in association with The Newquay Activity Centre at the end of March. The sun was shining but the waves were blown out and angry looking so it was agreed to hold the session at Crantock beach to benefit from the shelter of the headland.

With 14 hardy participants, both male and female of mixed ages and abilities the coaching covered everything from how to cross step on a longboard to how to perfect your ‘pop-up’ on a shortboard. The session which included a warm up, conditions analysis, individual water and beach coaching for each of the surfers needs was video’d so that the action could be reviewed afterwards. The post surf video analysis, as stated by members of the RNRMSA, was invaluable as primarily ‘the camera never lies’ g
Ben Skinner commented “The standard of riding was excellent and we saw some great improvements”. He continued “The RNRMSA gang were fast learners and I hope to work with them more through out the summer months, we’ve set some goals and it will be interesting to build a programme so that we can make regular analysis of their improvements”. Newquay Activity Centre director Rob Barber commented “We have been working closely with many military groups as they take part in Adventurous Training with us, we have activity weeks that include various coasteer routes, bodyboard coaching and surf coaching; this was an opportunity to give something back to the RNRMSA and hopefully it is something that we can build upon in the future”. After the video analysis sessions a series of prizes were presented for the best performances. Notable mentions go to Esther Tuff, Andy Byers, Freddie Warwick and Gilly Marr for their excellent improvements.

For further information about adventurous activities offered by the Newquay Activity Centre, please check out: Newquayactivitycentre.co.uk