Brewery supports major surfing event

l Ben Skinner, son of Skinner's Brewery MD Steve Skinner, in action in the first Gold Rush Big Wave Contest at Fistral Beach, Newquay

November 19, 2006: The new British Surfing Association (BSA) Gold Rush Big Wave Contest is set to build on its early success with a major sponsor secured for 2007 — Skinner's Brewery, of Truro, Cornwall.

There was no sponsorship first time round last month , when the inaugural event, at Fistral Beach, Newquay, was declared an outstanding success.

The new concept’s big plus is its movable date – with the competition called at just 72 hours’ notice to exploit predictable big waves.

Skinner's has been closely involved in the sport for some time and Ben Skinner, son of managing director Steve, is current world number two longboarder after clinching a silver medal at last month’s World Surfing Games in California.

“We passionately support the Cornish surfing scene and are absolutely delighted to be able to support this brilliant new event in this way,” said Steve Skinner.

“The inaugural event was tremendously successful, but in reality was just the tip of the iceberg. Surfing can have few if any equals as a sport of the 21st century and we see enormous potential for the Gold Rush.”