ETL surf competition and charity gig

Surf and Music Gig raise money for Cornish Foundation

The ETL international longboard competition was held for the second year running at Watergate Bay, the two star event on the tour was headlined by O’Neill and organized by local surfer Ben “Skindog” Skinner who has just returned from Ireland with the European title.

The final saw a UK head to head with O’Neill team riders Skindog and Adam Griffiths battling it out in a close heat which saw Adam taking his first ETL win.

Ben Skinner said “It’s been a great weekend although the conditions of the surf have been tough, all the sponsors of the event have done an amazing job and we have once again put on a great showcase for British surfing”.

Ben skinner who is one of the ambassadors for the Joe Way Appeal which has raised £93,000.00 for 20 charities in the 3 years since Joe passed away also put together another Joe Way Appeal fundraising event to the weekend of surfing.

The Phoenix Pub at Watergate hosted this years event and the line up was the best of Cornish music which saw Charlie Wingfield, Grey dog and Ben Sutcliff show the European visitors how vibrant the music and surf scene is in the UK.

The money this year is being donated from Joe’s Appeal to the Matt Upsher foundation which was set up after the well know teacher and musician from Perranporth tragically died last year whilst surfing

His Brother Tom spoke about his brother and introduced Grey Dog which is the Band his brother played with, Tom said "My brother had a soul that reached out to so many people, his passion and enthusiasm was infectious, and it is this spirit we hope to continue, with the work of the Matthew Upsher Foundation.

We are delighted to have been invited to work with The Joy Way appeal, and are extremely thankful that the Foundation is the chosen beneficiary of tonight’s event. Its great to have the support of The Joe Way appeal, Ben Skinner and all of the people that have worked so hard to put together such a great event. It gives us all such a sense of positivity that we can come together and raise the awareness of the Foundation."

Ben added “Matt taught me how to play the guitar and was a real soul surfer he is deeply missed so to be able to donate some money to his foundation is a real honour”.

£1145.00 was raised with an auction and prize draw that saw great prizes from O’Neill Clothing and Wetsuits, Skinners ales, Perranporth signs, 100% organic and a local artist Martin Hawkes who donated a print on the day which was taken away by one of the French competitors.

Matt Way Joe’s Dad said “It was a great night and we are really grateful for the generosity of all the Companies that gave such amazing prizes and the people who gave money. It was a really privilege to meet Tom and work with the musicians who all knew his brother. Steve Skinner did a great job with the auction and just as we thought it was all over a local guy donated £100 to have a surf lesson with Skindog”.

For more information and to see the PODCAST from the gig go to www.joewaypaddle.co.uk

Adam and Ben© 2011 - Joe way media

Tom Upsher introducing his brothers band grey dog© 2011 - Joe way media

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