History

Longboard Clinic is the brain child of Ben ('bear') Bennink, an ex-pro/am longboarder with over 37 years experience and an immeasurable passion for longboard surfing. Ben dedicatedly runs Longboard Clinic as a family business with his partner, Yoko, an accomplished longboarder in her own right. We have recently been joined by a new Longboard Clinic team member, old school longboard master Mike Determan, a Byron Bay transplant from San Diego California.

Ben was raised in the waves off Sydney's northern beaches, Yoko in the much cooler waters of Sendai, Japan. They met by chance in a local Byron cafe over coffee, cake and a rambling argument between two tables of surfers over longboard design. After witnessing Ben surf, Yoko asked him to teach her how to longboard. Although usually a simple task, there was a catch this time ? Yoko spoke only a little English at the time. Ben was forced to make sure that everything he taught was well understood.

This new challenge gave Ben the opportunity to gain invaluable insight into a student’s perspective of longboard coaching. It was clear he had stumbled across something important. He came to understand that time in the water with his student was preparation for the job at hand, not the actual job itself. Time together in the water became analysis, rather than the traditional surf lesson. The real coaching took place later, as a consultation aimed at creating a deep understanding of what is really happening in the water. Over time Yoko became her own teacher, in line with contemporary adult learning principles. Ben then put this into practice with other students and the results were enjoyed by all.

Creating Longboard Clinic was the next logical step. Ben and Yoko decided to share their newfound insight with those who wanted to release the longboarder within. The simplicity and success of Longboard Clinic is the result of years of analysis, exploration, adaptation and dedication. What Ben and Yoko now offer is highly powerful yet very simple. It became their ultimate wish that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the glide, and they achieve just that with Longboard Clinic.

Longboard Clinic: Your Guide to the Glide