Skinner gets GB surfing call up

Skinner is aiming for a world title in Portugal (Pic: Kirstin Prisk)

Newquay-based surfer Ben Skinner has been picked for the British team at the ISA World Surfing Games in Costa de Caparica in Portugal in October.

The Jersey-born 23-year-old, who specialises in the longboard, took a silver at the last ISA world event in California two years ago.

Earlier this year he came second in the Pro Longboard Classic in Japan, and retained his British title in Jersey.

"I genuinely believe that I can do it this time," he said.

"I have always aimed high and to get so close in 2006 made me think ‘why not?'"

And Skinner hopes to add world titles to his five senior and three junior British titles.

"I have wanted to be a world champion ever since I was a boy and that remains my dream.

"I would like to win both the World Longboard Tour and the World Surfing Games."

The event in Portugal runs from 11-19 October.