Ben Howard becomes ambassador for surf company O’Neill

Brit Award-winner, Mercury Prize nominee and singer-songwriter Ben Howard continues to take the world by storm as he signs up as brand ambassador for the American surfboard company, O’Neill.

Born in London, but raised from the age of eight in Devon, Ben has always been a keen surfer with a love for the ocean. When on tour and travelling the world, he always takes time out to surf, relax and reconnect with the sea.

Having lived in the South West from a young age and studied journalism in Cornwall, Ben is also part of the Surfers Against Sewage campaign group and will be headlining the beach-inspired music festival Broadmasters this August.

With this in mind it comes as no surprise that the British musician has signed up to promote and support one of the most iconic and sought-after surf-wear companies about, O’Neill.

After a sell-out tour of the UK and Europe in 2011, Ben was soon picked up by Island Records who clearly understood and recognised the rawness of his talent, having already worked with numerous folk singers including Kate Rusby and Nick Drake.

Two years on and Ben Howard continues to excite and enchant with soft semi-acoustic songs and heartfelt lyrics.

As O’Neill confirms its collaboration with the guitar playing vocalist, it is fair to say this is possibly the coolest pairing in the world of sports fashion and music. Both come from humble beginnings and have achieved great success.

The Californian company has been around since the 1950s ever since founder, Jack O’Neill, opened up a surf shop in a garage on the Great Highway in San Francisco.

This ocean-inspired alliance will see Ben working with the O’Neill designers to create a limited edition O’Neill and Ben Howard product series, which should be available in spring 2014 – just in time for summer.

Emily-Rose Vierke
Photo: Courtesy of O’Neill