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Jersey-born Skinner, 21, from Newquay, Cornwall, was up against competitors from 33 other nations in the long board event at Huntington Beach.

His silver medal is the best result by a British surfer at the games for more than 40 years.

The result capped a series of successes for the British team which took ninth place at the games.

Skinner, who powered through all of his heats last week, was narrowly beaten in the final by six-time South African champion Matthew Moir.

He is one of the most talented surfers this country has ever produced Karen Walton

Karen Walton, national director of the British Surfing Association, said: "This is the most amazing result both for Ben and for the team.

"We are all delighted beyond belief for him and so proud to see him up there on the podium.

"He is one of the most talented surfers this country has ever produced and his silver medal has done so much to consolidate our global reputation as a surfing nation."

Alan Stokes and Sam Lamiroy, also from Cornwall, made it into the quarter finals.

Australia took the gold in the overall team result in one of the closest fought championships with Brazil, the USA and South Africa coming second, third and fourth.

Ms Walton said: "The entire British team should also be congratulated on their efforts and they have all worked extremely hard to get us within the top ten.