Groundswell Festival is proud to introduce our 2025 Ambassadors
World-renowned big wave surfer Mark Mathews, Australian 3x3 basketball star Anneli Maley, and BMX freestyle champion Brandon Loupos. Together, they’ll bring their passion, experience and energy to Scarborough this October as part of our celebration of sport, culture and community.
MARK MATHEWS
- SURF
Recognised as one of the world’s premier big wave surfers and an in-demand keynote speaker, Mark Mathews brings his extraordinary story of resilience, fear-conquering and high performance to Groundswell for the very first time. In a Western Australian first, Mathews will deliver his epic keynote session “The Life Beyond Fear” free to the public at the Scarborough Amphitheatre at 2pm, Saturday 11 October.
Across the weekend, he’ll also take part in meet & greet and Q&A sessions, giving fans the chance to grab an autograph, snap a selfie, and connect with one of surfing’s most inspirational figures.
SCHEDULE
SAT 9am to 1pm: Surf Boardroom Surf League (Surfing / Q&A)
SAT 2pm to 2:45pm: Keynote Speech ‘The Life Beyond Fear’ - Scarborough Amphitheatre
SAT 3 to 5pm: Autograph & Photos plus Surf Comp Presentations
SUN 8am to 12noon: Groundswell Surf Comp (Surfing / Q&A)
SUN 2pm to 4pm: Autograph & Photos plus Surf Comp Presentations
ANNELI MALEY
- 3X3 BASKETBALL
Perth-based basketball star Anneli Maley will bring her international experience and infectious energy to Scarborough as she represents 3x3 on the ambassador team. Currently a key member of Australia’s 3x3 national team, Maley also plays for the Perth Lynx in the WNBL and the Perth Redbacks in NBL1 West and is known for her fearless playing style and commitment to empowering the next generation.
Anneli is also highly regarded off the court for her work in media and broadcasting, as a Fox Sports presenter for the NBL, regular radio presenter on Triple J, and host of her own popular podcast Under the Surface with Anneli Maley.
At Groundswell, Anneli will host “Have a Go” 3x3 tips and tricks sessions and provide guest MC commentary during the streetball action. She’ll also be available for meet & greet and Q&A sessions, giving fans the chance to connect, ask questions and grab a photo.
SCHEDULE
SAT 2pm to 4pm: 3x3 Have A Go Area - (Tips & Tricks Sessions)
SAT 4pm to 4:30pm: 3x3 Have a Go Area – 3-point Comp (Beat the Pro)
SAT 4:30pm to 5pm: 3x3 Medal Presentations
SAT 5pm to 5:30pm: Autograph & Photos
SAT 5:45pm to 6:35pm: 3x3 Finals Guest Commentator
SAT 6:45pm to 7pm: 3x3 Medal Presentations
BRANDON LOUPOS
- BMX FREESTYLE
A four-time X Games medallist, former UCI BMX World Champion, and current Australian Freestyle National Champion, Brandon Loupos is one of the most decorated BMX riders of his generation. Known for his resilience in the face of career-defining injuries and his commitment to inspiring the next wave of riders, Loupos will be front and centre in Scarborough across the weekend.
Festival-goers can catch him in daily BMX bowl demonstrations, as well as behind the mic as a guest MC and judge for the BMX competition. He’ll also host meet & greet and Q&A sessions, giving fans the chance to learn from his journey and connect with one of BMX’s biggest names.
SCHEDULE
SAT 9am to 1pm: BMX Bowl Battle (Demos / Q&A / Judging)
SAT 3pm to 4pm: Autograph & Photos plus BMX Bowl Battle Presentations
SUN 11am to 4pm: Freestyle Now BMX Stunt Show (MC / Q&A)
SUN 1pm to 2pm: Autograph & Photos