Groundswell Grind Brings Bowls, Community and Big Energy

The Groundswell Grind Skateboard Bowl Competition smashed back into action as part of the epic Groundswell Festival, bringing the skateboarding community together like only this event can. With DJ Bambi spinning in the Red Bull Jeep DJ booth and a massive, hyped-up crowd cheering every trick, the energy was electric. From 6-year-old shredders to 61-year-old legends, competitors of all ages threw down across the bowls, showing skill, progression, and pure stoke. It was a day that celebrated community, creativity, and the heart of skateboarding culture.

James Rixom took first place in open mens. This kickflip to Indy in the 12 foot is just one page out of James’ hefty book of tricks. A Tai Chi master would be impressed with the calm flow James is able to achieve in this Monster of a bowl. At just 12 years old, James is making waves in the WA skate scene and leaving us all inspired and hugely impressed with his grit and tenacity. 

The 9 and under men’s division kicked off the day with a stacked lineup of young talent. Elliott Hanly came out on top, but Harry Campbell-Hicks put up a strong fight, finishing just 0.34 points behind. In the 9 and under women’s category, the small group of skaters delivered a fantastic display of skill and determination. Pepper Connolly took the win by a solid 5 points, followed by Opal Harrington, who at just six years old is already confidently tackling the 12-foot drop-in, a bright future ahead for sure. Matilda Matthews claimed third place, arriving at the competition moments before her run after competing in a surf contest. With her hair still dripping wet, she soared around the bowl, proving herself both multi-talented and committed.

In the 12 and under men’s division, Levi Pagdanganan dominated the field, finishing a remarkable 8 points ahead of second-place Davie Howes. Levi’s performance was absolutely unreal; this nine-year-old has a bag of tricks bigger than many adults and chose to challenge himself by competing in the under-12s instead of his own age group. The risk certainly paid off. Davie Howes followed in second, showing rapid progression and proving he’s a skater to watch in the coming years. In the 12 and Under Women’s division, Scarlett Harrington claimed first place. Skating clearly runs in the family, as her sister Opal is also killing it in the younger divisions. Eva O’Driscoll finished second, and Ellie Stathakis took third, with Eva Whitney close behind. It was wicked to see all these girls back again, showing their progression and commitment to the sport.

Clockwise from top left – Elliott Hanley with a smooth Melon Grab, first in under 9’s mens. – Pepper Connolly took the first palace in under 9’s women handplanting on the 10 foot, at least 3 times her own height for reference. – Levi Pagdanganan, the 9 year old who took the win in the under 12’s mens, flying high, NO GRAB. Ariel style. – Taylor Eastman skated with confidence and determination both of these are required to skate the Scarborough bowl, lets go Taylor – More photos can be found on our facebook page here

For the 16 and Under Men’s category, Clark Lyon took the top spot. Although he was the only rider in his division, it was fantastic to see him join in for the first time and put on a solid performance. The 16 and Under Women’s division saw Hayley Norris take first, with Taylor Eastman finishing second. It was great to see these two skaters back in the competition and showing their skills in the massive Scarbrough bowl.

In the Masters division, the veteran riders proved age is just a number. Jon Root took the win with style and precision, while Junior Linke who at 61 years young pushed hard to claim second and Jeremy Watkins rounded out the podium in third. Geoff Knibbs also put in a standout performance, showing the crowd that experience comes with fearless riding. It was absolutely wicked to watch these seasoned riders throw down in the bowl, proving they still have the skills and determination to compete with the best.

Clockwise from top left – Junior Link, a 64 year old bowl skater, still as gnarly as his hay day competing in the Masters division. – Indigo Dale, Margaret River local, flying at least 14 feet high from the bottom of the bowl. – Emily Palmer rocking to fakie in the 10, right in front of the massive crowds. – Cruz Evans folding like origami with a super stylish melon grab. – More photos can be found on our facebook page here

The Open Women’s division was an absolute showstopper. Mia Kretzer delivered a jaw-dropping performance, competing with a broken arm and still smashing every run with power and precision. Gogo Dale came all the way from Margaret River and held nothing back to take second, while Emily Palmer claimed third, showing flawless style and consistency. It was great to see Madison Brown stepping up into the open class and taking the 4th place. Watching these women push through pain, travel, and pressure with such determination was nothing short of inspiring. We look forward to when the younger age group progress into the open class, it’s going to be off the hook.

The Open Men’s competition was nothing short of epic. James Rixom completely blew the field out of the water this year. His progression is off the charts, and the height and style he gets on his airs had the crowd gasping at every run. Otis Sienkewitz battled hard, with only 1.34 points away from James, he took home second place, and Cruz Evans grabbed third, both showcasing some incredible tricks and determination. The level of riding on display was next-level and kept everyone on the edge of their seats.The day before the competition one of the favorites and past winner Zen Evans took a hard shin to the coping which set him out of the competition, looking forward to 2026 to see him shred the bowl once again.

Once again it was Mia Kretzer taking home the Open Women’s first place win. At just 11 years old, Mia showcases exactly how this gnarly bowl should be skated, with stacked tricks, style and a youthful energy that screams I’m having fun.

A huge thank-you to our sponsors, Vans, Maple Road Skateboards, Aikenheads Skateboards, Sneaky Wholefoods, Pylon Skateboard, Momentum Skate Shop, WC Cruisers, Independant, Santa Cruz, Livid Skate, Modus Bearings, The 4 skate co.and of course The Groundswell festival for making it all happen. We couldn’t have done it without your support, and we’re already counting down to the next one!

Stay tuned for more exhilarating skatepark competition as Freestyle Now continues to celebrate the passion and skill of our incredible action sports community. Freestyle Now is dedicated to delivering high-energy events and inspiring communities. From thrilling stunt shows to engaging coaching sessions and well-managed competitions, we promote active and healthy lifestyles while pushing the boundaries of action sports.

Connect with us on  Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on our latest news, events, and behind-the-scenes action. For booking inquiries or to learn more about Freestyle Now, please contact us directly. Be sure to check our coming events page for information on future competitions and other events, and explore our past competition page to look back on all the exciting action from previous events.

We would like to thank our partner, Right By You. Rightbyyou.org.au is a mental health resource made for young people, by young people. There is easy to understand, useful information on the website if you or your friends are in a mental health crisis situation. Head to rightbyyou.org.au if you need to help a friend or yourself today.

Groundswell Grind Skatepark Competition – Official Results – 12th October 2025

Open Womens – Mia Kretzer, 2nd Gogo Dale, 3rd Emily Palmer, 4th Madison Brown
Open Mens –  1st James Rixom, 2nd Otis Sienkewitz, 3rd Cruz Evans, 4th Robert-James Barbaro, 5th Jake Turnbull, 6th Vai Evans, 7th Ariki Southorn
16 and Under Womens – 1st Hayley Norris, 2nd Taylor Eastman
16 and Under Mens – 1st Clark Lyon
12 and Under Womens – 1st Scarlett Harrington, 2nd Eva O’Driscoll, 3rd Ellie Stathakis, 4th Eva Whitney
12 and Under Men – 1st Levi Pagdanganan, 2nd Davie Howes, 3rd Oscar Blackburn, 4th Onyx Black, 5th Yuuki Yasumura, 6th Liam Davie, 7th Ayrton Dias da Silva, 8th Sam Boscheinen
9 and Under Women – 1st Pepper Connolly, 2nd Opal Harrington, 3rd Matilda Mathews
9 and Under Men – 1st Elliott Hanly, 2nd Harry Campbell-Hicks, 3rd Duke Kalani Sulistyo, 4th Taj Whitney, 5th Arie Howes, 6th Iliya Sabourikenarsary, 7th Miles Dias da Silva, 8th Crew Anick, 9th Levi Wahby
Masters – 1st Jon Root, 2nd Junior Linke, 3rd Jeremy Watkins, 4th Geoff Knibbs