You can never underestimate the reach of skateboarding culture. Born in 1977 in regional Victoria, then moving to the Goldrush town of Kalgoorlie, Ben Bowring was entranced from the moment he first saw an 80s skateboard and by 1990 he was fully hooked – but he didn’t realise this would be a lifelong passion and creative outlet. Within a few years he was starting to get a hold of scene videos filmed in and around Perth and Fremantle. Some of the people featured in these were on their way to making their mark both interstate and internationally (Brett Margaritis, Morgan Campbell, Kye Stanley, Grantley Miller, Sparky, Jonno King etc).

Before long Ben simply had to join them; and he did so in 1999 by relocating close to the epicentre of the Freo scene: Woolstores. Aside from pushing his own limits, Ben has gone on to help generation after generation of locals through his recreational and professional involvement with the community. He has mentored countless up and comers; whether it be through his local brands, managing retail outlets or skateboarding organisations to promote skating. He continues to be heavily involved in liaising between local governments, local communities and skatepark design and construction companies. His only aims to work towards creating state-of-the-art design of public space and skateboarding facilities.

Ben is passionate about preserving and promoting core skateboarding culture for the future next generations and educating about the physical and mental health that you can receive from involvement with skateboarding.

Karmen is a pioneer for female skateboarding in Western Australia with over 25 years of experience. As a graphic designer, she has been involved with designing graphics for various skateboarding products, as well as running businesses in the industry for 10+ years. From 2015 to 2021, she was part of running skateboarding grassroots events working closely with local government and community groups throughout Western Australia. Karmen remains actively involved in skateboarding with a focus on inclusion and diversity in the skateboarding community.

Rowan grew up skating the streets of Fremantle, particularly the Woolstores ledges. A skater of 15 years, he is currently sponsored by The 4 Skate Co, Huf Worldwide, Vans Australia, Satori Wheels, and Modus Bearings. In addition to skating, he has produced numerous local skateboarding videos, and hosted premieres to fundraise for local charities. Rowan has 5+ years of experience in skateboard coaching and in the youth work sector, with a focus on remote and rural communities. Rowan has recently graduated medical school and is currently working as a doctor at Fremantle Hospital.

Sylvain is a french professional skateboarder. He spent the last 20 years working on countless video and photo projects and looking for the most interesting skateboard locations around the world.

From 2004 to 2013 he was an amateur skateboarder for Lakai Footwear and Blueprint skateboarders. In 2013 he turned professional for Isle skateboards with Paul Shier and Nick Jensen.

His sponsors are Converse, Carhartt WIP, Isle skateboards, Ace trucks, Modus and Nozbone skateshop. Through the years Sylvain has also shown interest in production, his favorite experience was in 2015 and 2016 when he was assistant producer for Paving Space an art project by Raphael Zarka and clothing line collaboration between Carhartt WIP and Isle skateboards.

Since 2016 he is featured in Thrasher magazine’s Atlantic Drift video series.

In 2022 after 20 years living between Lyon, Berlin, London and Paris he and his partner from Perth decided to move to Western Australia. Sylvain has been skating Woolstores since he first started coming to Australia in 2016 and calls it the best skate spot in the world.

Mat started filming skateboarding 26 years ago, which led to his involvement in organising numerous skateboarding events, producing skate films and joining various volunteer organisations to support the growth of skateboarding in Western Australia. In 2008, Mat played a key role in the creation of Crimea Skate Plaza. This was the catalyst for Mat to co-found Skate Sculpture with friend Tim Yuen in 2010.

Skate Sculpture has now become Western Australia’s leading skatepark design and construction firm, having designed over 50 facilities and constructed over 20, including the Hub sized Bayswater Skatepark. Mat has also spent over six months collectively working in remote communities throughout Western Australia and Alice Springs, facilitating skatepark design workshops, skate lessons and film projects.