Mark Mathews

In 10 years Mark has taken himself from a penniless want-to-be surfer to an international brand name, part time philosopher, story teller, big wave surfing god and all round good guy. His story is one of commitment, leadership, hard work, innovation, struggle and maximizing available talent.

Directly after leaving school, Mark committed to a dream, to make a career out of surfing waves. Not an uncommon dream for many young men and women around the world.

Not having a recognized name, and even less money, Mark worked for 18 months to finance a world trip. His strategy for that trip was to establish a name and reputation he could later market and sell.

Observing the oversaturated market of traditional competition based surfing, Mark looked for other avenues to differentiate. Spying an opportunity, in the specialized field of big wave surfing, he turned his focus to building the skills and experiences he would require to succeed in this less competitive market.

Having invested all his money in his travels, Mark returned home to Sydney, Australia, broke but eager to trade on his newly created personal brand. Offering a professional approach and a promise to provide return on investment by becoming one of the world’s leading big wave surfers Mark succeeded in gaining sponsorship from several large companies including Arnette and Etnies.

After a decade of highs and lows, awards, victories, wipeouts and injuries Mark has more than delivered on his promise. He has also learnt a lot about sustaining peak performance over an extended period, and in that has succeeded in living his dream and surfing waves all over the planet.

Mark is featured in a number of Peak Teams ocean themed adventure simulations including Sea of Change and the Next Wave. He still calls Sydney home, but lives wherever the waves are the best.

Awards
2010 Oakley – Biggest Slab, Winner
2009 Oakley Big Wave Awards, Winner
2008 Billabong XXL Awards, Third