Debut of Swatch Nines Surf Event Recap
As the blazing orange sun slowly rose over the Lone Star State, Waco Surf sprang to life with the inaugural Swatch Nines Surf. Curated by Coco Ho, this event offers a creativity-fueled alternative to traditional competitions. From October 15-17, Waco Surf in Texas is hosting the first-ever Swatch Nines Surf event, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind held in the United States.
In the early hours of daylight, Noah Beschen set the bar high, landing back-to-back backflips and a side flip into a double grab flip. He remarked, “It feels like fantasy land here. For surfers and skaters to come together for an event without competition makes it focused entirely on passion and fun. It’s been an insane day, and I’m having so much fun.” He also expressed hope for some favorable winds to assist with the air sections.
With more than 16 hours of skate and surf sessions scheduled, surfers including Coco and Mason Ho, Matt Meola, and Laura Enever kicked off their warm-up sessions, while skateboarders like Andy Anderson, Greyson Fletcher, and Mami Tezuka got accustomed to the new Zenga Brothers-designed ramps that stretch from the deck into the water.
By midday, the creative energy was palpable. Surfers introduced innovative elements such as an inflatable dock for mid-pool step-offs, colorful flares, and even a massive inflatable human hamster ball. Meanwhile, a tractor-suspended wall ride rotated between the pool and a skate ramp.
“I’m grateful for how the surf and skate worlds have welcomed us with open arms, brimming with creativity and a hunger to try new things in their sports,” said Nico Zacek. “Today, witnessing skaters and surfers inspire and cheer each other on while collaborating was a standout moment for me.”