It was just last October when Swatch Nines decided to try its first event on US soil, and its first event with skateboarding and surfing. That inaugural set the stage for what a mixed media/action sports multi-day event could be. Truly thinking outside the box, Swatch Nines rented out Waco, Texas' world famous wave pool, had the Zenga Bros from Canada think up and build never before seen skate and BMX obstacles, and invited everyone down and threw us all in the water. The results? Mind blowing.
Earlier this year, we got the notice that Swatch Nines would be doing it again—and in June! Not even a year since the last one. Texas in June? Gonna be hot, but we wouldn't miss this event for all the sunscreen in the world.
Blair Alley
Our first evening in Waco and things were already heating up. Clay Kreiner was already flying high on the vert ramp and psuedo Euro gap, and the Zenga Bros dropped an LED-lit ring portal above the wave pool's slab section and a couple guys (Zeke and Cruz Dinofa) tried their best to air through to another dimension. Swipe to the videos at the end of this IG carousel:
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The next two days were a blur of Andy Anderson freestyling in the Flying O over Matt Meola doing an NBD below, Tristan Rennie ripping the vert ramp to shreds and taking the plunge from the dry-docked Flying O into the pool, Greyson Fletcher skating everything as he does, Andy, again, spinning Natas Spins on the "street course" layout above the pool. Alex Midler took to the flat bar and the pool—dude can surf!
Blair Alley
Blair Alley
Adam Hopkins, builder and ripper from Canada was tearing anything skateable to shreds when he wasn't needed drilling in screws. He was unstoppable.
Blair Alley
Awesome to note, a lot of these ramps were repurposed from the event last October!
Not sure what else to say or if it's even possible to put into words what a unique and fun experience these three days were. At the awards wrap party, everyone who received an award (and blessed a shoe-y) kept repeating the same sentiment—this is the best event ever.
Blair Alley
Shout out to Nico Zacek for dreaming this up and taking a chance on skateboarding and American soil—and for giving us the chance to surf the Waco pool! 2026 is already being planned, we'll have our sunscreen ready.
Winners (Not a Contest, Just Celebration)
Swatch Nines Surf is not a contest but a celebration—an opportunity for all athletes to come together, recognize standout moments, and vote for their peers.
• WACO...It's a Trip Surf: Mason Ho (US)
• WACO...It's a Trip Skate & BMX: Alex Midler (US)
• STAB Best Trick (on a feature: wallride, rail, ring): Noah Beschen (US)
• Insta360 Best Group Shot: Jacob Zeke Szekely (US) & Chippa Wilson (AUS)
• Insta360 Best Shot: Zoë McDougall (US)
• Best Air Male: Matt Meola (US)
• Best Air Female: Skai Suitt (US)
• MVP Male: Mason Ho (US)
• MVP Female: Zoë McDougall (US)
More from the Zenga Bros:
