5 of the Craziest Moments from Swatch Nines Deep in the Heart of Texas (Video)

Whathappens when you get 28 surfers, skaters and BMX bikers (semi)free rein at Waco Surf? That’s what the 2024 Swatch Nines sought to answer. The organizers just released the fruits of three days at the pool in the Texas heat, and it's quite the spectacle. The quality of the video underscores the lengths organizers went to showcase the talent and how it varied from most high-level surf events. 

There was no prize money, no leaderboard, and no livestream. Swatch paid for a production staff of 40 filmers, photographers and editors to capture every air, wipeout and grind. Remarkably, they turned around a rough cut just hours after the last waves dissipated in the pool. Drones, GoPros, slow-mo follow cams, it’s the works. Hit play on the video below to watch the action from the first Swatch Nines event in the USA. Read below for the author's personal favorite moments.

Matt Meola’s Strap-Assisted Backflip 

Matt Meola hasn't surfed in the ocean in months. A combination of a torn bicep and the start of elk hunting season has delayed his time in the salt water. However, he's done several impressive feats in pools this year, including a finals appearance in Stab High Japan. In Waco, however, he opted for the unconventional after feeling he'd maxed out his arsenal of spins and flips. He claimed he just wanted to have some fun in Texas, so pulled out the straps and causally landed a few backflips.

Greyson Fletcher’s Elevated Drop-In 

It says a lot about Greyson that he was named MVP of this event that’s billed as a surfing expression session. The 33-year-old didn’t add to his collection of scars and scrapes at this event, but he was still a commanding presence whenever he dropped in. There was one moment on the first day when Greyson orchestrated a large metal box to be lifted onto top of a halfpipe, then stood atop it and dropped in. It was only an extra four feet, but it was another example that reminded everyone that Greyson is just different. He won’t hit all the rotations, but he’ll go big when it matters. 

Eithan Osborne’s Stalefish Alley-Oop

Speaking of rotations, there is some debate between skaters and surfers about whether this was a 540 or 720-degree rotation. Eithan launched this one just after 8 in the morning on the second day when most people were still shuffling with hoodies on to get coffee. While he didn’t ride out of it clean, he was still stoked on the attempt. He went for it again and again later that day to no avail. But don’t be surprised if he eventually greases it someday.