In a sport mostly averse to innovation, Swatch Nines is a rare exception. The anarchic event – which takes place in Waco Surf’s wave pool – makes a point of introducing new ways to surf every time it takes place. This year, Dylan Graves was there for the ride, and documented it in his latest YouTube video.
“They workshop the craziest ideas inside the minds of some of the best athletes in action sports and bring them to life,” summarizes Graves at the top. “There’s no rules, no criteria, just pure imagination and the willingness to try out some new things.”
This year, the Nines fulfilled its promise of innovation in myriad ways. Perhaps the banner attraction was surfing’s first ever hubba rail. However, that’s backed up by surfing’s first-ever up rail. And the whole thing is overseen by a hanging platform on which skateboarder Andy Anderson smoothly carries out the flatland tricks he’s become famous for.
In the end, Matt Meola was the first to figure out how to actually land the rail, which then unlocked the feature for the rest of the gang. From there it was a free-for-all as the gaggle of pros jockeyed to make the most of a brand-new way to ride a wave.
Another unique aspect of Swatch Nines is the crossover between action sports, and as Graves puts it, that’s part of what makes it all work. “This is one of the most unique things about the Nines,” he says. “You have pro skiers, mountain bikers, skaters, BMX-ers. even celebrities all gathered in the same place, all trying to push themselves, getting to chat ideas and offer words of encouragement to each other. Because everyone wants to try something they’ve always dreamed of. And what better place for it?”
