Eighteen-year-old Australian surfer Hughie Vaughan has sent shockwaves through the extreme sports world with a groundbreaking aerial maneuver at a Texas wave park. Dubbed the "stalefish flipper" or "stalefish backflip," Vaughan’s feat has garnered millions of views online and earned high praise from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and numerous surfing icons.
A Revolutionary Maneuver
Vaughan, hailing from Bateau Bay on Australia’s Central Coast, executed the unprecedented "stalefish flipper" during The Nines event in Waco, Texas. The move involved launching into a backflip on a right break, holding his board with his right hand, and landing smoothly atop the wave. This innovative trick has been hailed as a "step change in the evolution of surfing."
Widespread Acclaim
- Tony Hawk’s Endorsement: Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk reposted Vaughan’s video, coining the term "stalefish flipper" and bringing the trick to his nearly 10 million followers. Hawk’s endorsement significantly amplified the buzz around Vaughan’s achievement.
- Surfing Legends React: The surfing community, including World Surf League legends, expressed awe. Brazilian former world champion and Olympic gold medalist Italo Ferreira called it "insane," while Australian surf legend Mick Fanning remarked, "Wowsers. Had to watch it 50 times just to figure out what happened. Amazing." Championship tour surfer Jesse Mendes declared it "has to be the best air ever done," and Julian Wilson described it as "a new standard."
- Viral Sensation: Surf photographer Rob Henson’s video of the air quickly went viral, accumulating over 7,000 likes and sparking comments from figures like US DJ Diplo, who questioned, "Is this AI?"
The Nines Event: A Hub for Innovation
The Nines event in Waco is designed to foster experimentation in surfing, skateboarding, and BMX. It features unique elements such as a rail over the water for skateboarding-style grinds and night-surfing with illuminated rings. This environment encourages athletes to push boundaries and attempt never-before-seen maneuvers. Vaughan’s "stalefish flipper" perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation promoted by the event, where the absence of traditional scores and prize money incentivizes dramatic and creative surfing.
Beyond Vaughan’s Feat
While Vaughan’s air was a major highlight, The Nines event showcased other remarkable performances. Matt Meola landed a "stalefish alley oop rodeo 540," dubbed "The Meola Flip," which he shared the spotlight for with Vaughan. Other notable moments included Mason Ho’s Christ Airs and rail slides, Chippa Wilson’s varial tutorial, and Jacob Szekely’s flares and reverse Superman. Young talents like Skai Suitt and Zoey Kaina also impressed with their high-flying airs, further solidifying The Nines as a platform for the sport’s future.
Sources
- Surfing world in awe after teen pulls off ‘best air ever’, Taipei Times.
- ‘Is this AI?’: surfing world in awe after ‘best air ever’ pulled off by 18-year-old Australian, The Guardian.
- Insane Aerials and Boardslides Stun Swatch Nines Surf Event, SURFER Magazine.
- Is This the Best Wave Pool Air of All Time?, SURFER Magazine.
- Hughie Vaughan Pulls Off ‘Best Air Done In a Wave Pool,’ Gets Nod From Tony Hawk, The Inertia.
