Teen Surfer’s Aerial Stunt Redefines Extreme Sport
Hughie Vaughan’s “Stalefish Flipper” Captivates the Sports World
An Australian teenager’s innovative surfing maneuver has ignited the extreme sports community, drawing acclaim from skateboarding icon Tony Hawk and going viral online. Eighteen-year-old Hughie Vaughan executed the move in a Texas wave park, sparking discussions about the future of the sport.
The Groundbreaking Maneuver
Vaughan, hailing from Bateau Bay, performed a “stalefish flipper” during a competition. The daring aerial saw him launch into a backflip on a right break, gripping his board with his right hand before smoothly landing atop the wave. The trick quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views on social media platforms.
The event, known as The Nines, fosters experimentation and includes features like a rail over water for skateboarding-inspired grinds and night surfing with illuminated rings. Surf photographer Rob Henson captured and shared Vaughan’s performance, with the post receiving over 7,000 likes.
The Experts Weigh In
The surfing community, including Ítalo Ferreira, a former world champion, and Mick Fanning, a surfing legend, voiced their amazement. Hawk, who reposted the video, dubbed the move the “stalefish flipper,” bringing it to his nearly ten million followers. According to recent statistics, surfing’s popularity continues to surge, with participation rates up 15% year-over-year (World Surf League 2024).
Broader Impact and Reactions
The trick also gained the attention of Jesse Mendes, a championship tour surfer, who proclaimed it the “best air ever done,” with fellow pro Julian Wilson calling it “a new standard”. Vaughan’s feat, even though performed in a wave pool, drew praise from ocean water legends, highlighting its impact.
