WACO, TEXAS – Jacob “Zeke” Szekely, a San Diego native quickly becoming known for pushing the boundaries of wave pool trickery, landed a groundbreaking maneuver at Waco Surf this week: a Superman air into a 360 shuv-it. The trick, confirmed by video posted to his Instagram account, has quickly circulated within the surfing community, drawing both praise and playful jabs at Szekely’s self-proclaimed status as the “king of wave pools.” The feat underscores a growing trend of innovation within the controlled environment of wave parks, offering surfers a consistent platform to experiment and progress the sport.
Szekely’s ascent in the surfing world hasn’t followed a conventional path. He first gained attention, as reported by The Inertia in 2018, for winning a competition while under court-ordered house arrest, wearing an ankle monitor. The story quickly went viral and Szekely has since leveraged his unique backstory and undeniable talent into a prolific online presence, documenting his surfing exploits and building a dedicated following.
The Superman 360 shuv-it, as demonstrated in the Instagram video, combines a full extension of the body – the “Superman” – with a 360-degree rotation of the board underfoot, known as a “shuv-it.” Executing both simultaneously requires a high degree of aerial awareness, board control, and, in Szekely’s case, a seemingly boundless confidence. The Waco Surf facility, operated by Endless Wave, provides a consistent, machine-generated wave, allowing for repeated attempts and refinement of complex maneuvers like this.
The Rise of Wave Pool Innovation
The increasing popularity of wave pools is reshaping the landscape of surfing. Traditionally reliant on unpredictable ocean conditions, surfers are now finding reliable training grounds and competitive venues in artificial wave facilities. This accessibility is fostering a fresh generation of surfers and accelerating the progression of the sport. Waco Surf, in particular, has turn into a hub for innovation, attracting surfers eager to push the limits of what’s possible. According to the Waco Surf website, the facility generates up to 200 waves per hour, providing ample opportunity for practice and experimentation.
Szekely isn’t the only surfer capitalizing on this new environment. Professional surfers like Albee Layer and Josh Kerr have similarly spent significant time at Waco Surf, utilizing the consistent waves to develop and refine their aerial repertoire. The controlled conditions allow for a level of precision and repetition that is simply not possible in the ocean, leading to faster learning curves and more ambitious trick attempts.
“King of Wave Pools” and the Art of Self-Promotion
Szekely’s boastful caption accompanying the video – “I’M THE KING OF THIS SHIT” – is characteristic of his online persona. He’s embraced a playful, often irreverent, approach to self-promotion, which has resonated with his audience. The reaction to the trick, as evidenced in the comments section of his Instagram post, was overwhelmingly positive, with fellow surfers like Eithan Osborne calling him “my goat!!!!” and Ridge Lenny acknowledging his early innovation at the facility in 2019.
However, the bravado isn’t without its critics. Some, like Luke Cederman, playfully suggest that a little more humility might unlock even greater potential. Regardless, Szekely’s willingness to embrace his own hype and consistently deliver innovative tricks has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the wave pool surfing scene.
Beyond the Shuv-It: A History of NBD Tricks
The Superman 360 shuv-it is just the latest in a string of “Never Been Done” (NBD) tricks landed by Szekely. Previously, during a trip to Indonesia, he successfully executed a superman fingerflip, another complex aerial maneuver. He documented that achievement with his signature flair, stating, “Don’t forget I started that finger flipping shit in 2020. So if you don’t like it, YOU CAN SUCK IT!” Surfer.com highlighted the trick as a significant advancement in aerial surfing.
These accomplishments demonstrate Szekely’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a surfboard, and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of innovation. His approach has not only elevated his own surfing but has also inspired others to experiment and explore new possibilities within the wave pool environment.
Szekely’s continued focus remains on refining his repertoire and landing even more groundbreaking tricks. He is currently scheduled to participate in several upcoming wave pool competitions, including the Surf Ranch Pro in Lemoore, California, later this year. These events will provide a platform to showcase his skills and further solidify his position as a leading innovator in the world of wave pool surfing. For updates on Szekely’s progress and upcoming events, follow his Instagram account @zeke_szekely.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for assist. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support and resources at https://www.nami.org/ or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
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