Watch Chippa Wilson, Matt Meola, and Samuel Pupo Peg Slater’s New Air Section

This past May, Seth Moniz stomped what was, and still is, the best air ever landed in a wavepool. His unfathomably clean backflip was the result of 10 attempts at Waco, Texas’ newly furnished American Wave Machines pool.

Thanks to master wave-DJ Cheyne Magnusson, Waco’s Barefoot Ski Ranch successfully developed the first proper wavepool air section, which has the ability to launch surfers upwards of six feet in the sky.

Since that clip was released, dozens of pros have flocked to Waco, hoping they might improve their aerial repertoire on the highly repeatable ramp.

Some big name visitors include: Carissa Moore, Betty Hamilton, Seabass Zietz, Albee Layer,  and Barron Mamiya.

This section’s reveal caused a major stir online, with certain writers claiming that *gasp* the Waco pool might have a greater impact on surfing’s progression than would Slater’s 700-yard miracle.

Slater and the WSL noted this response and reacted smartly, developing a team of aerial experts (Josh Kerr and Albee Layer) to develop their very own launch ramp.

Initial reports of this section were compelling.

“It was pretty sick,” said Albee Layer. 

Now finally, via the WSL’s Instagram, we’re able to see high definition clips of two of the world’s premier aerialists, Chip Wilson and Matt Meola, tagging the new section with a screw-footed flair.

Shall we? 

And lest we forget youthful loft of Samuel Pupo, from just days ago at the Quiksilver King of the Groms event:

As is the nature of humans, we must now compare the pools’ air sections to determine which reigns supreme.

But before that, a little Waco refresher:

After watching these clips, it’s undeniable that Barron Mamiya, Ian Crane, and Albee Layer were able to land significantly better airs than were Chippa Wilson and Matt Meola. Samuel Pupo’s air, while incredibly lofty and clean, appears to be the exception at Slater’s and not the rule.

Generally speaking the punts at Waco are bigger and more technically proficient than those done in Lemoore, despite the comparability of the surfers’ aerial skill sets. From my perspective, it would seem this disparity is caused by Slater’s section crumbling down the line as opposed to wedging directly at the at the surfers, as it does in Waco.

From this date we’re forced to conclude that Waco should retain its title as the world’s preeminent man-made section.

Anyone care to debate?