When you talk about skateboarding and backyard pools, most people probably think of water shortages in the USA, trespassing and staph infections, rather than the landscape from ‘The Sound of Music’. But right here, in the idyllic Tyrolean Alps, in a sleepy community somewhere between the Inn and the Karwendel massif, there is this one legendary pool… steep, narrow, high and as slippery as an ice rink. As is usually the case for such private garden oases, it wasn’t easy to find any information on this one. But ever since I had seen an old Muckefuck video, with some familiar faces skating it, I knew I had to skate it, too!

Over the years, we (Paloma 69) have built up a good relationship with the Chig und Bia Gang and, as luck would have it, the pool happens to be right in Jonas‘ garden. However, as this is a swimming pool that is primarily used for – you might have guessed it – swimming, the opportunities for a skate session are pretty rare. But every once in a while, when the pool needs some repainting, it’s time to get out of the swimming trunks and onto the boards. After annoying Jonas for several years, I finally received the message: ALARM! I packed my camera, skateboard and some beers, hit up my crew and set off, full of anticipation. The pool looked relatively doable in the videos. But as we should all know, videos tend to deceive us compared to the brutal reality. On site, it quickly became clear that this thing is no joke. Jonas went straight into action, swept out the bowl and poured some tried and tested cola onto the transition. On the first day, most people were still feeling it out. However, anyone who knows the Swellbros knows that full throttle is their only option. Instead of testing it out with a drop-in, Niklas and Tobi decided to risk the roll-in straight away and dismantled the bowl.

During the second session, however, the mood changed to full attack for everyone. Pioneer Roman ‘Klinge’ Erhart fired it up with quite an opening show and suddenly, all of us were in the mood for self-flagellation. However, a few had to pay for their motivation with some serious slams. Simon Meister offered himself his first frontside slash in a backyard pool for his birthday, but soon after, he made some unpleasant contact with the floor of the pool. Next up was Dave the Brave. Despite his experience with the behemoth, he was knocked out by the waterfall. After the barbecue was heated up and cold drinks were prepared, we still got to witness the fine work of Tommi Reiter and finally, Simi Bregenzer feebled his way to fakie and straight into our hearts.

Massive thanks to Geri for welcoming us and obviously to Jonas for the catering, the hospitality and his video work. The hole was built together with the PTR crew in the early 2000s, two years after the completion of the Cradle Skatepark in Brixlegg. Back then, and probably still now, it’s one of Austrias only American-style backyard pools… at least, as far as we know. So, you may just wanna get out there yourself and hunt down some more magical places!