Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror

18: The Dirty Old Wedge: The World's Most Dangerous Bodysurfing Wave

March 01, 2022
18: The Dirty Old Wedge: The World's Most Dangerous Bodysurfing Wave
Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror
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Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror
18: The Dirty Old Wedge: The World's Most Dangerous Bodysurfing Wave
Mar 01, 2022

At the end of the Balboa Peninsula, the Wedge is internationally recognized as the world's best (and most dangerous) bodysurfing spot. In this episode, learn:

  • How the Wedge was created by a manmade accident in 1936.
  • Why no one dared to ride the Wedge for decades.
  • Why bodysurfing at the Wedge faced extinction twice.
  • How a rag-tag group of bodysurfers formed the Wedge Crew and has ruled the break for more than 50 years (all while wearing just Speedos).
  • How bodysurfing the uniquely dangerous wave has led to leading innovations in the sport.
  • The art of bodysurfing is being preserved through new generations of the Wedge Crew.

Guest: Tim Burnham, Wedge Crew member and producer and director of the award-winning surf documentary, "The Dirty Old Wedge."

Show Notes

At the end of the Balboa Peninsula, the Wedge is internationally recognized as the world's best (and most dangerous) bodysurfing spot. In this episode, learn:

  • How the Wedge was created by a manmade accident in 1936.
  • Why no one dared to ride the Wedge for decades.
  • Why bodysurfing at the Wedge faced extinction twice.
  • How a rag-tag group of bodysurfers formed the Wedge Crew and has ruled the break for more than 50 years (all while wearing just Speedos).
  • How bodysurfing the uniquely dangerous wave has led to leading innovations in the sport.
  • The art of bodysurfing is being preserved through new generations of the Wedge Crew.

Guest: Tim Burnham, Wedge Crew member and producer and director of the award-winning surf documentary, "The Dirty Old Wedge."