This brought back a lot of memories of my days at the Wedge (1978 - 1998). Spent a lot of time in the water with these masters of bodysurfing. Though I was never part of the Crew, I would always get a smile and a nod when they saw me in the line up. Still remember when one of Tom's friends asked him about who I was one day. "He's a regular out here. He's not very aggressive in his take off, but he's got great wave style." Quite the complement coming from him! Had lots of respect and awe watching Fred Simpson slide into the waves with little to no effort at all. And Mel Thoman was (and probably still is) the master of the hand planes! I may have had to hang up my Vipers years ago, I still have my soul at the Wedge.
Hey Tom, how about Frontslider. I was ripping the place up on the biggest swells. I have photo of me from August 1 2000 at 30 feet. I was in my forties. And I went on from there ripping up the biggest waves in Ventura.
I know Mel, just felt like I had to mention myself. Like Rodney Dangerfield "I get no respect." Just kidding. The lifeguards in Zuma used to all sit in front of me on the beach and watch me, the only guy out. I had a good surf life. Party on Mel the ultimate party guy.@@WEDGEMELZ
That's awesome!
wedge layouts are a trip.....
used to watch wave watch every week on public access tv. still have most on tape...
This brought back a lot of memories of my days at the Wedge (1978 - 1998). Spent a lot of time in the water with these masters of bodysurfing. Though I was never part of the Crew, I would always get a smile and a nod when they saw me in the line up. Still remember when one of Tom's friends asked him about who I was one day. "He's a regular out here. He's not very aggressive in his take off, but he's got great wave style." Quite the complement coming from him! Had lots of respect and awe watching Fred Simpson slide into the waves with little to no effort at all. And Mel Thoman was (and probably still is) the master of the hand planes! I may have had to hang up my Vipers years ago, I still have my soul at the Wedge.
wow
Hey Tom, how about Frontslider. I was ripping the place up on the biggest swells. I have photo of me from August 1 2000 at 30 feet. I was in my forties. And I went on from there ripping up the biggest waves in Ventura.
FS we all knew that & respected you no worries😂👍🏽😎
I know Mel, just felt like I had to mention myself. Like Rodney Dangerfield "I get no respect." Just kidding. The lifeguards in Zuma used to all sit in front of me on the beach and watch me, the only guy out. I had a good surf life. Party on Mel the ultimate party guy.@@WEDGEMELZ