Newport Beach, California’s The Wedge was going off today as a massive swell hit southern California. Sadly, an earlier tip to Boardistan has been confirmed by the Los Angeles Times. A body surfer, Monte Kevin Valantin, 50, of Lawndale died after being thrown against the rocks around noon today July 24, 2009.
The body surfer. . . was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital about noon in grave condition, said Jennifer Schulz, a spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Fire Department. . . Wedge veterans have left the beach with concussions, fractured vertebrae and broken bones. The waves ricochet off the rocky jetty at the tip of Balboa Peninsula, smashing together in white-frosted peaks that can tower 20 feet.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
[Link: LA Times]
Wow that is so sad. Thinking of his family…
Wow I am Bummed for that Dude and his family!! At least he was doing what he loved doing in the Elemnts!!
God Bless!!
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