Massive Wipeouts at 'The Wedge' in California

'The Wedge' in California is one of the most unpredictable, gnarly waves you could possibly drop in to. It's just a shorebreak, except it often rolls in peaking over 5m high. Add to that, a ripper of a backwash that can, and often does, catapult surfers into oblivion at a moments notice.

Surfers and bodyboarders don't bother wearing leggy's at the Wedge. When the Wedge decides it's time for board and rider to become separated, it's time. There is no arguing, and no piece of plastic and Velcro shall keep it from happening. The surfer simply stands up (because they've been deposited on the beach) and walks over to his or her board, then goes in for round two.

Causing the unpredictable nature of these monsters, is a unique combination of man-made rock wall, steep gradient and perfect orientation. As you can imagine, the swell gets wedged between the wall and the gradient, pushing up the meanest shorey of all time.

When you combine all the wipeouts, faceplants and outright beatings from April to October at the iconic shorebreak, it makes for one incredibly entertaining surfing wipeout video. Local videographer Mike Lucas is on hand every time the Wedge is pumping, and some days where it's not; to capture the carnage, and he's edited it all together with a modern day version of the Benny Hill theme.

Check it out for a good laugh…