Black-ball flag comes down on Wedge museum

Stacy Brown

BALBOA PENINSULA -- Marriage and a baby have accomplished what El Nino

could not: they closed the “museum” where body surfers meet for wild

parties and late-night wave riding.

Kevin Thoman, whose home on the peninsula was transformed into the Wedge

Preservation Society’s museum and hangout 10 years ago, is taking down

all the photos and memorabilia that decorate the place.

Thoman married last year, and his wife is expecting the couple’s first

child later this year.

“We’ve had wild parties and late-night celebrations here, but now it’s

time to make it a normal house again,” Thoman said.

Despite the pictures of each of the more than 100 crew members hanging

all over the house and the numerous surfing memorabilia, Thoman said, the

fun had to eventually end.

Among the most memorable moments in the 10 years the home served as a

museum was the start of black-ball season and El Nino.

“This is the last hurrah,” Thoman said. “It’s sad but necessary.”

His crew will toast the museum’s end tonight with a barbecue and party.

The Wedge Preservation Society was formed more than a decade ago. The

group helped keep graffiti out of the area and also cleaned the beach.

Last year, they were successful in getting black-ball season extended.

The rite of passage allows body surfers the freedom to ride the waves

alone between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. through the end of October.

The Newport Beach City Council had previously adopted the policy after

the society pleaded for sole use of the surf during peak hours.

Thoman said the usual slide show, capturing highlights of body surfers,

will take place tonight, as well as the usual consumption of beer.

“Our motto is that it’s not a party unless we have at least two kegs,”

Thoman said. “It’s been a long, fun and good run, but the house is coming

down.”