Looking Sideways Action Sports Podcast Episode 134: Ben Mondy - Get A Dog Up Ya
Sep 2, 2020
In this engaging conversation, surf journalist Ben Mondy shares his journey from banking to surf writing, discussing his past at Tracks Magazine and the vibrant culture of surf media. He highlights his adventures in surf spots like Stanwell Park and G-Land, offering insights into the evolving industry and the impact of wave pools. With a mix of humor and candor, Ben reflects on life in the UK, his freelance work with WSL, and the backlash from his controversial profiles, all while critiquing some underwhelming surf sessions.
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Redhead Beginnings And Local Characters
- Ben grew up in Redhead near Newcastle and surfed before and after school, which sparked his lifelong passion.
- He described early localism, a tight-knit community, and memorable local characters like "Eddie the Predator."
Punched By A Local, Then Befriended
- Ben recounts being punched six times by a legendary local, Eddie "the Predator", after a perceived drop-in dispute at Stanwell Park.
- The confrontation ended with Eddie eventually letting him surf and the two later becoming friends.
Bournemouth Reef: Hype, Danger, Backlash
- Ben and the team tested the Bournemouth Reef on its opening public day and found it dangerous and hollow rather than the mellow reef promised.
- The sandbag reef shifted weeks later, and localism immediately surfaced amid the chaos and media attention.