California Sports: The Ultimate Playground

Sun, surf, snow and an insatiable appetite for doing things differently, California is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It has more national parks than any other US state, world-class ski resorts within driving distance of world-class surf breaks, and a state of mind that has produced more sporting innovators than perhaps anywhere else in the world.

In this episode of Wanderlust: Off the Page, host Aaron Millar is joined by Johnny Mosley - Olympic gold medalist, freestyle skiing pioneer and lifelong Californian - to explore the state’s extraordinary sports culture, its legendary outdoor adventures, and the California state of mind that makes it all possible.

Get ready to experience California’s ultimate playground.

Highlights include:

• The gold medal run. Johnny Mosley takes us back to the Nagano Olympics and the 32 seconds that changed his life. Plus: find out why a Dinner Roll is not always something you eat on your plate.
• California ski safari From the legendary terrain of Palisades Tahoe where some of the most iconic lines in ski film history have been shot, to the vast snowfields of Mammoth Mountain, Johnny maps out the best mountains for every kind of skier.
• The Californian Tri-fecta. It’s not a myth. Come spring it’s possible to surf a world-class wave in the morning, skate down the boulevard and still be on the slopes by afternoon.
• How to experience California’s surf culture  even if you can’t surf. From beginner lessons at Oceanside to watching the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, there are more ways into California’s most iconic culture than you might think.
• The empty pool that changed sport forever. California’s 1970s drought drained the swimming pools, and the skaters who jumped the fences to ride them invented a sport. Hear the story of Dogtown, Venice Beach skate parks and why Carlsbad is still the spiritual home of skate culture.
• World Cup, Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympics. California is about to host the biggest sporting events on the planet - find out how you can join in. Plus: why American tailgating is the greatest sporting ritual you’ve never experienced.
• The California state of mind. What is it that makes California produce more sporting innovators per square mile than anywhere else on Earth? Johnny’s answer is worth the listen alone.

Find Out More

For more California travel inspiration, check out visitcalifornia.com. 

And to make the most of British Airways’ comprehensive flight network into California with flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, visit ba.com/california.

Connect with Johnny Mosley on Instagram: @jonnymoseley

Read Wanderlust’s California features at wanderlustmagazine.com

Intrepid Travel

Thanks to our series sponsor Intrepid, the leading specialists in small group adventures. For over 35 years, Intrepid small group trips have connected travellers with passionate, locally based leaders in more than 100 countries. Find out more at intrepidtravel.com

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Credits

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.