Surf Forecast The Wedge
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The Wedge surfspot characteristics
More about The Wedge surfspot
Radical, world-famous freak wave dominated by bodysurfers, skimboarders, and bodyboarders, although surfers do enjoy some degree of success. Only big S or SW swells will work and N-NE winds are dead offshore. Waves refract off the west (northside) Newport Harbor jetty, amplifying the swell and creating a ridiculous wedging peak, primarily a left, which explodes over a treacherously shallow sand bottom. The swell period needs to be just right for the first wave to bounce off the jetty and then meet the next incoming swell at just the right moment to create the giant mutant peaks that can exceed 20ft faces. It’s possible to catch the bounce before it meets the main wave, helping ride into the tube that rarely shows the manners to hold the exit door open.
General: The Wedge is a mutant of a big wedging left that reflects south swell energy off the Newport Harbor jetty. On a big south swell the Wedge can produce waves well over 20-foot faces very close to shore, with hollow grinding bowls right on the sand. During the summer all flotation devices (surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards, etc.) are banned at Wedge between 10am-5pm so the old school bodysurfers can have at it. The Wedge is a classic spectator arena and one of the best entertainment venues in the world when it's on. Tides: Low to medium. Size: Double overhead to 5x+ overhead Wind: NE, E, can handle SE Swell: SW, SSW, S, SSE Bottom: Sand Paddling: When it's on, you'll be working. Spot Rating: Mutant wedge off the jetty that offers some of the biggest barrels in SoCal.
Advanced watermen and women who are comfortable in heavy shore break only.
Park in Corona del Mar or in West Jetty View Park.
Street parking is a hot commodity when it's pumping.
March-October
Crowd Factor: Moderate to heavy when it is on. Local Vibe: Can be heavy.
Broken bodies are routine, it’s extremely crowded with extreme surfers and a real circus when it’s working. Very dangerous spot, for experts only, with scant regard for their personal safety. Great spectator spot as it breaks so close to shore. Boards are banned for most of the day, keeping the bodybashers happy.
Not great after a rain.
Smashing into the jetty, steep sand-sucking drop-ins, no parking.