The Wedge
Surf Guide
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. LOCAL RESOURCES: North OC Surfrider | Wedge Crew LINEUP TIPS: Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics
Ability Level
Advanced
Advanced watermen and women who are comfortable in heavy shorebreak only.
Local Vibe
Doable
Can be heavy.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Moderate to heavy when it is on.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Mutant wedge off the jetty that offers some of the biggest barrels in SoCal.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
When it's on, you'll be working.
Water Quality
Fair
Not great after a rain.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW, SSW, S, SSE.
Wind
NE, E, can handle SE.
Surf Height
Overhead to 3x+ overhead.
Tide
Low to medium.