The Wedge is one of surfing's most terrifying freaks of nature—a shore break in Newport Beach where swell reflects off a jetty, doubling in size and creating massive, violent peaks. When South swells hit at the right angle, waves can reach 20+ feet, exploding onto steep sand and creating brutal, backwash-filled mayhem. It's primarily a bodyboarding wave, but fearless surfers charge it too. More injuries happen here than almost anywhere else. A spectacle of surf's raw power.
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
8/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Park at the end of the Balboa Peninsula.
Peak: May-Sep
Requires large South swells to reflect off the jetty.
🇺🇸 Surf City USA • US Open home • California quintessential
🏆 World's best high-performance • Cobblestone perfection • Pro proving grounds
🏕️ Original surf camp • Mellow longboard • Old-school soul
🌊 Pier consistency • All-level access • Working-class waves
🕉️ Spiritual surf • Temple backdrop • Year-round quality
🏄 California icon • Surfboard birthplace • Summer perfection