The Wedge
The Wedge is a powerful shorebreak at the end of Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula. South swell interacts with the harbor jetty to form steep, wedging peaks, and strong backwash can complicate conditions. It attracts experienced bodysurfers, bodyboarders and surfers as well as spectators. Check the local blackball restrictions before bringing a board into the water.
The Wedge surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Planning a session at The Wedge
Why the Wedge can differ from the forecast height
At the end of Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula, incoming south swell interacts with the jetty and shorebreak. Direction and period matter alongside height. The model swell value is not a prediction of the exact size of each wedging peak; check the water and a current camera view before deciding whether to enter.
Check the blackball hours
The City of Newport Beach lists a flotation-device restriction at The Wedge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 through October 31. This affects boards as well as other flotation devices. Follow posted flags and lifeguard directions, and check the city’s current guidance when planning a session.
Surfing, bodysurfing or watching
The Wedge is a powerful shorebreak with strong backwash. A high surf score describes forecast fit, not suitability for swimming or learning to surf. For spectators, watch from a position away from the water’s reach and follow lifeguard instructions.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (190°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 210°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 6m
- Ideal size
- 3.5m - 4.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Park at the end of the Balboa Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is The Wedge?
The Wedge is a beach break in Newport Beach, USA, with peaks that run both left and right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What's the story behind The Wedge?
The Wedge was created by accident: George Rogers Sr. campaigned for a longer harbour jetty after his son drowned at the harbour entrance in 1926, and the extension finished in 1936 created the wave. John Wayne was injured bodysurfing here as a USC football player and lost his scholarship, which pushed him toward acting.
What swell works best at The Wedge?
The Wedge picks up swell from the S round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.5m and handles up to about 6m, with the sweet spot around 3.5 to 4.9m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at The Wedge?
A NE wind is dead offshore at The Wedge, and anything from the N round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at The Wedge?
The Wedge is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf The Wedge?
The most reliable run of swell at The Wedge comes May to Sep. Requires large South swells to reflect off the jetty.
How cold is the water at The Wedge?
The water at The Wedge averages around 18°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is The Wedge good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Extremely dangerous shorebreak. Violent backwash. Jetty rocks.
How do I get to The Wedge?
The nearest airport on our list is LAX, then it's roughly a 50-minute drive. Park at the end of the Balboa Peninsula.
What other surf spots are near The Wedge?
The closest breaks we track are Huntington Beach (13 km), Lower Trestles (36 km) and San Onofre (39 km), handy when The Wedge isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Requires large South swells to reflect off the jetty.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Huntington Beach
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Lower Trestles
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San Onofre
🏕️ Original surf camp • Mellow longboard • Old-school soul
Oceanside
🌊 Pier consistency • All-level access • Working-class waves
Swami's
🕉️ Spiritual surf • Temple backdrop • Year-round quality
Malibu
🏄 California icon • Surfboard birthplace • Summer perfection
Plan a trip around The Wedge
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