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 tide is best at The Wedge?
The The Wedge profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at The Wedge?
The The Wedge profile uses wind from NE (45°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 0° to 90°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at The Wedge?
The The Wedge scoring profile favors swell from S (170° to 210°), a swell-height range of 1.5m to 6m, and a reference period of 18s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf The Wedge?
The main season at The Wedge is May-Sep. Requires large South swells to reflect off the jetty.
How do I get to The Wedge?
The spot profile lists LAX as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 50 minutes. Park at the end of the Balboa Peninsula.
What kind of wave is The Wedge?
The Wedge is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Requires large South swells to reflect off the jetty.
Getting There
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Plan a trip around The Wedge
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