The Wedge
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.
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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
- 4.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- 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
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Park at the end of the Balboa Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at The Wedge?
The Wedge works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at The Wedge?
Offshore wind at The Wedge blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 0° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at The Wedge?
The Wedge wants S swell (170° to 210°) between 1.5m and 6m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into LAX, then allow about 50 minutes by road. 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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