The Wedge

The Wedge Newport Beach The Wedge Newport Beach is a hot spot for powerful and awesome surf. An area known for its shore-breaking waves, the Wedge is more a place to admire than to engage. Either way, this spot with the biggest swell in Southern California is a must see when you visit Newport Beach. The Wedge Surfing Because of the potential for 30-feet waves, you may see more bodyboarding or bodysurfing in action here than surfing. In fact, because The Wedge surfing has the potential for such large waves, you may find some of the most skilled bodysurfers in all of Newport Beach at the Wedge. But you have more than the rolling sets to worry about if you get into the water. The backwash is often so strong that it creates new waves that can crash into oncoming boarders and bodysurfers. Make sure you bring your camera to this hot spot to catch a video of the impressive sets. If you want to see how the surf is before heading down to the end of the peninsula, check the Wedge cam to see if the big waves are rolling in. The best times of year to catch higher surf at The Wedge Newport Beach are during the summer and the fall seasons. If you come between May 1 and Oct. 31, you will notice the raised Blackball flag, outlawing the use of any type of board at the Wedge between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Body surfing only, no bodyboards, surfboards, or skimboards). Sightseeing at The Wedge If the surf isn’t pumping when you’re there, you can always get an up-close look at some of the beautiful oceanfront homes right on the sand, or you can sit at the jetty and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor. The Wedge Newport Beach is also a hot spot for locals to catch the sunset and watch that beautiful orange orb melt into the Pacific Ocean. The Wedge Newport Beach History 1916: Army Corps of Engineers starts to build a west jetty to protect Newport Harbor from storms and make the harbor entrance safer. 1936: West jetty extended from 1,000 feet to 1,900 feet after George Rogers lobbies for safer conditions. East jetty at Corona del Mar also extended. 1960s: Formally dubbed “the Hook” by bodysurfers in the ’30s, the spot is re-named “the Wedge” by local body surfers. 1963: San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Roger Gardner, an avid Wedge body surfer, argues against residents who want the spot closed. Danger signs posted. 1964: The Wedge Newport Beach is featured in the cult classic film “Endless Summer”. 1982: Fred Simpson creates the Viper fin to help body surfers catch bigger waves at the Wedge. 1993: Wedge Preservation Society persuades City Council to implement “Blackball” banning boards from 10am to 5pm May 1 – Oct. 31. Parking Information: Free Street parking in neighborhood Amenities Available: Great for body surfing No restrooms May 1 – Oct 31: Flotation devices are prohibited from 10am–5pm (body surfing only)