Surfing in The Wedge, Newport Beach
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Surfing in The Wedge, Newport Beach

North America · USA · Expert
77
Avg Epic Score
/100
Search Specific Dates →
Historical Conditions Overview
77
Avg Epic Score
62.4°F
Avg Temperature
10.7 mph
Avg Wind Speed
3.6 ft
Avg Wave Height
Aug
Best Month
58
Jan
57
Feb
55
Mar
75
Apr
75
May
79
Jun
85
Jul
100
Aug
100
Sep
85
Oct
79
Nov
75
Dec
🟢 Best: August, September 🟡 Shoulder: July, October 🔴 Avoid: January, February, March
About This Destination

Surfing in The Wedge

The Wedge is a powerful beach break located at the jetty in Newport Beach, formed by the convergence of natural swells and wave reflections off the Newport Harbor jetty. The unique bathymetry creates distinctive wedge-shaped waves that can reach significant heights and produce intense, fast-moving barrels. The spot is characterized by steep takeoffs, hollow tubes, and heavy water movement that requires substantial surfing experience and water awareness.

Pro Tips

Insider Knowledge for The Wedge

  1. 1
    Check the swell direction and size before paddling out; south swells combined with the jetty reflection create the most shapely waves, while oversized conditions can become dangerous even for experts
  2. 2
    Arrive early in the morning before onshore winds develop; the August-September peak months typically see lighter winds from 11 mph average, but afternoon wind can deteriorate conditions
  3. 3
    Position yourself near the jetty but maintain awareness of currents and water movement around the structure; understanding the channel and inside options helps with safety and wave selection
  4. 4
    Wear impact protection and consider a helmet; the shallow water and rocky/sandy bottom near the jetty increases collision risk during wipeouts
  5. 5
    Use a shorter, stiffer board (5'6" to 6'0" range) designed for hollow, fast waves; the Wedge's steep face angle demands responsive equipment
Experience Level Guide

Who Should Visit?

⚠️ The Wedge is expert-only due to hazardous conditions including heavy water movement, shallow sections, rocky areas, and a powerful jetty current; inexperienced swimmers and surfers risk serious injury or drowning
🌱
Beginner
NOT RECOMMENDED
The Wedge is not suitable for beginners; the fast-moving waves, steep takeoffs, and powerful water movement present significant safety risks
Intermediate
NOT RECOMMENDED
Intermediate surfers may observe conditions but should not paddle out; the wave characteristics exceed the skill level needed for safe participation
🔥
Advanced
NOT RECOMMENDED
Advanced surfers can find challenging but manageable sessions during smaller swells (3-5 feet); understanding the jetty dynamics and reading wave shapes becomes critical
💎
Expert
Expert surfers encounter steep, hollow barrels with intense tube sections and demanding paddle-back challenges; mastery of body positioning and board control is required to navigate the power and speed consistently
Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best Time to Visit

Month Epic Score Avg Temp Avg Wind Wave Ht Rating
January
58
55.6°F 8.8 mph 4.8 ft ⚠️
February
57
55.7°F 10.5 mph 4.0 ft ⚠️
March
55
55.7°F 12.4 mph 4.6 ft ⚠️
April
75
58.9°F 11.9 mph 3.9 ft
May
75
61.2°F 11.9 mph 3.5 ft
June
79
64.5°F 11.0 mph 3.1 ft
July
85
67.3°F 11.1 mph 3.1 ft
August ★ Best
100
70.0°F 11.0 mph 3.2 ft 🔥
September
100
71.9°F 11.4 mph 3.1 ft 🔥
October
85
67.6°F 10.4 mph 2.8 ft
November
79
63.0°F 8.8 mph 3.6 ft
December
75
57.8°F 9.5 mph 2.8 ft
Based on 10-year historical averages. Scores calculated for intermediate level.
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