| Video of the
Newport Beach
Wedge proximity and information from a Newport local about the
dangers of the Wedge, how it breaks and what happens.
Anybody can surf there at the
Wedge. Either there is surf or no surf. This is called the Wedge,
says the guy in the video,
and what it is famous for is the way it breaks. the reason they call
it the wedge the swell will be coming from there and there's no shorebreak. The waves break right on the sand. When the waves are
there, they are huge. There's no cushion when you fall as the waves
break right on the beach.
Experts look no further than
Newport Beach Wedge. In fact you will know about the Wedge, and no
one needs to tell you about it. This information is for those who
want to watch. Bodysurfing breaks don't get much better in
California than this and summertime is often the right time to
visit. A south swell from New Zealand with waves at 10 - 20 feet can
bring out the best bodyboarders, while skimboarders enjoy the Wedge
most any day, any time.
A combination of two waves
that meet, one from the ocean's direct hit and one from the jetty
wall that bounces off of it, the swell energy from the combining
waves often creates a curl or a tubular shape just feet from the
beach, smashing its force directly onto the sand. Danger lurks in
the waves, and some have lost their lives, but the really unlucky
ones (as far as they are concerned) are those who are paralyzed for
life.
For those seeking milder surf,
just move on up the beach to the north and you'll find ample, tamer
waves that offer decent rides, minus the wild thrashing and pounding
that's not for novice surfers, bodyboarders or beginners.
One of the most popular
surfing attractions in California, tourists and locals swing by all
day long, hoping to see some action. Sometimes you get lucky. But
the best indicator or a good day at the Wedge is the surf report on
Surfline.com. One of the forecasters, the granddaddy, is Sean
Collins, who has built a business and reputation on reading the surf
conditions.
The Wedge Crew, a 70's group
who brought fame to this spot and phenomenon, often drop out of the
Wedge surfing scene, deciding it is too wild as you grow older. But
power, strength and knowledge are the key ingredients to surfing the
Wedge or more powerful monsters at Mavericks, the big wave spot and
annual competition that brings an invited list to show their stuff
in 50 foot swells.
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