How big are the waves at the Wedge in Newport Beach?
7 min read
Asked by: Julian Spellman
30-feet30-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.
How big were the waves at the Wedge?
The world-famous Wedge in Newport Beach woke up with a roar this weekend, bringing waves upward of 20 feet in one of the biggest summer swells in years. The rouge surf, which bounces off the Newport Harbor jetty to double up in size and wedge up in shape, was one for the books.
Why are the waves at the Wedge so big?
The giant waves are a result of a 2,000-foot jetty that was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s. The purpose for its construction was to protect the Newport Harbor. The jetty forces one wave to crash back into another wave, which ultimately combines the forces of two waves into one.
How deep is the water at the Wedge?
The result is a unique “wedge” of water that jacks up to almost twice the size of a normal breaker. In addition, the swell coming into the Wedge moves abruptly from 30-foot-deep waters 200 yards offshore to 3-foot-deep shallows.
What causes the waves to be unusually high at the Wedge in Newport Beach?
The newly added 900 feet of jetty acted as a mid-harbor backboard that reflected waves back on themselves. With the right swell direction, reflected waves combine with incoming waves to produce the exponential rise in energy we know today as the Wedge.
Does Newport Beach have big waves?
The Wedge Newport Beach is a Hot Spot for Bodysurfing
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.
What swell is best for the Wedge?
South-southwest swell
The best conditions reported for surf at The Wedge occur when a South-southwest swell combines with an offshore wind direction from the North.
How do you survive a wedge?
You want to swim out next to the jetty. This is the safest spot to enter wedge and get out on a big day for a couple of reasons there's a natural rip right here the way it breaks.
How does the Wedge wave work?
(3) Two waves collide: The refraction wave collides with a second incoming wave. This creates a wave, or wedge. This creates a wave much larger than either of the two waves. Dropping in straight off the peak of the Wedge is the most difficult entry for all surfers.
Why does Newport Beach have jetties?
In 1905 when the Pacific Electric Red Car came to Newport Beach and tourism grew, the urge to develop the swamps became possible, thanks to dredging and the idea of building jetties. The construction of its network of jetties began in the 1920s. Jetties kept the waves out of the harbor and left sand on the beach.
What’s a wedge wave?
When two waves converge together and merge in from the sides to create a more powerful A-frame type of wave. A wedge can be created by a reflected wave bouncing off an obstacle like a jetty, rock, or wall and then merging with the original part of the wave that came straight in.
Is the Wedge man made?
The Wedge is actually a man-made phenomenon, created by two waves coming together. The first wave reflects off the west jetty of the Newport Harbor channel and crosses the path of the one following it.
What street is the Wedge?
It’s at the very end of the peninsula. Just take Balboa Blvd to the very end… it turns into Channel Road. Park as close as you can to the beach. The Wedge is on the right of the jetty.
Are there bathrooms at the Wedge?
The beach offers public restrooms, outdoor showers and an array of picnic tables. There are also fire pits for public use during normal beach hours (from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.) available on a first-come, first-served basis; you’ll have to bring your own wood and fire starters, though.
Why is the Wedge closed?
Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order to attempt to stem the tide of coronavirus during the global pandemic. The Wedge will be shut down between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and city officials have established temporary fencing from West Harbor Jetty to M Street. The Wedge is usually closed those hours from May 1 through Oct.
Is there parking at the Wedge Newport Beach?
Street parking only. No parking lots. So you may have to walk a little bit. It is a summer break.
Does the Wedge close?
The Wedge is routinely closed to surfers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between May 1 and October 31 each year, according to the news release. Implementing the closures on April 10 essentially moves the seasonal “blackball” order up by about three weeks.
Are dogs allowed at the Wedge Newport Beach?
Dogs are never allowed on the beach or any beachfront sidewalk between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., including the ocean front beaches and bay front beaches.
Is parking free after 6 in Newport Beach?
Most parking meters require payment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. Hours of operation are posted on each meter head, pay station or other signage.
Can you park overnight in Newport Beach?
Payment is required in advance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Lot Regulations No Overnight Camping/Sleeping in Cars or RV’s. Vehicles may park up to 7 days without exiting the lot. Maximum length of vehicle is 40 feet.
How much is a Street sweeping ticket in Newport Beach?
* Parking at a curb during street sweeping from $22 to $29. * Parking in a loading zone: $22 to $33. * Parking in a ‘No Parking’ zone: $32 to $42. * 72-hour parking violation: $32 to $42.
Where can I park in Newport Beach for free?
Top 10 Best free beach parking in Newport Beach, CA
- Newport Beach. 2.1 mi. 349 reviews. …
- Corona del Mar State Beach. 2.9 mi. 393 reviews. …
- Balboa Pier. 1.8 mi. 124 reviews. …
- Little Corona Del Mar Beach. 2.8 mi. …
- Pirate’s Cove Beach. 2.6 mi. …
- Newport Balboa Boardwalk. 3.9 mi. …
- Inspiration Point. 2.6 mi. …
- Crystal Cove State Beach. 6.1 mi.
Are there showers at Newport Beach?
Restrooms and outdoor showers are located near the foot of the pier. Volleyball nets are set up on the sand. In the summer surfing is not allowed from 11 AM to 6 PM. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours.
Is there free Street parking in Newport?
FREE PARKING
Various locations throughout the city exist without metered parking, including Spring Street (one block up from Thames Street), Broadway, and Wellington Avenue located on lower Thames.
Where can I park my car in Newport Beach?
Best Places to Park in Newport Beach, CA
- Balboa Pier Parking Lot. …
- Corona del Mar Main Beach Parking Lot. …
- East Ocean Front Lot/Balboa Pier Area. …
- West Ocean Front Lot/Newport Pier Area. …
- Bay Avenue Lot. …
- Alternative Parking Lots. …
- Newport Beach Parking Rules.
How much does it cost to park at Balboa Pier?
Balboa Pier is located towards the end of the Balboa Peninsula off of Main Street and E. Balboa Blvd in Newport Beach. Parking here is $1.50 per hour with a maximum of $15 per day – on Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, the parking fee is a flat $25 per day.
Is it hard to find parking on Balboa Island?
Balboa Island is basically a shopping oasis close to Newport Beach. We spent an afternoon there walking along looking at all the shops and enjoying wonderful food and desserts. Parking was very difficult but eventually we found a place. It was extremely crowded but I can see why since it was so popular.
