Surf's Up

The Wedge

Mid July

We realize and appreciate that this opportunity doesn't come around often so we've settled into a comfortable routine, reacquainting ourselves with each other, reading books and magazines, and continuing to explore the perfect little town of Newport Beach. One of the places we were determined to visit was The Wedge! A surfer's Paradise.

The Wedge is a world-famous spot for surfing, bodyboarding, and bodysurfing located at the extreme south end of the Balboa Peninsula. In 1928, the Corona Del Mar Surfboard Club hosted the Pacific Coast Surfboard Championship. The club was the largest of its kind in the United States with members such as surfing greats Duke Kahanamoku, Tom Blade of Redondo, Gerrard and Art Vultee of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and other world class surfers who brought international attention to California beaches.


When supplied with a south swell of the proper size and direction, the Wedge can produce shore break waves as spectacular and intimidating as any in Hawaii, Tahiti, or Australia. Waves are often 3-5 feet larger than waves at other Newport beach. According to a 2004 Sports Illustrated article, The Wedge is “the toughest bodysurfing spot in the U.S.” Tom and I opted to watch vs participate as we weren’t sure our health insurance covered surfing accidents!