Bodysurfing and Photography at The Wedge

Beginning at the east end of the Balboa Peninsula The Wedge's main power house is the Newport Harbor Jetty. When the right south swell hits the jetty it reflects back creating a massive back wash. When the back wash hits an incoming set you have the notoriously heavy wedge-like shore break thundering the shore line.

The Wedge is home to bodyboarders, bodysurfers, skim boarders and surfers. You will also see big name surf photographers to up and coming photographers shooting in the massive surf line. With The Wedge facing south, water photographers have the unique opportunity to barrel the sun from east or west in their shots. This makes shooting all the more worth while and I highly recommend sunrise and sunset sessions to photographers.

The Wedge is absolutely for the advanced. This beach is very demanding of you and you need to stay focused and stay technical. Timing is everything when maneuvering in and out of the surf here. It is a steep inclined beach, with a dangerous shore break, powerful rip currents and an occasional undertow. Be sure you understand your limits before entering the water here and always wear fins. Secondary to fins bring fin tethers. I have lost many fins here as the surf tends to scoop them right off your feet.

The parking here is at times challenging due to the residential area (there is no designated parking). In the summer months there is a lifeguard on duty 7 days a week from 10:00am-6:00pm.