Ty Burgess a stones-throw away from wedge at it's sister wave, cylinders.
There’s no wave in California — or really the world — quite like The Wedge. It's a freak. A beast. A one-of-a-kind slab that throws harder, hits weirder, and draws more spectators than most pro contests. And yeah — we’re into it.
Every summer, when the south swells line up just right and the tide plays nice, the Wedge turns on like a switch. One minute it's just a funky corner of Newport, and the next it’s detonating 15-foot shorebreak caverns right in front of a fully packed beach.
It’s chaotic. It’s dangerous. It’s kind of hilarious. And it’s one of the raddest places in SoCal surf culture, hands down.
Here’s why we can’t get enough of it — and why you should probably toss your board shorts, favorite t-shirt, and sun-faded hat in the car and go see it for yourself.
1. It Was Born by Accident — and It Shows
The Wedge isn’t some perfect point break formed over a thousand years of erosion. It was actually created by a jetty extension project back in the 1930s. They built a new rock wall to protect Newport Harbor, and in the process, created one of the most psycho wave reflections on Earth.
When a south swell hits that jetty just right, it reflects a secondary wave back at the original one, doubling its size and warping the face into a sideways, foamy monster. It breaks in shallow water, slams into the sand, and has zero remorse.
The wave looks like something from a video game — and it doesn’t care if you’re a pro or just some kid in trunks trying to send it. Equal parts comedy and carnage.
2. It’s a Vibe — Even if You’re Not Surfing
Not gonna lie — most people don’t paddle out at The Wedge. And that’s okay. Just throw on a board short and t-shirt, grab your hat, and post up on the sand.
The beach scene here during a solid south swell is half surf show, half street fair. Cameras clicking. Lifeguards whistling. Crowds oohing and yelling every time someone gets launched. There are bodysurfers pulling in head-first, boogie boarders flipping out, and the occasional surfer just trying to survive.
You don’t need to be in the water to feel the energy — it’s thick in the air, wrapped in mist and sunscreen.
Bring: A towel, a cold drink, and a respect for complete chaos.
3. It Doesn’t Care About Style — It’s About Commitment
The Wedge isn’t about carving a clean line or locking into a stylish tube. It’s about taking off way too late on a warping peak and hoping you don’t get pile-driven into dry sand.
And somehow, that’s what makes it so cool.
There’s no pretense at the Wedge. No room for ego. You either go — or you don’t. And when someone charges, even if they don’t make it, the whole beach feels it. That kind of raw commitment is rare these days.
Pro tip: If you’re just spectating, wear something light and breathable. The sun cooks the south side all day long. An IPD t-shirt and mesh-back hat will keep you cool and shaded while you soak it all in.
4. It Brings Everyone Together (and Kinda Scares Them Too)
On a firing day, The Wedge draws the full spectrum — locals, tourists, photographers, pros, lifeguards, and groms with big dreams and little judgment.
Everyone’s shoulder to shoulder, watching the horizon for that next lump. Everyone’s holding their breath when someone paddles for a set. Everyone’s either rooting for glory or bracing for carnage.
And somehow, that shared tension makes the whole scene feel electric. It's not your typical mellow point break crowd. It’s loud. It’s fast. It’s unpredictable.
You’ll meet people who’ve never even seen a surfboard, standing next to bodysurfing legends and vloggers with GoPros duct-taped to their heads.
Only at The Wedge.
5. It’s Part of SoCal Surf DNA
The Wedge is iconic — and not just because of the waves. It’s a part of SoCal surf history. From the OG bodysurf crews to modern bodyboard chargers, to filmmakers and photographers who’ve made careers off the mayhem, it’s a place that’s always been about pushing limits.
It's not about looking cool. It’s about going big, even if the wave has no intention of letting you out clean. There’s something refreshing about that — especially in a surf world that can get caught up in trends and style over substance.
Here, it's just you, the drop, and a crowd that will cheer or cringe depending on how it goes.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Madness
The Wedge isn’t for everyone. But it is for anyone who wants to feel that old-school, full-send, surf-or-slam energy that most spots lost a long time ago.
Whether you’re paddling out (good luck), posting up with friends, or just filming the madness, it’s a place you won’t forget.
So gear up: toss on your board shorts, throw a fresh t-shirt in the bag, slap on your hat, and get down there when the next south swell hits. Just make sure your phone’s charged — you’re going to want proof.
IPD Surf makes gear built for moments like these.
Board shorts that move. T-shirts that breathe. Hats that keep the sun out and the style up.
See you at The Wedge.
