The Wedge (surfing)

The Wedge is a renowned surf break located at the southeastern tip of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. It is famous for its massive and unpredictable waves that can reach up to 30 feet (9.1 m) in height, generated by the interaction between incoming swell and the rock jetty built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s. These waves form through a phenomenon known as wave reflection or interference, where incoming waves bounce off the jetty and collide with subsequent waves, amplifying their energy. These mechanics create a steep shore-breaking waves capable of launching riders into the air or slamming them into shallow sand– making The Wedge both a world-class bodysurfing destination and one of the most dangerous breaks in California.