Sunday - October 05, 2008

The Wedge - Newport Beach, CA

For years I have heard stories, seen pictures, and wondered about this so-called "Wedge."  At the very end of the Balboa Peninsula, there is something quite unique that happens.  The current comes in and bounces of the jetty wall, then collides with the offshore current forming a massive wall of liquid H - subscript - 2 - Oh.  It's like the Perfect Storm of waves.  And when it's big...it pounds!

The wave is quite dangerous since it's a shorebreak wave and if you get hit hard - you can count on some outercourse with the sand below (or so I hear).  Needless to say it is a real treat to witness in person.

This was my first trip down and I must say that I was not disappointed.  I could have sat there all afternoon watching.  (Note to self....take longer lens next time).

Just a beautiful California wave right there

Dropping down into the Green Room

Ramping up speed for some airtime....(see next photo)

BOOO-Yah - freakin' sick nasty!

Gettin' barreled

More air time for this fella

These kids were dropping into some thick barrels every 5 seconds

BOOM - bustin out with his pink sponge

It looks pretty, but would eat you alive if you don't know what you're doing.

Spectators

Looking across the Newport Channel to Corona Del Mar - what a place.