As I write this a bounty of tropical swell is bound for Newport Beach, which means all eyes will be on the Wedge. Southern California’s favorite freak peak, formerly the domain of a hardcore bodysurfing scene, with plenty of spongers thrown in for shits and giggles, in recent years, the stand-up scene at the Wedge has grown increasingly more dynamic. Led by new-generation psychos like Sage Burke, Bobby Okvist, Tyler Gunter, Nolan Rapooza and friends, it’s become the most dependable spot to score stand-up barrels. And filmmakers Brent Weldon, Brandon Holley, and James Ferrell haven’t missed a clip.
The trio’s new film project, “Wedge Communication Issues,” is a celebration of the crew that refuses to yield to Newport Beach’s blackball rules. From May 1 through October 31 each year, between the hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, surfboards are banned from the Wedge, making the early-morning dawn patrol and late-afternoon glass-off the only real windows of opportunity to surf the Wedge. And guys like Burke and Okvist take full advantage when the swell is on.
Of course, surfing the Wedge comes with its inherent risks. Broken boards and broken bodies are the norm, and to say you have to pay to play is an understatement. The Wedge is anything but predictable, and breaking right on the sand, beatings are plentiful. But when that steep, tropical south swell starts rebounding off the Newport Harbor jetty and amplifying the size of the surf, there’s magic to be found.
Should you feel inspired to go surf the Wedge after watching “Wedge Communication Issues,” you’re in luck, there’s plenty of swell on the way this weekend. Things start to fill in on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday and Monday looking like they could be in the 6- to 10-foot zone, with the swell most likely peaking on Monday. Just don’t blame us if you end up with a face full of sand.
Related: 20ft Waves Detonate at The Wedge During the ‘Biggest Swell to Ever Hit California’ (Video)
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