The Truth About Surfing the Wedge

Welcome to the dirty ol Wedge in Newport Beach, one of the craziest surf sports anywhere. Sadly, many people have been hurt, paralyzed and even killed attempting to ride this wave.
Bruce Brow described the Wedge perfectly in his classic film "The Endless Summer" as a place "where you can catch a wave you didn't even want".
The waves here can get well over 20ft and form some amazing barrels. Yes, the Wedge get's super crowded but if you can find that needle in the haystack you'll be rewarded with a lifelong memory.
Narrated by Brad Jacobson.
Music: Duffmusiq

[@AskDunceCapDerek]

Awesome!! Loved the footage, info, and jazz- Excellent, Brad!! CheeWhoo!!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@terrencecenido9162]

N Hhkvv.

[@paulhetherington3854]

Look at this, gay, suck up? Illegal under- State laws!

[@Mikefngarage]

YEA nice edit.

[@totalt6600]

I am sure much of my knee pain I owe to an adolescence spent thinking I was immortal, at The Wedge.

[@BradJacobson]

Hahahaha, yep. Thanks for watching

[@Moondoggy1941]

When I was working on the peninsula people would ask if the wedge was pumping, I told them that there always to ways to tell. 1) If there is no parking the wedge is pumping. 2) If you cannot hear it, it is not.

[@rogeeeferrari]

Grew up surfing there in the late 60's and it was never crowded, of course nobody would ever take a board out back then. There was no such thing as a boogie board, and a short board was 7 foot long. The wedge was so fun, great memories...

[@FinlessBob]

Yep me too. No crowds even on weekends! Now it's insane when it's good.

[@igenr8]

Me too. 1964-1967

[@tr7b410]

I remember when Ron Romanowski went out on his knee board-a pioneer.Than Danny Kwock charged the wave & really gave it a legitimate reason to surf it on a fiberglass board.

[@neon-original]

Don’t know how to surf, these sports are always appealing to me… boogie boards are pretty annoying but it’s all I can use :/

[@tariqbouzayane4888]

“people have been even killed riding this wave” *jazz music continues*

[@mlackey9812]

It's a crap wave (personal knowledge) and yes, about 4 people a summer walk into Newport and leave 'quads' I know of two personally.

[@jzen1455]

Before clicking on the video, I was expecting to hear some hard punk or metal music. The jazz took me aback lol.

[@tomiday66]

Memories of the wedge late 60's through early 1970's: Everyone bodysurfed. Duck Feet or Churchills. Takeoff on the side wave and then fly across the peak. Speeding so fast it would rip your fins off and pull down your pants. I learned to tie the fins off to my ankles with boot laces. Left arm straight out in front plaining on the bare hand , right arm back with right hand rudder. Holding on until the last possible moment and then a left shoulder dip and successfully out the back, sweet! Or spectacularly over the falls and coming up with sand in places you didn't know were places. Gawd it was fun! And then the one day they brought down the kid in the wheel chair on his one year anniversary. Sobering.

[@balaw1980]

I was there in the mid 60's. You did not mention the wedge takeoff. We would go underwater, kick like hell then pop into the face for a cranking ride down the shoulder.

[@krisgraves9115]

My mom used to go to the Wedge every weekend when she lived in Redlands as a highschooler, said those days were the best

[@cybolton302]

You described my few experiences perfectly.

[@FinlessBob]

Same here my friend. late 60-'s and early 70's. I was there almost everyday even just to ride the shore break :)

[@jom0bx189]

A lot of Endless Summer inspiration here. I love it.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@ahmedkunbargi8096]

we need more of these endless summer vibe videos. great job, Brad. You even sound like Bruce Brown.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks! More are coming.

[@allensaunders449]

True that

[@longrider42]

Rode the Wedge back in 84 on a boogie board. Only did it three times, that was enough for me. Those folks are nuts. And yes I love the movie "Endless Summer" Might watch it since its cold and snowy out where I live right now.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks! It was 70 here today. ;)

[@SkiBroTheHeBro]

I’m 65 now. Back in my Days we only body served with the famous Duck Fins. From age 14-18. I was a surfer back then had tri fin Stick. Oh yeah they just came out like early 70s with tri fin surf boards. Never saw anyone try to surf the Wedge back then. They may have but I never saw it. Younger surfers are much better these days. Great video nice reminisce. Brings laughter and joy to my heart.

[@FinlessBob]

Same here! I am sure we have met back in the day. I lived there almost :) Believe it or not about 5 years ago my brother and I went and body surfed there but it was pretty tame :)

[@TheBigbrizzle]

Ah man no mention of catching the side wave into the peak! Need to do a part 2 just on that

[@BradJacobson]

Very true!

[@rabbisnail]

Never surfed a minute in my life but I’m in love with this sport.

[@faceripper77]

Im from florida coast and tried a lot but never once rode a wave. But Ive had many dreams of surfing and riding waves. Weird but awesome

[@jim-lu7il]

First drop and I was drilled. Washed up on the beach with ringing ears and some scrapes. Wow. I was in love. Pipe can hit harder but this place has its own kind of wonderful torture. Second day more physical abuse. Started to get the timing down. Third day caught my first solid barrel which crushed me but no complaints. I can hold my own but this place will push hard. When the wedge is going off it is no place for the newbies! And for the local beach goers keep you small kids off the shore break ! I had to pull a 9 yr old out. Most uncool.

[@Monkeyabroad]

I wish all locals spoke in such a friendly way. My experience with locals is always something like, “GTFOTW you f***ing kook!!”

[@polyduckwanaland]

I wipe out 45 feet away from anyone and I still get yelled at. Localism in Rhode Island is tough. Worst part is, I’m a kid. I’m only 14 and these fully grown men have nothing better to do than yell at a kid

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

@@polyduckwanaland Just remember what it will teach you when you get older. Getting yelled at sucks when you're new but if you're respectful and stick with it they will respect you. It's like the Military , it sucks getting yelled at but they have reasons for it.. Some places you have to be mentally tough.

[@douglashanlon1975]

It's not just locals...I went there in the mid70s and on big days there would be 50 body surfers there and five had enough skill to ride it. I remember screaming at the assholes in the way if you aren't trying to catch a wave get the fuck out of the water and watch. That left it for me and three locals and we put on a show.

[@mikelaurence6901]

Was out at swami's on the biggest day I've ever seen out there spring of 82 I was 16 Shawn Thomson riped all day and was so cool to me when I paddled right out to the out side peak line up Dale Dobson started yelling at me get the F out of here your gonna get killed everybody started scrambling for horizon I flipped Dale the bird Shawn grinned a mile wide I turned around and paddled into the first wave of the set to hoots and hollers got barreled in all three sections paddled right back out to nothing but grinns from all that dude never said a word to me ever again 😜 ever I've never had a better day In my life 🌀

[@Monkeyabroad]

@@mikelaurence6901 awesome tales from the tube

[@chrisfourment3]

You mentioned the insider no one can catch, except the real boogies. That inside one the those days is super fun

[@Lotus-Son]

I love the "truth about...." Series you got going. Mainly when it comes to surfing. We make up misinformation in our head from assumptions made from just these edits that only show the highlights without the crowd and sea of cameras and the surroundings around the actual wave/main peak.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks! More are coming soon

[@jacquesbothma6936]

SIDENOTE: leave the leash at home.

[@Brycepsurfer]

i mean you can wear your leash if you wanna break your board or get strangled😂

[@wakeupmofoers691]

@@Brycepsurfer yes wear leash as a custom not as a lifesaver ? board keeper ?

[@reggiebald2830]

Surf & played pre-prohibition (60s), no boards, few 'belly' boards, Dick Dale @ The Rendezvous, cattle on the Irvine hills, the 'downtown' was (is?) Balboa. Still "the prettiest left" (Thank you!); & I haven't been back, so I double appreciate your great work. THANKS!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@jacksonkerins3037]

Grown up near the wedge my whole life. Sister was a lifeguard there as well. She has pulled dozens of people out of the water there with all kinds of injuries. When it gets big it is truly a sight to behold

[@BradJacobson]

It's insane to watch when it's big. Thanks for watching.

[@danielcruz8347]

PRODUCTION MASTERPIECE...FROM INFORMATIVE NARRATION..SIGHTS..AND ESPECIALLY THOSE JAZZ SOUNDS....WEDGE ON.....

[@BradJacobson]

Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words.

[@AskDunceCapDerek]

Loved this!!! Great info, footage, and jazz. Cheewhooo!

[@jamesleon2770]

Loving these vids bro,ill probably never surf these waves in real life so this is as good as it gets

[@pinkcanoe]

Just recently came across your videos. I've watched other videos of people surfing this spot. With that wild wave action it always seemed to me (a non-surfer and now too old to learn) that it was kinda nuts. Surfers rarely seemed to be able to surf a wave without getting pummelled. Looks really brutal and your comments confirm that, well, it is! Thanks for the great commentary as well as the jazz in the background.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for watching. Yes, there are far more wipe outs than successfully risen waves.

[@clarkewi]

Well done.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@stevenboothe9398]

Newport peninsula. Balboa is an island.

[@1topskyrocket]

I lived in the Santa Monica area, and I went down there approximately 3 or 4 times, and every time I saw a surfer attempt to take a wave, their surfboard seemed to end up broken. You're showing really huge waves at the wedge. They were always about half that size when I was there and more timid but still powerful. I always body surfed.

[@richarddyson4380]

Love that cool jazz to accompany an excellent narrative and great footage!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@hokozebren]

Thus is awesome dude, gave me endless summer feels or something. Basic simple but want I wanna see. Thanks dude.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@joshuabluhm3871]

Thx for the video! Beautiful imagery, very nice jazz music and soothing voice!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@cudiving2150]

Cool video, enjoyed the info on this crazy dangerous spot.

[@StewartGartland]

Terrific piece of surfing movie making. Cool, informative and fun with great footage!!

[@cliffcurtistruth]

This used to be my Boogie Board spot back in the late 80s. Every time you get out of the water it feels like your head has been pounded in a boxing match but the waves are so fun we just couldn't resist. The crowd was much smaller back then.

[@BradJacobson]

The crowds have definitely grown! Thanks for watching.

[@Eddy_zilla]

Glad you mention bout the parking motorcycle time! I want to go see this soon but not surf it outta my league 😅

[@BradJacobson]

The parking can get crazy. Thanks for watching

[@AimeeNolte]

Great video essay - organ trio bkgrnd music was a nice touch.

[@bluqe6841]

shut up

[@hugowigginton4112]

Huge fan, didnt expect to see you here!

[@commie281]

@@bluqe6841 huh

[@stratman9449]

the Wedge....one of the best places to break your bones.....;-)

[@QU1RKONE]

Great intro and synopsis of the Wedge. Thanks!

[@geraldtarpley3103]

I remember when Harley anybody knew about the Wedge except for locals and a few in landers.✌️😎

[@lauriecarter8931]

To the guys that surf the wedge on big days on surfboards you guys are unbelievably insane it takes alot of skill and Balls to tackle Big Wedge!!!!from West Oz.

[@ibreakthings4668]

What a perfect description of the Wedge...

[@ifindtrends]

Great perspective. Thanks

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for watching. More are coming.

[@fvkc-r-e_2_d_9th-pwr14]

Love your work Brad.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jeffbauer3425]

Love your narration Brad. And Especially no crap music in the background.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@jonathansantos2271]

Surfs up! Look at the break style that place has. I wonder if that was all in one day action?. Good spot tuning....thanks for keeping that place clean!

[@magiccheeseball]

The most entertaining wave to watch that's for sure!

[@BradJacobson]

It's amazing. Thanks for watching.

[@clifflong1203]

Great video!! Thanks💪👌

[@9nineish]

In our 60’s mY wife and I went out on a small day, just we could have a story to tell. She is a beginner. We survived and thrived. My experience of watching the ocean kept us in a relative calm place but the wedge is powerful. Sandy beach kind of stuff. She earned the bumper sticker, “ Mom would go!”

[@BradJacobson]

That’s an awesome bumper sticker!

[@cybolton302]

Broke my arm there as a kid out on an average day in 1970. (Yes... my left arm!) Lost Churchills there another. The Wedge DOES charge a toll. Nice vid, laid back vibe, very Bruce Brown-ish.

[@stevekleinhenz8262]

Body surfed some 5 to 7 ft waves back in 1976! I got pounded by some heavy ones! Great 👍 video

[@trudyrivich369]

Great footage! Really fun to watch! So thankful I'm only an observer!!!

[@nikolasgibson3438]

This was so awesome. I now have an odd aspiration to get absolutely worked and pounded.

[@BradJacobson]

Hahahahaha. It's almost guaranteed!

[@Moondoggy1941]

I thought you would talk more about the game-changer at the Wedge, and that is the In and Out wave that brings the Uh and Oh, and watch out for that sandbed. the crowd favorite, I know you touched on it in the beginning.

[@stanramseyjr2]

Favorite place to ride😁🌊

[@BradJacobson]

I totally understand why. Thanks for watching.

[@jashannon]

Excellent little documentary thank you. and a great collection of videos. I think the only thing you didn't mention was that East Newport beaches have steeper sloped shore breaks. whereas in West Newport they break far out. and the wedge is essentially the very end of East Newport, which is why the slope of the shore is steep. and it's probably even worse of a slope because the wedge beach is up against the harbor jetty. as a youth growing up in Newport, I never did bodyboard or bodysurf at any of the shore breaks. especially the wedge, lol. hitting the sand didn't look like a good idea. I boogie boarded around 44th Street which had a permanent blackball in the summer. but even over there I almost drowned on one rogue hurricane wave that pulled me over the falls upside down by my leash from the boogie board being pulled by the wave. which would be green flag at Nazare, lol. I have no idea how the big wave riders do it. it seems to me they should have small scuba tanks, tee hee. John Wayne became an actor because of getting injured at the Wedge, btw, as it caused him to lose his USC football scholarship. hats off to the East Newport Madmen... p.s. what happened to the body surfers? it used to be primarily a body surfing spot. aka Dirty Old Wedge video.

[@ethankohan8278]

Yo I just found your video in my recommended and it’s some good stuff!! Do pipeline next!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks! I need to get more footage from there first.

[@docwill184]

Bruce Brown 2.0. Good job; a new fav go-to...

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@bpz89]

I have been loving your channel!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@stampscapes]

great looking footage on some great days

[@AndieZ4U2]

Although I sure would love to jump on in, I think Ill stand on the shore and TRY to keep my pie hole shut. Wont be easy for this buck wild lion in a china shop. Naturally, eh? I gotta gut feeling you guys and gals are hanging 100 and loving it. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. We are here to GO GO GO GO GO !

[@JasonSmith-dd2ms]

Fun to watch. Thanks.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for watching

[@matthewperkins288]

Brad, great video. The term is reflect not refract. Refraction occurs when a wave changes mediums. Reflection is when a wave bounces off. Diffraction is when a wave bends around something. I LOVE THIS VIDEO THOUGH!!

[@BradJacobson]

Ahhh, good catch. Didn't think before I spoke. Thanks for watching. Really appreciate it.

[@townshendshean]

I had a friend who got paralyzed from the waist down there back in the early 1980's.I haven't surfed there since. I used to go WATCH Mike Stewart ride there though...he was amazing!

[@isabeljohnson3279]

this is the perfect video for someone to know the wedge!!

[@arturomorettmorett9598]

Dude! This channel is great!

[@Tribblepuppy]

Grew up on the peninsula in the 60's and 70's, and used to bodysurf the wedge, but not when the monster waves came in. I had a school mate who broke his neck trying to bodysurf the big waves, and that's when I decided that it's not worth the risk.

[@doghouseriley8696]

Great video. I love the wedge! I stopped off there on my way back from CR in early May and got skunked, which almost never happens. No worries; I'll be back often all summer. WAIT: I just realized who made this video. Strong work, Brad!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@parabola8933]

I grew up on 24th Street. Miss that place and the dirty ol wedge.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for watching!

[@spelldeck]

Never been there heard it's nuts and super heavy. And boards broken on a regular basis. Woould be amazing to catch one of these minsters and make it out.

[@BradJacobson]

It's amazing to watch.

[@TheRakuman]

I love this place! Spent many hours in the surf here. Fortunately I was never injured. My only problem with the wedge is that there is no public restrooms.

[@Rewiindz]

That’s why there’s an ocean 😉

[@paullangan8080]

Dude I felt like I was watching a 70's surf movie ala Bruce Brown, thanks bro

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks. I admire Bruce's work.

[@TannerMartty]

Great video

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@davidbradley3227]

Great vid and narration and music too. I’m subscribing

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks, really appreciate it.

[@davidbradley3227]

@@BradJacobson keep it up good sir

[@vanceduke5196]

excellent narration

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for the kind words. Really appreciate it.

[@goldenacres3269]

The very best rides start from near the jetty, ride the reflection up into the "Spoon" then down the other side. I did that as a kid 55 years ago. Awesome experience. If you are right at the Spoon when the wave comes down off the beach, it can throw you higher than the jetty.

[@gyro313]

Golden and your board have to land on the inshore break where my children are body surfing?

[@goldenacres3269]

@@gyro313 In boating we say you are responsible for your wake. I guess people should be responsible for their board. The ride I described, I have done bodysurfing with fins, no board. Enjoy your kids and the surf.

[@clarkewi]

Good narration. I will watch safely from shore.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@chrismck27]

Can you please explain this blackball thing you said that happens at 10am-5am, I’m from Cronulla, Sydney Australia hey and have never heard of this, check out our local reef break aswell called Shark Island if you keen also plus we got a heap of other waves, but loving all your vids buddy, keep up the good work.

[@mchammer5034]

Nice video mate love your attitude👌

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ballerbrosmedia]

2:29 I’m the new GoPro kid that just wants to nail a shot lol

[@LearningFast]

After watching this video I think I am ready to surf the wedge. I have never actually surfed a wave 🌊 before but I am sure this video had everything I need to know in it.😳🤔🥴😉

[@BradJacobson]

Hahaha, good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@richardelliott8352]

A broken bone from body surfing in Orange County had John Wayne off the USC football team, but he happened to join the team bus for some extra work on a movie. He had the spare time and interest to hang at the lot, and eventually got noticed . I suspect the wedge, famous for broken collar bones among body surfers, as the most likely spot for this injury.

[@paulbacon517]

Well narrated Bravo

[@RNicolasRuvalcaba]

Fun Fact: OC legend John Wayne was a USC football star until he was hurt bodysurfing the Wedge and he eventually ended up acting..

[@BradJacobson]

I never knew that! Thanks for watching.

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Nice video you have, and commentating !

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@RS-sv3bl]

Just what I was looking for! Now I know :)

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks for watching. It's a crazy spot.

[@xyzct]

Bodyboarding wedges is one of the greatest joys in life.

[@BradJacobson]

I bet! The place is magical!

[@gonzaloolaznog1167]

Bodyboard is gay

[@Luke_Goodwin]

@@gonzaloolaznog1167 u gay

[@arthousefilms]

You should do one of these about Fort Point!

[@BradJacobson]

They may put a hit on me for that. Hahahaha. Thanks for watching.

[@m.oriley7700]

The Wedge is one of many reasons I'm a happy and proud Newport Beach resident.

[@JoaoPauloSoares61]

This is a crazy wave for sure

[@jimmalmo909]

Screen shot 4:54 where's Jaime?!!! Love your vids Brad! I have been making my own since I got a Super 8 camera back in the early 70's! You are a MASTER!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks! Super 8.. that's good stuff.

[@brandonelliott2616]

I love the jazzy elevator music as people are getting launched and pummeled

[@BradJacobson]

It’s a weird combo but I like it 🤣

[@jfrealestate201]

Great description! Can't wait to watch this wave never visited it before. Is it true Wedge only breaks in the summer, with a SW swell? Who says California wavs never get big or heavy? Stay informed people!

[@anotherworldviewispossible]

It breaks on anything from SW to SSE... But shape is best from 195° and East of that. It's a "Swell Magnet" - so almost always one of the biggest spots on the Coast in the Summers.

[@skeptical-of-all1633]

Mavericks yo

[@LottiDotti76]

@@skeptical-of-all1633 that's what I was about to say. The first time I saw Mavericks. I tinkled a little. Been out for the Wedge, but never stupid enough to paddle out at Mavericks.

[@jeffbauer3425]

Love the Bruce Brown style .

[@chazza47]

what a cool vid, awesome!

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@lichen420]

The writing, narration, editing, music, and camera do a good job of creating the feel or as an homage to a Bruce Brown film.

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@t-dog8528]

Thanks dude.

[@cowboydoc]

I can tell Brad isn't from SoCal by the way he calls THE 405, just "405"

[@michaelmcconnell7302]

bro everybody calls it the 405. the 5, the 710, the 55, the 22... where tf YOU from?

[@ejectoraircoasters222]

@@michaelmcconnell7302 he's saying the opposite. Brad says 405 instead of the 405

[@michaelmcconnell7302]

@@ejectoraircoasters222 ohhhh haha my mistake 😅🤙

[@laxrat25]

true lol that's a northern california thing

[@ErikaLaGrande]

He doesn’t know that black ball means no HARDboards. You can bodyboard and use a soft top as long as it’s no longer than 5’8”. Also, since I grew up there, street sweeping helps GET parking. You drive down at about 12:15 and just stalk the area until exactly 12:30, and then park ASAP. I used to know every street by heart. Anyway, do NOT STOP until 12:30 because the meter mutts will give you a ticket at 12:29.

[@drewfinn2]

great commentary...kinda Bruce Brown like in a good way !! Nicely done 😎💯✨🤙🏼🤗

[@BradJacobson]

Appreciate that

[@isoulsearch411]

Solid Wedge Vid, Bravo

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@waynehearst317]

No mention of the unique and famous "sider"? I think that's one of the most interesting things when describing the wedge. Nothing like catching a wave that's going OUTSIDE and North only to reconnect with the main wave. The skim boarders have it dialed.

[@BradJacobson]

They nail that sider for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@secretmuse420]

Great vid 🤙🏽

[@BradJacobson]

Thanks!

[@hawaiianseaturtle009]

“She’s the most beautiful left barrel in the world!” *me laughing in pipe*

[@Jakeindasnake]

Laughs in Bali

[@michaelmcconnell7302]

laughs in 20' fiji

[@hawaiianseaturtle009]

Too bad there was never a wave of the winter at any of those spots 💤

[@michaelmcconnell7302]

@@hawaiianseaturtle009 and that has nothing to do with North shore politics 🙄

[@hawaiianseaturtle009]

@@michaelmcconnell7302 sounds like something a kook would say 😂

[@victorblaer]

Shout out to Sharkies! Also, thx for the video, really well done.