The Wedge Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Rusty here.

First up, we’re looking at a bit of a slow start for the Wedge. The combined energy of all swells directed here sits at 431 (moderate wave energy) on Monday morning the 6th of July, but it’s a cross-on wind, with a light breeze, and the waves are only 2 ft from the SSW with a very long 16-second period. The water temperature is about average for the time of year. That long period groundswell will make The Wedge (Newport Beach) pitch up, but the wind angle is messy – cross-on means it won’t be clean. The afternoon goes worse: 12 mph cross-shore wind and the score drops right off. Basically, Monday isn’t your day.

Tuesday the 7th shows a bit more push – 3 ft SSW swell with a 18-second period and a clean offshore wind from the S in the morning. The combined energy hits 726 (moderate to strong wave energy). That’s the standout for the first week. Morning session looks like the best call, with glassy or offshore conditions making for clean, wedgey peaks. The Wedge can get mean when it’s over 5 ft for beginners, but here it’s just over 3 ft – so solid for experienced surfers, still okay for strong intermediates. Be aware, the period is very long, so the sets will be big and wide, and it will barrel hard along the rocks. Crowds are often here, so expect company.

Wednesday and Thursday drop back: 3 ft and 3 ft, periods still in the 16-second range, but winds stay cross or onshore, and the energy falls. The surf is marginal or poor. Nothing to drive for.

Friday the 10th through Sunday the 12th – honestly, it’s poor. Onshore winds, dropping swell heights to 3-3 ft, periods down to 14-15 seconds, and combined energy slipping into the 200-300s (weak to moderate). It’s a gap of a few days with no real recommendations. The beach will be messy, with chop.

Monday the 13th to Wednesday the 15th stays in the doldrums: tiny swell 1-3 ft, cross-on to cross winds, combined energy weak. Not worth suiting up.

Thursday the 16th of July – finally a bit of relief. Swell is a tiny 1 ft from the SW, but the morning goes glassy (3 mph from the SSW) with a 16-second period. Combined energy is only 166 (weak wave energy) but those glassy conditions will make the little wedges rideable on a longboard or a fish. It’s ordinary but surfable. The afternoon gets chopped again.

Friday the 17th shows cleaner conditions with a cross-offshore wind from the WNW in the morning, but the swell is still 1 ft, though the period jumps to 19 seconds. The energy climbs a bit – 259 in the morning but it’s still small. The afternoon wind picks up to 16 mph – too strong for clean surf.

Now here’s the real standout out in the second week – Saturday the 18th of July. Swell from the SW, 2 ft, with a 17-second period, and cross-offshore winds from the WNW at 9 mph in the morning. Combined energy rises to 319 (moderate wave energy) and the forecast says “expect good surf conditions.” That’s your play. The Wedge will have clean, lined-up wedges, the wind will keep ‘em smooth, and the long period will push in some nice runners. It’s small, but it’ll be quality. Afternoon stays clean but the wind picks up a little – morning session is the winner.

Sunday the 19th goes downhill – onshore winds again and poor surf.

Monday the 20th and Tuesday the 21st see a building swell: 4 ft on Monday, up to 5 ft on Tuesday, both from the S, period 14 seconds. Combined energy climbs from 841 to 869 (strong wave energy). The winds are light and cross-on or onshore, so it may get lumpy, but the size is there. For experts, 5 ft at The Wedge is getting serious, especially with that period – it will be heavy, pitching, and dangerous for the inexperienced. Wind not perfect, but the power is undeniable. Not the cleanest but maybe a late call.

So, bottom line: best on offer is Tuesday morning the 7th for the clean offshore conditions and solid 3 ft groundswell. Second pick is Saturday the 18th for the cleanest conditions of the whole spell, even though it’s smaller. Both sessions you’ll want to be on your game.

Rusty out.

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