The June 9 swell lived up to the hype in Newport Beach. Photo: Brent Weldon//screenshot
As the largest south swell California has seen in years marched across the Americas, all eyes turned towards the Wedge. How big could it get at the state’s premier summertime spot when the swell reached Southern California?
The bravest souls paddled out into the unruly peaks, while surf vloggers like Blair Conklin and Koa Rothman rushed to Newport Beach to get in on the action. Videographer Brent Weldon was there to document it all: the makes, the wipeouts, and even a treacherous lifeguard rescue.
Wedge local Sage Burke was one of the standouts, pulling an 8’6’’ out of his quiver. The type of board that usually gathers dust during a Californian summer got a rare chance to shine due to the size of this swell.
The Couch Surfing Show’s host Joe Alani floated a bold statement, wondering if one of Sage Burke’s waves was the biggest ever ridden in Newport Beach.
“Massive waves detonated across Newport Beach as crowds packed the shoreline to witness one of the most anticipated swell events in recent memory,” Weldon said. “Surfers pushed their limits, photographers battled the impact zone, and spectators watched as wave after wave unleashed incredible power along one of the world’s most famous shorebreaks.”
This won’t be the last you hear from the Wedge. We still have a few more days of swell, and another pulse coming next week.
