Coastal erosion at the Wedge in Newport Beach exposes pipes, wires after summer swells

Beach Erosion Coastal erosion at the Wedge in Newport Beach exposes pipes, wires after summer swells By Bianca Buono Saturday, August 22, 2026 1:47PM Large swells this summer have contributed to significant coastal erosion at The Wedge in Newport Beach, exposing decades-old infrastructure and prompting concerns from surfers, residents and city officials about the condition of the beach.

Earlier this summer, powerful south swells brought waves as high as 20 feet to the iconic surf spot. Since then, erosion has washed away portions of the beach and created a steep and unstable cliff near the jetty.

Among the effects of the erosion are pipes and wires now protruding from the sand.

Photographer Brent Weldon said the changes are unlike anything he has seen before.

"There's all these fresh new pipes sticking out and all these wires sticking out so it musts be the worst it's ever been," Weldon said.

The exposed materials have appeared during an active summer surf season marked by multiple strong south swells that produced the large waves for which The Wedge is known. Weldon said continued storm activity could worsen the problem.

"We've already had I think like three big hurricanes and there might be another couple more coming and the problem is each one of these is taking away more and more sand and it's just disappearing really quick," he said.

Some bodyboarders and surfers said erosion has been an issue for years, but the high tides and strong surf this summer has expedited the problem. They have also noticed an increase in exposed rocks in the lineup, creating additional hazards at a break already known for dangerous conditions.

"There's stuff that's falling apart. So it's sharp and dangerous, so yeah it's getting to be an emergency. People are already getting hurt and there's only gonna be more," said Erik Apple of Newport Beach.

The city has used cones and yellow tape to close off a steep and unstable cliff overlooking the beach, a popular viewing area during large swell events.

Jordan Raymond of Huntington Beach said he is concerned about the erosion and would like to see measures taken to protect the area.

"It's a bummer to see kind of all this erosion and nothing being done really," Raymond said. "I know what I'd like to see for sure is Newport Beach dropping some sand down here. We do need some sand replenishment project kind of in place here if we want to save the environment, save the entire coastline here. It's going to be beneficial not just for the surfers here but the entire community," he said.

Newport Beach City Councilman Erik Weigand said there is ample sand on the harbor side of the jetty, but moving it to The Wedge would require permitting from the Army Corps of Engineers. Weigand said sand is available in Anaheim and at Prado Dam, though questions remain about the cost of transporting it to the beach.

For now, erosion concerns remain a prominent issue at the iconic and historic surf spot as beachgoers and city leaders consider potential solutions.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: ABC7 Los Angeles. Open at source →