Blackball: Newport’s 33-Year Argument Over Who Gets the Waves
There’s a little yellow flag with a black circle at the Wedge that can ruin a board rider’s plans faster than a parking ticket. It’s called the blackball.…
Published Nov 3, 2026
Beyond the Wipeouts: The People and History Behind Newport’s Wedge
At the eastern end of the Balboa Peninsula, beside the harbor’s west jetty, Newport’s famous shorebreak has built an entire culture around waves that can look unreasonable even…
Published Oct 30, 2026
The Wedge Has Size: Surfline Shows 5–7 Feet as Fresh SSW Swell Arrives
Surfline reported 5–7 foot waves at the Wedge in this October 22 surf check, as a fresh south-southwest swell reached Newport Beach.
Published Oct 22, 2026
From Skimboarding to Breaking News: Blair Conklin and SKID KIDS Are Blowing Up
The Laguna Beach local built a massive following chasing waves. Now he’s making headlines by showing the world what’s happening to our coastline. THE BALBOA LOCAL | LOCAL…
Published Oct 20, 2026
YEWW!! Wedge Is Pumping Today! Surfline Has It at 8–10 Feet
NEWPORT BEACH | WEDGE SURF CHECK | OCTOBER 19, 2026 If you’re anywhere near the end of the Peninsula today, take a look toward The Wedge. Newport’s famous…
Published Oct 19, 2026