Thinking it Through
by Joe Schofield
Title
Thinking it Through
Artist
Joe Schofield
Medium
Photograph
Description
1st place - Epic Surfing Contest 2-5-21
The Wedge is a world-famous surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing spot located at the extreme end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. During a south swell of the right size and direction, the Wedge can produce huge waves up to 30 feet (9.1 m) high.
The waves are a by-product of improvements to the groin (rock jetty) on the west side of the Newport Harbor entrance undertaken during the 1930s.[1] When conditions are right, and a wave approaches the shore at the proper angle (most generally a south swell), an approaching wave will reflect off the jetty creating a second wave. The reflected wave meets up with the following wave of the set and forms a peak, and this pattern can repeat for several following waves as well. The combined effect of the reflected wave and the incoming wave creates a combined wave much larger than either of the two separate waves and occurs very rapidly and forms waves in a very unpredictable and "unstable" pattern, so that no two waves are alike and the exact breaking point is difficult to predict even for an experienced surfer.
Although this condition primarily occurs with large, south swells, it can also occur, with considerably lesser frequency, during "normal" conditions.
In addition, the beach at The Wedge is very steeply shaped sand, resulting in what is known as shore break (see below) and a very strong backwash which often drags people back into the surf. The backwash itself frequently creates another, outgoing wave, which can hit an incoming wave or surfer with enormous force. With the combined effect of the unpredictability of where the incoming waves will break, and the strength of the backwash, the resulting wave action can be highly unpredictable and therefore both exciting as well as very dangerous. Of course, it is this combination of danger which draws so many to surf The Wedge. Inexperienced swimmers or surfers should always use caution when considering swimming in the surf near The Wedge.
Sold: 12-12-12 ; 11-18-13; 4-3-16; 9-18-20; 11-17-20; 6-15-21; 11-25-21; 07-30-22; 8-26-23
Uploaded
May 8th, 2012
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Viewed 11,152 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/18/2024 at 9:41 PM
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Comments (224)
Hanne Lore Koehler
WOW, Joe! What a fantastic capture of this spectacular surfing action! I can even see the swimmers under water! Just amazing! L/F/X
Roe Swartz
Epic capture, Joe! Congratulations on your well deserved features for this image. L/F/Follow
Joe Schofield replied:
Much appreciated Roe. One of very earliest and favorite images posted on FAA !
Karen Adams
Such a fantastic action capture, Joe! Really shows how small we are compared to Mother Nature! . . .f/l
Laurie Search
Wow, that's a big wave!! Oh, this is at The Wedge!!! What an awesome capture, Joe!!! :)))f
Karen Adams
Stunning capture, Joe! It always amazes me that people are that brave, that daring and that athletic to even THINK about doing this! If i were to think it through . . . I would stay on the beach and TRY to get a shot as beautiful as this! . . . . f/l/tw
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