The Biggest Swells Ever Recorded at The Wedge (Video)

With the help of local Wedge wave-riders, photographers, and longtime stalwarts in the lineup, Lobdell recounts historic swells to strike the manmade monstrosity. He even ranks them, coming up with a list of top five “biggest days” in history.

5. Super Swell (August, 1983)

“On this day, the fearless Terry Wade bodysurfed one of the biggest waves ever at The Wedge. Through the years, Terry has ridden some of the largest monsters The Wedge has ever served up.”

4. COVID Swell (July 4th, 2020)

“Those out early in the morning scored big, but unfortunately, most of the waves went unridden that day because authorities closed down the beach due to COVID concerns.”

3. Death Swell (July 24th, 2009)

“The massive swell got its name, because a 50-year-old bodysurfer died after being swept under the rocks with hundreds of spectators watching in horror.”

2. Hurricane Marie (August 27th, 2014)

“This was the largest swell to hit The Wedge in decades, and the epic waves kept coming for over a week to the delight of The Wedge Crew.”

1. New Zealand Swell (September 25th, 1975)

“This is a swell all Wedge waves have been measured against for the past half-century, and it’s undefeated so far.”