The World’s 15 Most Dangerous Surfing Destinations

The Wedge, Newport Beach, California

Because of a jetty built in the 1930s in Newport Harbor, The Wedge is unique, because a secondary wave often combines with a normal break under the right conditions. There is also a nasty shore break, with wipeouts often ending with a huge backwash dragging surfers back out into oncoming breaks.

Sunbathers have also fallen victim to these shore breaks, and lifeguards warn beachgoers about safety before they can even lie down on the sand.