Fortieth Street (Newport Beach)

Fortieth Street (Newport Beach) is a sand-bottom jetty break in an exposed beach setting that produces small-wave surf with generally reliable peaks, especially where sandbars are held in place by the rock jetties. Wind typically follows an afternoon sea-breeze pattern, with northeast/east winds often described in forecast terms. That said, wind reliability is noted as low, and wind can affect wave quality—offshore-northeast conditions may groom the waves, while other wind directions can introduce chop. For surfing, the break is described as a beach-break with peeling, moderate-power waves and an average wave quality profile. Suggested working swell conditions are roughly 1.0–2.0 meters from the southwest to west/northwest quadrant, with a preference for mid tide. Reported ride lengths are typically short to medium, with sources citing about 30–70 meters depending on sandbar and swell period; on larger swell, it can become closed-out when swell rises beyond roughly 2.5 meters. Safety is a key focus at this spot: stingrays are common during summer months (use the stingray shuffle when entering), and rip currents can occur near the jetties. Seasonal rules can restrict surfboards in designated swimming zones via a 'blackball' flag system, and crowds can build around the most defined peaks near the jetties—arriving early helps with parking and can mean calmer water.