Corona del Mar

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• Says "beach break" but it's actually a point break
• Says "best on SW swell" but the primary break works best on NW to NNW swells (the SW swell requirement applies only to the rare Jetty break)
• Missing the significant historical narrative about the 1936 jetty construction and what preceded it

DESCRIPTION: Corona del Mar is a classic right-hand point break offering long, peeling rides on northwest to north-northwest swells. It works best with north offshore winds and medium tide, typically most consistent during spring and early summer. The break is suited to intermediate and advanced surfers who can handle the point's setup and popular crowds.

The area holds a significant place in modern surfing history. The Pacific Coast Surf Riding Championships, surfing's first national contest, took place here in 1928, and the spot drew international attention through figures like Duke Kahanamoku. Before Newport Harbor's jetties were extended in 1936 to prevent sand infiltration, Corona del Mar was regarded as the finest wave on the mainland California coast. The jetty construction fundamentally altered the wave patterns, though good waves still break there on the correct swell angle and wind direction.

Access is straightforward via Corona del Mar State Beach in Newport Beach. Notable hazards include strong rip currents, shifting sandbars under certain conditions, and the inevitable crowding at this well-known break, particularly during good swells.