Newport Beach Guide

This "hottest 100 yards" of Newport between 54th and 56th is traditionally known for defying surfing tradition and the crossed-up peaks that offer plenty of ramps. Thanks to the string of jetties that break up the sand flow, the shape of the waves -- particularly in front of these two streets -- tends to be favorable for high-speed surfing. There are three main peaks that peel inside the 54th Street jetty that take both S and N swells, making it consistently surfable throughout the year, but also consistently smaller than Huntington Beach, just a couple of miles north. On the north side of the jetty, 56th Street produces zippy, sometimes world-class lefts on a S swell. Like any high-performance hotbed, if you prove you can fly with the best of them, chances are you'll be given plenty of clearance.