Surf’s up at Newport

A surfer navigates across a cascading wave at the Wedge.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A surfer falls from his board. During the summer, the Wedge produces waves formidable even for the most experienced surfers.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A boogie boarder zips along the foot of one of the Wedge’s world-famous waves.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A boogie boarder bounces along on the water at the base of a wave at the Wedge.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A surfer races along on the water as a torrent of water follows closely behind.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A bodyboarder is driven into the water head-first by a large wave at the Wedge.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A bodyboarder goes airborne after launching himself off a wave.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A body boarder launches off a large wave at the Wedge, a popular surfing spot in Newport Beach.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

Professional surfer Shawn “Barney” Barron, of Santa Cruz, is hit, but not knocked down, by a wave on a Newport Harbor jetty as he heads out to surf. Two fishermen were swept off a jetty across the harbor Tuesday when a large wave hit them.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A surfer leaves the beach with a broken board after riding big waves, some reaching 20 feet.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

A surfer rests after riding the waves at the Wedge.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)

The sun sets Tuesday as a skim boarder waits for the right wave to ride near the Wedge in Newport Beach.  (Allen J. Schaben / LAT)