The Mandurah Wedge
By: Dan Lockward & Katie Cerami
Description
• Arguably one of the most unique breaks in the
world, the “medge” for short is definitely not for
everyone
– It is located on the west coast of Australia near the
town of Wannanup. The bigger town of Mandurah is
located around 14 miles north, and the break got its
name directly from its close proximity to this town.
– This convoluted jetty break is the result of the mouth
of the Dawesville Channel
– Its bottom is mostly sandy with a little rock
• As depicted by this screenshot from Google Maps, the shape of the groins form
a backwards “L,” responsible for the very special waves that break here
• The best swell direction spans from W to NW, taking into account the way the
energy is refracted off the groins. NW is optimal, since the balance between the
refracted waves and the energy coming straight in is able to create longer rides
– Firstly, the main groin refracts the energy in the opposite direction, which is responsible
for the wedging effect where it joins up with a wave that is coming straight in. The result is
a right breaking wave that is almost triangular.
• This is why many refer to the medge as a mirror image of the famous “Wedge” in Newport Beach,
California. For a wave rider who prefers rights, the medge is the place to be
– Depending on the specific swell direction, the second groin may also refract a nasty
backwash that also promotes big airs, but creates frothy conditions
• The break can handle swells with a little south in them, but the waves may not
be as big and tend to close out more. The break behind the second groin, called
Pyramids, is the place to be for lefts on a decent south swell since the energy is
more focused. Luckily, it’s within walking distance of the medge.
What You Need to Know
•
Access is free and parking is abundant, but there are a few things to consider.
– The surf culture is this area is booming. With that comes a lot of localism, even though the
break is ridden by bodyboarders.
– Its only a matter of time before people start standing up, since on certain days, it is completely
feasible, and would be taking this break to a whole new level.
– The problem is that the locals are very competitive and not too welcoming to unfamiliar faces.
Ones best bet is to paddle out and sit all the way at the end of the break and try to slowly
work their way to the peak, displaying courteousness and even letting the locals take the
better set waves even if they aren’t in prime position.
– If one has what it takes to paddle out, they would need to time it just right, otherwise a
powerful set could wash them right into the rocks, since the break is bordered by two groins
and no beach. Also, the climb down to the shoreline is risky, since jetty rocks are notoriously
slippery and one wrong step could cause serious injury
– While a lot of people frown upon bodyboarding, a decent crescent tail board and a pair of
Churchill swimfims are a necessity at this break for holding barrels
– It is very possible that surfing has been attempted here. It might not be a bad idea to rent a
sturdy 6-6.5ft. board if it’s a small day. Pyramids, the break located directly south within
walking distance, is perfectly surfable if all else fails.
LOLA Wave Model
• While the medge does not have its own
specific wave model designated for the break,
surfline provides an overview of the Perth
area of the west coast of Australia. The medge
is located somewhere in the lower half of the
model.
• http://www.surfline.com/swellforecast/western-australia/perth_6518
Weather, Seasons, and Travel
• Statistically, this break is known to fire the most
in the summer months of Australia, which is
actually December to February
– Still, it remains fairly consistent during all of the other
seasons
• Unfortunately, the summer months are also
during the wet season of Australia
• Overall, if one wanted to travel to the medge,
then a trip in December or January is still the best
bet regardless of the fact that the rainy season is
in full swing
• The following figures are for trips with two different
timeframes flying with Continental Airlines
– A two month trip from December to February would cost
$4305 round trip for one person flying out of Newark
– For a week in December (ideal Christmas break trip), it’s a
little more expensive at $4330 per person
• For the full experience, it is best to take a longer trip in
order to experience more than just some good waves
at the medge. The whole coastline is teeming with
amazing waves and quite possibly some uncrowded
breaks.
Pictures and Video Footage
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwVa6dIAqSM
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Sr386B4Sk
Sources
• www.surfline.com
• www.westernaustralia.com/en/About_Western_
Australia/Weather_and_Climate/Pages/Climate_
Weather.aspx
• http://australia.gov.au/aboutaustralia/australian-story/austn-weather-andthe-seasons
• www.continental.com
• www.wannasurf.com
• http://maps.google.com