The Secret to Surfing in Los Angeles

Tinseltown. La La Land. The City of Stars. Take your pick of a Los Angeles nickname (there’s a lot of them) and you’ll find most of them refer to the city’s dreamlike atmosphere. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the surf.

This jam-packed metropolis by the sea has an excess of mushy, tiny, and overcrowded days that aren’t often, to quote the iconic Sam Spade, “the stuff dreams are made of.”

That is, if you don’t know where to look.

Hidden amongst the mile-high skyscrapers, gridlocked freeways, and overpriced coffee shops haunted by indie-hipsters are some true surfing gems.

You’ve just got to know where to look, something that’s always easier said than done is this sprawling megalopolis. 

Key surf spots in LA

Before getting into some of the more niche surf locations, it’s always good to have a grasp of the classics. Closest to the most densely populated areas is Venice Breakwater. This fickle rock jetty can quickly turn to perfection given the right conditions.

West swells in the dead of winter with some light offshore wind can produce high quality right tubes that mimic Kelly Slater’s wave pool. The only downside: dense crowds (a common issue at almost every Los Angeles surf spot).

Meanwhile, take PCH north from here and you’ll come across two premier California point breaks, Topanga and Malibu. Both spots turn on during summer south swells, presenting right hand rides that can stretch for hundreds of yards.

Topanga has more of a shortboard scene (being a fast wave that runs off shallow cobblestone rocks).

Malibu is an even longer point, possessing three distinct sections. At the very top is “Third Point,” a wedgier section that is mostly frequented by shortboarders in need of a quick lip hit or two breaking over rocks.

A tad down the beach you’ll encounter “Second Point,” a much quicker section that may even barrel if the sand is right.

That being said, the crown jewel of it all is “First Point.” A true longboard haven, few waves in Los Angeles, and California for that matter, rival the perfection of this (mostly sand) point. Just know that surfing etiquette is nonexistent out here.

Anything goes, from snaking every wave, to riding a canoe, to teaching a dozen beginners on foamies how to surf on an overhead day. 

Another well-known surf spot in the region is El Porto. Located in Manhattan Beach, Porto is a mascot for L.A. surf culture.

Before even entering the water, you’ll notice the hundreds of beachfront homes, a pricey metered parking lot that is always full, and several stands with soft-tops for rent.

And, to make matters worse, the waves aren't even that good. Every day hundreds of Angelenos fall victim to the illusion this beach break presents.

More often than not the sandbars fail to produce anything better than closeouts. My best advice—steer clear.

That being said, the place does have consistent size during winter months, and once in a blue moon this place can turn on and deliver the goods. And, pulling in for a quick vision is better than not getting tubed at all. 

Hidden Gems

To truly score in LA, a total mindset adaptation is required. In a city with a population nearing four million, there’s not a patch of sand that's untouched. That being said, there are a handful of spots that can handle crowds better than the rest. 

Thanks to El Porto enticing the eyes of every Los Angeles resident, the surrounding beachbreaks rarely have more than a handful of surfers.

The stretch of jetties between El Segundo and Dockweiler State Beach offer consistent, punchy peaks as long as the wind stays offshore and you are willing to walk long stretches of sand. Additionally, with enough swell in the water and a low tide, there can even be some makeable tubes to be found around the jetties. 

The Redondo Beach area presents a similar selection of waves, with spots like the Breakwater, Knob Hill, and RAT Beach all showcasing above-average to elite surf throughout the winter months when wind swell joins a west swell party.

And, of course, when the swell gets pumping the Palos Verde area has point breaks that light up—if you are willing to endure menacing growls and annoyed stares by the locals. 

Meanwhile, back up to the north you’ll find one of the prettiest beaches along the California coast in Point Dume State Beach. With limited access points and a combative local crew, crowds are kept down year-round.

So, if you have the time, the lengthy drive and arduous walk are always worth it. You might even spot some celebrities heading for a surf from one of the many multi-million dollar residencies that line the cliffside.

If that’s not your jam, just up the road is the beautiful Zuma Beach that provides crystal clear barrels when combo swells meet Santa Ana winds. 

Best Conditions 

The Northern L.A. points of Sunset, Topanga, Malibu, Leo Carillo, and Dume all get best during summer months.

Up north, south swells (especially those that arise from hurricanes and tropical storms in the Mexico region) provide the most magic from April to September. Other times during the year it can be flat for weeks at a time.

The name of the game is striking when the iron is hot. A few days of missed swell can quickly turn into weeks of surfing abstinence. Don’t be afraid to bring out some more volume on most days. While all the waves have power, the extra paddle power can be all it takes to turn a mediocre session into a great one.

In the South Bay, you'll score best in the winter when there is some sort of storm nearby. When it rains it pours, and by pour I mean barrels—lots of them.

From Redondo to Topanga, the coastline can turn on in an instant. Short period swells and offshore wind can combine to produce perfectly hollow beach-break tubes. The best part, almost no crowd.

However, there are some cons that cannot be overlooked. Polluted water, hectic traffic, and frigid temperature all go hand in hand with any sort of storm but, ultimately, you’re going to have to pay to play, and empty South Bay L.A. waves are quite expensive.

So grab your buddies, make the hour-long, bumper-to-bumper, drive, and score some empty beach break barrels. Just make sure not to swallow any water, or you may be out sick next week from work. 

Conclusion

While Los Angeles may not have the best surf in California, it certainly doesn’t have the worst. With a little determination, ingenuity, and patience, every session can be a great one.

As for the traffic getting to and from the beach, well, it’s unavailable and won’t end until we get flying cars. So, put on a happy face, hop on PCH or the 405, and go surf the “City of Angels.”