Venice Beach

[Makka]

so im heading to california pretty soonish and have been looking @ areas which have some 'budget' surf lodges & hostels .. i found a place in the Venice Beach area that is very well priced ... im on a budget as its just 1 of many stops on a round the world adventure!

the hostel:

http://reservations.bookhostels.com/tra ... b0f6878079

whats the locations like? - dangerous @ night? ... does Venice Beach get good surf? ... any surf rental shops nearby? ... also is this near sunset boulevard?

this is obviously aimed @ the Venice Beach locals or anyone who has visited and could put forward any helpfull info