Surfing Waves

Hi all,

since I'm hitting L.A. in May, I wondered if you can tell me some good surfing spots (novice) around L.A.?

Where are good surf schools?

Will a shorty be enough protection against the cold water?

Thanx in advance!

Well, Malibu Lagoon Beach is about 7 miles away from LA, excellent breaks for a novice. The way the beach is made so you can ride a wave forever.

Redondo/Hermosa has a good swell then.

But your best bet is to ask a surf shop where to go for good easy swells, and a cheap surf school. Tell me where your going to and I'll tell you a few close shops.

And I don't know what kind of water your used to, but the water can get cold (about F 60) so you may want a longer suit.

Topanga Point (my new spot)
El Porto (Manhattan Beach)
County Line (Malibu)

I recommend Redondo / Hermosa/ and Manhattan

The Phase One Surf Forum is based with So cal surfers you can post their to get some advice
http://forums.phaseonesurf.com/index.php

Malibu has a great wave along with a great big crowd. If you are a beginner I would avoid Malibu unless you don't mind getting run over, cut off and just totally frustraighted. Try Zuma about ten miles north of Malibu if the surf is small it is a good place to learn how to take off. The beach is a couple of miles long with sand bottom and plenty of room to find your own spot. After you get the hang of taking off try Ventura County line it is another ten miles north. It is located across the street from Neptunes Net, can't miss it. This beach has a point break, reef break and beach break. The wave is usually a slow mush burger, perfect for a beginner. Don't let the few hundred people in the water stop you from paddling out, most of them are also beginners from the Valley. Good luck, teach a chick while you are at it we need more surfer chicks! Bring the full suit.If you go to Zuma don't enter the parking lot it costs money. Just park on the side of the road.

It's my feeling that you don't need a full suit in May. But that's just me. That water at that point is about 64-66degrees. I think it's plenty warm enough for shorts and a rash guard.

El Porto/Manhattan are good for beginners because they are easy breaking beach breaks. But they can be somewhat inconsistant and often close out a lot. I think places closer to Malibu (like Topanga Point, County Line, Zuma) are a bit better. But I still love Manhattan Beach, especially in the summertime. Lots of dolphins out there.

Thanks for the info!
I just hit Hermosa Beach a little earlier than intended...but thats another story.

Its really nice out here!! Since some of you you cited also Hermosa as a good novice spot, I'll try my luck here.

Any good recommended Surf-Schools and Shops here?

You guys know some good places to go out at night or just hang around?

Im so anxious to catch my first wave... I think I go get myself a Shorty-Wetsuit and check out cali-waves right now

Greetz,
Jens

I lived in Manhattan and Hermosa for many years. Parking on weekends can be a hassle, the surf is ok but I hated living there. It's Colorado now.

hey guys! im headin out to cali next week! the oc!! which beach(s) should i visit?!

Come on down south a bit and try out Swami's or Pipes in Encinitas.

k well the trip to cali was postponed. lol. ill be heading out in about 2 weeks. swami's or pipes in encinitas sounds like an awesome idea. maybe i will head a little more south.

Would greatly appreciate any info on where decent surfboard rentals in LA and Orange County are!