Surfing Waves

Hey guys, thanks in advance for any advice you ladies and gents offer here. I always appreciate some good ol' fashioned wisdom.

SO here's my deal, I'm new to surfing and new-ish to Los Angeles. I'm learning to surf & have a longboard. I'm looking for a general outline of the prime places to surf for beginners riding a longboard.

Specific spots in Santa Monica? Malibu? Hidden gems? Also, are there any restrictions (black out periods)?

Any wisdom you seasoned vets could lend to a newb would be appreciated!

Let me know fellas!!

Peace

I dont have much advice, only started and usually go to Santa Monica Pier because its beginner friendly with decent sized waves (ie: I don't feel like I'm in peoples way while I'm learning, though the weekends are crowded and I avoid going then)

I was looking at this site though http://www.surf-forecast.com/ , and they have nearly 50 spots listed in LA county, so I am checking it out to see what other spots sound like they are worth checking out.

thats a great site, thanks!

JB,
Do not surf in LA immediately following rain. Rain washes all the pollutants from the road to the sea. It could make you sick.

Pitas Point. Park at bottom or end of point on the road. This is a good beginner place because the wave will break leaving an easy to catch white water. And after you have gotten up on your feet the wave will reform from white water to back into a wave with a face onto where you can practice your turns etc. It's where i learned.