How territorial/local is Topanga Beach, Malibu?

[cwall]

Glad you liked it. Sunset is a good place to get away from the crowd and have a chill session. It does get crowded when nowhere else is breaking, but it is usually more open than Topanga or Malibu.

Yeah, Fish seem to be the weapon of choice for the shortboarders I see at sunset. The wave stalls out right before it connects from the point to beach and you'll need to stay as close to the "pocket" as possible. I guess the buoyancy of a fish helps guys get through. Sometimes, however, it connects beautifully and you can go from the point all the way to the stairs. But, whatever, sounds like you're doing just fine with the gear you got.

[gd6]

Glad to hear you had a good time. It is a slow breaking wave most of the time...but it does occasionally get big and powerful. Malibu lagoon can be awesome on occasions too. I am hoping to find a cheap thick epoxy fish to help out when the waves aren't that big.

[cwall]

No doubt. I missed the last few big days, but I got out today. Amazing how one storm changes the complexion of the bottom. Sooo much sand now. I couldn't do sh!t today. Seemed like everyone else was having a blast and there were a lot of guys on smaller boards. The waves were a little faster and more pitchy than usual. Very frustrating for me, but you guys probably loved it.

[gd6]

Ya, the storm has definitely shifted things. I was there Yesterday at sunset and it was breaking differently than I've ever seen it, really close to shore even at lowest tide. Still had fun...I like it a little bigger, bit if it gets too pitchy I can't handle it. I also tried my longboard, and I feel like such a clutz on a longboard, felt way more in control on my 5'9" proctor rascal, lol.

I'm probably going to hit up a beach break like el porto to see how the storm has affected it...I never had very good luck at beach breaks, but maybe things will be different now.

[avillax]

Yeah, let us know about el Porto, cuz I hated the impossible barrels it had when I went there.

[avillax]

BTW just for the record, I think I got a Sinus infection from Sunset Blvd?, it feels like a very mild cold, very little secretions but my sinuses are blocked and I have a bit of a migraine. So it's true, the water is contaminated! Totally worth it though.

[gd6]

Definitely sounds possible from all that I've read...its not just Sunset, its possible to get sick going in the water after any rain in most of Los Angeles, and Malibu and Santa Monica can both be particularly bad. It's mainly contaminated with bacteria that can make you potentially sick, most commonly a sinus infection or somethign similar.

I've never gotten sick surfing during or after a rain so I don't worry about it...some people who are more sensitive complain about sinus infections any time of the year. Sucks but I've seen plenty of healthy dolphins and things to make me not worry since they are always in the water.

[jaffa1949]

I think it's funny that you moved to LA and have been surfing Huntington Beach. Those guys don't like to mix LA with Orange County up there. For everyone else, it's all the same place.
you live every moment of, experiences you’ll love forever and areas that this fascinating country has to offer.