Is LA Good for Surfing?
- Will Ermish
- Jun 15
- 6 min read
Why Los Angeles Is One of the Best Surf Cities in the World
If you’ve ever dreamed of paddling out under a warm California sun, carving your first wave, and feeling like you’re in a Beach Boys song, you’re probably wondering: Is LA good for surfing? Spoiler alert: yes. Los Angeles is one of the most iconic surf destinations in the world—and for good reason. Whether you're a total beginner or already ripping like a pro, LA offers something for every level of surfer.
As the crew behind Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons in Venice Beach, we’ve helped hundreds of people catch their first wave (and a few accidental sunburns). In this article, we’ll break down what makes LA such an amazing surf city, the best beginner-friendly beaches, seasonal wave conditions, local surf culture, and why learning to surf in Los Angeles might just change your life.
Why LA Is a Great Place to Learn to Surf
Let’s get this out of the way: Los Angeles has it all. Warm weather, consistent swell, long sandy beaches, and a surf culture that’s been baked into the city since the 1950s. Whether you're living in LA or just visiting, surfing here is accessible, affordable, and incredibly rewarding.
Here’s why surfing in LA is a solid move:
1. Consistent Surf All Year Round
LA might not have the massive barrels of Hawaii or the mechanical point breaks of Indonesia, but it has one superpower: consistency. Thanks to swells coming from both the north and the south, Los Angeles beaches see waves almost every day of the year.
From winter’s Pacific Northwest storms to summer's southern hemi swells, there’s always something to ride. And for beginners, consistency means more chances to learn and improve.
2. Warm(ish) Water and Sunshine
While you’ll want a wetsuit most of the year (yes, even in sunny SoCal), the water isn’t bone-chilling. Summer temps hover around the high 60s to low 70s, and even winter doesn’t usually dip below the low 50s. Combine that with average 284 sunny days a year, and you’ve got a recipe for year-round surf stoke.
3. Surf Breaks for Every Skill Level
Whether you’re looking for slow, rolling whitewater to practice your pop-up or a punchier beach break to start doing cutbacks, LA has a beach for you. From Malibu to Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica to Venice, you’ll find a wide variety of waves—and crowds.
The Best Surf Spots in LA for Beginners
If you're wondering where to start your surf journey, here’s a breakdown of the best beginner surf spots in Los Angeles:
🏄 Venice Beach
We may be a little biased, but Venice Beach is an absolute gem for new surfers. The waves here are mellow, the vibe is laid-back, and the scene is classic SoCal. It’s no wonder so many people choose to take their first surf lesson with us at Coyote Surf School.
Plus, after your lesson, you can stroll the Venice Boardwalk, grab an açai bowl, and watch the skatepark kids go wild. Surf, sun, and people-watching—what more could you want?
🏄 Santa Monica
Just north of Venice is Santa Monica, another iconic beach with forgiving waves and tons of sand to spread out. The surf here is ideal for practicing fundamentals, especially on smaller summer swells. We often run beginner-friendly lessons in Santa Monica when the conditions align.
🏄 Malibu (First Point)
Malibu’s First Point is like Disneyland for longboarders. Long, peeling right-hand waves give you all the time in the world to practice your stance, turns, and even hang tens if you’re feeling spicy. Just know it gets crowded, so bring your patience—and maybe a smile.
🏄 El Porto (Manhattan Beach)
This spot is a bit punchier, but on a small day, it’s fantastic for learners ready to level up. You’ll see a mix of beginners, intermediates, and even pros training here. The beach is wide, the parking is (usually) manageable, and there are plenty of cafés nearby to grab a post-surf coffee.
Is LA Surfing Crowded? Yes, But It’s Worth It
Let’s be honest: LA’s beaches can get crowded—especially on sunny weekends and holidays. But here’s the thing: that’s true of almost every major surf city in the world. The key is to go early, go often, and know where to surf based on your level.
That’s why we recommend booking a private surf lesson in Venice Beach to get personalized instruction and insider tips on when and where to surf with fewer people around. We’ll teach you how to read the lineup, respect surf etiquette, and sneak in those golden-hour sessions that most tourists miss.
When’s the Best Time to Surf in LA?
Short answer: All the time. But here’s a breakdown of the seasons so you can plan your paddle-outs:
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Water temperature: 68–72°F (nice!)
Wave size: 2–4 feet
Vibe: Crowded but mellow
Ideal for: Beginners, longboarders, and tourists
Summer is perfect for learning to surf. The waves are small and friendly, and the water’s warm enough to (sometimes) ditch the wetsuit.
🍂 Fall (September–November)
Water temp: Still warm
Wave size: 3–6 feet
Vibe: Magical
Ideal for: All levels
Fall is arguably LA’s best surf season. The winds are clean, the crowds thin out, and the combo swells can bring dreamy conditions. Surf’s up, and it’s not chaos on the beach.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Water temp: 55–60°F
Wave size: 4–8+ feet
Vibe: More advanced
Ideal for: Intermediates and up
Winter brings powerful north swells. While it’s not the best time for total beginners, it’s an exciting time to progress or watch more experienced surfers do their thing.
🌱 Spring (March–May)
Water temp: Slowly warming
Wave size: 2–5 feet
Vibe: Shifty but fun
Ideal for: Beginners to intermediates
Spring can be unpredictable, but it’s still surfable—and a great time to brush up on your fundamentals.
The Surf Culture in LA: Chill, Creative, and Classic
Surfing in LA isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. And that lifestyle looks a little different in each neighborhood.
In Venice Beach, you’ll see artists, skaters, and yogis mixing with surfers. People are expressive, creative, and usually barefoot. We like to think of it as the epicenter of surf-soul fusion.
In Malibu, the culture leans more old-school and polished. Classic longboards, vintage vibes, and even the occasional surf celeb sighting.
In El Porto, you’ll find more fitness-focused shredders—people running on the sand, drinking green smoothies, and doing pre-surf mobility stretches that look like ninja warmups.
No matter where you go, you’ll find a tribe. Surfing in LA is inclusive, diverse, and full of friendly faces (as long as you respect the lineup).
Do You Need Surf Lessons in LA?
100% yes, especially if you're a beginner. Sure, you could try to paddle out on your own. But learning to surf without guidance is kind of like trying to drive stick shift for the first time on the 405 Freeway—frustrating, chaotic, and possibly painful.
A professional surf lesson will fast-track your progress, prevent injuries, and help you avoid beginner mistakes like:
Paddling out too far
Standing up too late
Getting wiped out repeatedly (and wondering why)
Dropping in on someone and getting stink-eye’d
At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons, our instructors are experienced, fun, and genuinely stoked to help you succeed. We offer beginner lessons in Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and other beginner-friendly beaches around LA.
Gear You’ll Need for Surfing in LA
You don’t need a ton of gear to start surfing in LA, especially if you’re taking a lesson (we provide everything!). But if you’re going solo, here’s what you’ll want:
Soft-top surfboard: More stable and beginner-friendly
3/2mm wetsuit: Good for most of the year
Surf wax: For grip
Leash: So you don’t lose your board (or hit someone)
Zinc or sunscreen: Because that California sun doesn’t mess around
FAQs: Surfing in LA
❓Is it safe to surf in LA?
Yes—especially at beginner beaches like Venice and Santa Monica. Just be sure to follow surf etiquette, watch out for strong currents (look up "rip currents" before you paddle out), and always surf with a buddy if you’re new.
❓Can you surf year-round in LA?
Absolutely. With a good wetsuit, you can surf every single month. Even in winter, there are plenty of fun, manageable waves.
❓Where can I find surf lessons in Venice Beach?
Right here: Book your Venice Beach surf lesson with Coyote Surf today. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or planning a group event, we’ve got you covered.
So, Is LA Good for Surfing?
Yes. And not just good—great.
Los Angeles is a world-class surf city that balances accessibility, diversity, and beauty. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the waves here. All you need is a little courage, a board, and maybe a goofy grin as you belly flop your way to your first ride.
And hey, that’s where we come in.
At Coyote Skate & Surf Lessons, we believe surfing is for everyone—no matter your age, background, or experience level. Our surf lessons in Venice Beach are designed to be fun, safe, and unforgettable. Whether you’re learning to stand up for the first time or refining your technique, we’ll help you fall in love with surfing in LA.
Ready to paddle out?
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