An important, but often overlooked aspect of surfing is finding good waves to surf. It sounds super basic, but this is a crucial skill in surfing. The best surfers are also the best at reading ocean conditions. The ability to decipher the ever-changing variables of tide, wind and swell is an art form that is acquired over time. However, if you have a basic understanding of our local breaks, it can make it easier for you to get good waves. So to help you on your quest I’ve included general characteristics of our nearby spots:

El Porto:
“Porto” is usually a foot or two bigger than surrounding beaches because of an offshore, submarine canyon and an outer reef system that focuses swell here. Waves tend to break further off the beach and it is common to see big riptides. These “rips” often create deep spots in the ocean floor, which can lead to great surfing conditions. El Porto also boasts a large swell window (anything from a 180 degree south to a 300 degree Northwest can get in here) making it one of the most consistent and crowded spots on the coast.

Manhattan Beach:
North Manhattan breaks very similarly to El Porto, but usually just a touch smaller. However, the lack of parking in the area means it’s often easier to get good, uncrowded waves. The coastline bends slightly to the south around Marine Street, making this stretch of beach more south-facing thus a bit smaller on a northwest swell, but bigger than nearby beaches on a south swell.

Hermosa Beach:
The Palos Verdes peninsula and Catalina Island block most south swells from getting into this stretch of beach. Waves here tend to break closer to shore and pack a lot of punch. The area from north of the pier to about 24th St. has an outer reef system that focuses swell from the northwest. The biggest of those swells will actually break on the outer reef called Cable Cars about 1/3 of a mile offshore. Unfortunately, the typical beach break waves are often walled, so its best when there is some type of short period energy breaking up the lines.

Burnout/The Avenues:
The waves here break very close to shore and feature quick, intense rides. Accordingly, it’s common to see more body boarders in this area than any other spot in the South Bay. Generally, it is smaller here than surrounding beaches, but on a big, northwest swell this area can be all-time. Topaz loves a big northwest with a touch of wind swell and Burnout can transform to big, heavy barrels on a solid winter swell. Pros from other areas have been known to travel here when the conditions are right.

So there you have it, a very basic and quick overview of our local beaches. Now it’s up to you to go out and put yourself in the right place at the right time. When you do, there’s no better feeling in the world.

Happy hunting,
CB.

STEP 1: LEARN SURFING ETIQUETTE

I can’t emphasize this one too strongly. A great place to start is a lesson with a knowledgeable surf instructor or friend. DO NOT attempt to just paddle out on your own and “wing it”. You will be a danger to yourself and others. I will not attempt to give you all of the rules of the road in this limited space, but the biggest mistake I see from novice surfers is paddling out into a crowded line-up. The fact of the matter is, until you are very comfortable controlling your own board and avoiding others, YOU SHOULD BE SEARCHING FOR AN EMPTY STRETCH OF BEACH TO SURF. A place that you can make mistakes and not hurt someone. Also, not getting run over by someone else is a nice side-benefit of this strategy. Leave the advanced surfers to battle it out on the local “Star Bar” or highest quality waves around.  Check out Surfline’s “Bill of Rights and Lefts” for a detailed breakdown of surfing etiquette.

STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURFBOARD

I highly recommend starting out on a BIG, SOFTBOARD. For a normal sized adult, I would suggest something in the 9′-10′ range. You can modify that as needed if you’re bigger or smaller. A bigger board will help make it easier for you to catch waves and will also provide more stability while you are struggling to get to your feet. The most common mistake is to emulate experienced surfers who are ripping on sleek, little 6- foot foam and fiberglass boards. Don’t worry, after learning the basics on a softboard for a year or so, you will have the ability required to ride whatever type of board that interests you.  The following companies offer the best soft beginner surfboards: INT Surfboards, Surftech Surfboards, Body Glove, Global Surf Industries.

STEP 3: DIET & EXERCISE

This one isn’t rocket science. The better your fitness level, the easier it will be for you to excel at a strenuous activity like surfing. At the risk of sounding like your mom, I will tell you to eat more fruits and vegetables; drink less soda and eat fewer processed foods. Start working out. If you’re already lifting weights or going to the gym, try to vary your exercise routine with yoga, pilates or some other form of cross-training. Your goal is to become as fit and flexible as possible. This will, in turn, make you a better surfer. A word of advice – be realistic. If you can’t do a single push-up on the floor in your living room, don’t expect that you’re going to magically pop to your feet once you’re out in the ocean. Give yourself an honest fitness assessment and realize that it might make a lot of sense to begin a diet/exercise routine before even attempting your first paddle out.  Check out Men’s Health Magazine’s “Brave the Wave” fitness plan to help improve your surfing fitness on land.

Once you have learned surfing etiquette, acquired the correct equipment and worked on your fitness level, you will be ready to go out and catch your first waves.

See you in the water, Chris Brown, Executive Director, Campsurf. www.campsurf.com.

To the outside world, it looked like Jimmy Miller had it all. He was a competitive surfer living in a beach community in California; he was a world traveler and was even married to a supermodel. In his brother’s words – he had it all going on.

“He lived the ideal life,” Jeff Miller told FoxNews.com. “He had tons of friends, not just locally, but all over the world. For all intensive purposes, he was a pretty happy guy.”

• 90 minute surf lesson for 2
• Surf boards and wet suits provided
• 2 T-shirts featuring the Campsurf logo
• Certified instructors
• Manhattan Beach location only
• No experience necessary

THE DETAILS

Surfing a wave?  Wowza!  Surfing the internet?  Not so much.  If you’re ready to climb out from behind your laptop and experience the rush, grab a friend and get down to Campsurf today!  They’ve been ripping waves since 1997 and have taught thousands how to shred the gnarl at their Manhattan Beach location. Even if you’ve never dipped your toe in the ocean, they will teach you the fundamentals of how to ride a curl all in one easy lesson. No pressure for performance. Just encouragement and camaraderie from expert and easy going instructors.  So come on  – get barreled at Campsurf today!

$99 for a 2-person surf lesson plus 2 T-shirts ($200 value)

LA INSIDER TIP

For some killer, after-surf eating, check out Sharkeez right down the street from Campsurf.  Cheap burritos, surf videos and surf-themed interior.  Pay them a visit after your lesson and receive 20% off your food and drink purchases!

Wave knowledge is an important aspect to surfing.  Camp Surf instructors have decades of surfing experience that they can pass along to any Los Angeles surf lesson student, but if you want to get a head start, you can learn the basics of waves from the following link: Wave Basics

Surfing is the raddest way to feel the true raw power of nature. Come to Camp Surf and we will teach you how to harness the ocean’s power for a pure surfing experience.

Check out Camp Surf partner Tommy Ostendorf on this tow-in monster in Tavarua.