RINCON
Location: Bates Road exit on the 101. 2 parking lots, a bit of a walk to surf.
Rating: 10
Season: November-March
Swell Direction: W NW
Size: 3-15'
Temp: 52-60
Difficulty: 5
Crowd: 10
Environment: 7

First Point
The best wave in California? Machine perfect right point break that peels into a cove. Flawless lines peel from the top of the point to Pacific Coast Highway. It is semi-powerful and on the right tide can become hallow. Rincon makes average surfers look good and good surfers look great. Under six feet Rincon has inviting shoulders that are easy to make and perfect for maneuvers. Above six feet you race the sections and set up for the big maneuver on the huge shoulder. Rincon is California’s prototypical point break
Caution: During big swells, it is easy to drift in front of the sea wall that lines PCH. Avoid this area!

River Mouth
Leftovers from the indicator. Short rights that often close out during big swells. The least crowded area at Rincon.

Indicator
The far point at Rincon, the wave has flat spots as it works its way to the river mouth where it becomes a fast performance wave. Most of the short boarders migrated to this spot. In smaller surf this is the hot spot for short boarders.

LA CONCHITA BEACH
Location: The beach just south of Rincon. It is in front of the La Conchita homes.  Highway parking
Rating: 1
Season: November-March
Swell Direction: W NW
Size: 2-3
Temperature: 52-58
Difficulty: 2
Crowd: 1
Environment: 5

La Conchita is a sand bottom beach break. It closes out during solid swells. Catch it on a northwest wind swell..., or better yet, just go to Rincon.  Combo swells S /NW will be peaky fun.

LA CONCHITA POINT
other names: Little Rincon, Cliff House. Location the shell island oil pier is the top, cliff house hotel is the bottom.  101 hwy exit at Cliff house exit, parking available....Respect the homeowners!!

Rating: 4
Season: November- March
Swell Direction: W NW
Size: 3-6'
Temperature: 55-58
Difficulty: 4
Crowd: 3
Environment: 5

Sectioned lined up rights that peel forever. Tide can be a factor, best at a medium to low tide. Good on a medium size swell in the morning. Pick your spot and have fun. A decent alternative when Rincon is packed.
Big days can be epic, the A crowd will be seen shooting the pier, and getting barreled in front of the coffin rock.

HOBSON PARK
Location: Hobson's campground north end of Rincon parkway approx 1 mile south of seaward exit. Parking limited in campgrounds, otherwise on the parkway in parking zones.

Rating: 4
Season: November- March
Swell Direction: W NW
Size: 3-10'
Temperature: 55-58
Difficulty: 6
Crowd: 5
Environment: 8  Good burgers at store if open.

Hobsons, also known as Tropics, is a thick wave that peels across a rock reef. Usually it is mushy but when it gets big the left becomes a powerful grinding shoulder. When it is six feet plus the right also becomes more powerful, although not as good as the left, it is longer. Best at low tide.
Caution: Getting out at High tide can be a real problem.


FARIA PARK
Location: Faria campgrounds. Parking on parkway, or limited in camping area.

Rating 2
Season: November-March
Swell Direction: W NW
Size: 3-6'
Temperature: 58
Difficulty: 4
Crowd: 2
Environment: 8  Good burgers at store if open.

Faria is a fast left that is rarely good. It requires a lined up defined swell that is not too big. Not very many people surf the break that is located in the center of the Gold Coast.

PITAS POINT
Location: Faria campgrounds.

Rating: 2
Season: November-April
Swell Direction: W NW
Size: 4-6
Temperature: 58
Difficulty: 2....8
Crowd: 1
Environment: 7
The point is a fast sectioned wave with many days offering up tubes.  Very heavy on larger days, best on low tide. Can get trapped in the rocks at high tide.  Better surfers recommended...respect the homeowners, and don't walk on their seawalls...they will get pissed.

Pitas is a right point break that need perfect conditions to break. A consistent west swell produces long slow rolling waves that break over a sand bottom. Low tide is a must. Excellent for beginners.

MONDOS
Location: Bottom of Pitas point. Parking at the break in the houses south of Faria, park by the railroad tracks across from the beach.

Rating: 4
Season: Year round
Swell Direction: all
Size: 1-6...if it is 6 foot here Rincon is triple overhead.
Temp: 55-70
Difficulty: 1
Enviroment: 10 super friendly

Mondos is the place to learn in Ventura.  Soft rollers that are always smaller here than the rest of the county.  Mostly all sand bottom, and lots of friendly beginners and teachers.  If you want to try surfing, come here.

SOLIMAR
Located about 1 1/2 north of Emma Wood. Parking next to the highway south of the first houses on the parkway.

Rating 3
Season: November-March
Swell Direction: W
Size: 2-8'
Temperature: 58
Difficulty: 4
Crowd: 3
Environment: 7

Slow rights that peel off of a point. Unmakeable sections, occasionally powerful. A good place to get away from the crowd. Like all point and reef breaks, on the right swell it can be a real thrill. A quarter of a mile off shore there is a reef that works when the surf gets over eight feet. It is a heavy wave with quick rights and lefts, no place for the inexperienced.

VENTURA OVERHEAD
Location:  Emma wood campgrounds.  Pay for camp parking, or parking limited above, next to the highway on the bluff.
Rating: 6
Season: November-April
Swell Direction: W NW SW
Size: 3-12
Temperature: 58
Difficulty: 6
Crowd: 6
Environment: 8

Outer Reef
Huge winter peaks that focus on a reef a quarter of a mile off shore. Quick powerful lefts that fade into the deep channel. The rights are longer than the lefts but are mushy. Begins working at six feet and holds up to fifteen.
Caution: The ocean is unforgiving..., a long paddle for a big drop.

Shore break
Also known as Emma Wood, the beach break has a number of tubular left and rights that offer plenty of room for maneuvers. Breaks all year around but best in winter. Often the site of contests.

VENTURA FAIRGROUNDS
Location: California street exit. Some free parking, or plenty of pay parking.
Rating 7

Season: October-April
Swell Dir: NW W SW
Size: 2-15'
Temperature: 58-62
Difficulty: 7
Crowd: 8
Environment: 6

Ventura Point
Long powerful lined up rights off the far point. Excellent wave for big maneuvers with enough juice for exhilarating take-offs. On lined up northwest swells you can get a ride for 150 yards. Breaks all year but best in winter at medium-low tide.

California Street
Long slow mushy rights that peel into the bay. Occasionally good lefts that are faster than the rights. Needs a low tide. The place begins to work at eight feet and holds up to eighteen. During big NW swells C-Street becomes a fun thick wave with fat shoulders.

SANTA CLARA RIVER MOUTH
Location:  Surfers knoll has parking at the Ventura harbor, then hike south to the spot.  Or McGrath campgrounds and hike north.

Rating 4
Season: October-May
Swell Direction: SW W NW
Size: 2-10
Temperature: 54-62
Difficulty: 10
Crowd: 6
Environment: 2

River Mouth
Thick heavy beach break that is very unforgiving. Fast short rights that are thick and hairy. Longer fast tubular lefts with plenty of juice. Surf is powerful whether it is two feet or ten feet. On bigger days getting out becomes very difficult. Best after heavy winter rains when the river mouth can resemble a reef break in Queensland. Blown out by 11:00 A.M. Not for the inexperienced!
Caution: Although it is best after it rains the water contains high levels of bacteria not fit for human contact.

OXNARD SHORES
Location:  Fifth street where it ends at the beach. Plenty of parking.

Rating 7
Season: October-May
Swell Direction: W NW  Best shape on SW
Size: 2-12
Temperature: 54-62
Difficulty: 10
Crowd: 6
Environment: 2

1 mile of beach break.  Good, heavy beach break that can be spectacular. Fast short rights that are thick and hairy. Longer fast tubular lefts with plenty of juice. Surf is powerful whether it is two feet or ten feet. Early morning is the call here. Oxnard probably provides for as much tube-time as any beach break in America.  Caution: Locals can be a bit testy.

SILVER STRAND
Location:  Victoria exit 101 south till you are at the harbor.  Make a right at the harbor kiddie beach, and park in the lot dawn to dusk.
Rating: 9
Season: Oct-March
Swell Direction: N NW
Size: 2-20
Temp: 55-65
Difficulty: 9
Crowd: 7
Environment: 6

North Jetty:  This is where you should surf if you are not a local.  There are several main peaks at this north end.

Jelly Bowl:  Middle section of the beach.  Heavy waves...leave for the locals.

South Jetty: The South Jetty has produced some great surfers from this area...again leave this for the locals.
The local scene has been washed out here some over the years, but always show respect and proper surfing etiquette here........AND EVERYWHERE!!

THE BASE
Location: Pt. Magu Naval Base...need a pass or sponsor to access.

Rating: 10
Season: All
Swell Direction: All
Size: 2-12
Temperature: 58-62
Difficulty: 10
Crowd: 3
Environment: 9

Pt. Magu Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) may be the best kept secret in Surfing. Primarily because of its proximity on a military base – few are able to experience this fantastic beach break. The result is excellent surf with relatively few in the lineup. I have surfed this place with 2-3 others while County Line (which is a crappy wave) has 150 guys out.

Magu is a 1 mile beach break that is usually 2 feet bigger than the rest of the coast. Gnarly grinding lefts break over a constantly shifting sandbar located directly in front of the break wall and north. The waves are good for about a 1/2 mile north of the main break wall. Because it is located on a base it is rarely crowded. It can be hollow with 6 second barrels not even raising an eyebrow. If this place were public domain, it would replace Salt Creek, Huntington and Trestles as the most photographed So. Cal spot. Why is it bigger? For the same reason it is colder…, deep water. Just off the coast the shoreline drops off quick. Upwelling makes the water cold. Deep water drives big waves toward shore.
Caution: Those lucky enough to surf this place are good, very good, so be cool and they will be cool to you.

COUNTY LINE
Location:  PCH south of point Magu about 5 miles,  across  hwy from Neptune's Net restaurant.  Parking along PCH and on the bluff.

Rating: 3
Swell:  All
Size:  Closes out over 8 feet.
Temp: 55- 70
Difficulty: 4
Crowd: 10
Environment: 6

County is a famous spot in north LA County.  Many movies have been shot here at Neptune's, including Point Break.  This is a playful high performance surfing type wave.  Usually a bit mushy, but every dog can have its day.  Holds the morning glass longer with the heavy kelp beds on the point.  Mainly rights off the point, and peaks in the bay. Boneyards:  Top of the point, short faster waves here. Point:  Longest section from the top of the point to the bay. Bob's peak: Between the bay and the point is a spot known as bobs peak, and will offer a good section on the sets the swing wide of the point. Bay/Beach break:  Fun close out sections good for punting some air or big floaters.  One of the most overrated, over surfed beaches in LA county.

STAIRCASE
Location:  South of county line, just past whaler’s village.  Dirt lot for pay parking or park on the hwy.

Rating: 4
Swell: Best SW will break on all directions
Size:  Closes out over 6 feet
Temp: 55-70
Difficulty: 4
Crowd: 3
Environment: 6

Staircase is similar to county line without the point.  A couple of reefs define the takeoff zone here, the walk down the cliff deters many who opt for County line.  A nice choice if wanting to escape the crowds of LA.

LEO CARRILLO (Secos or Seaquest)
Location: The Leo Carrillo campgrounds.  Parking for 10 dollars in the lot, or free on the hwy.

Rating: 5
Swell: SW best
Size:  Will hold 10 foot plus
Temp:55- 65
Difficulty: 7
Crowd: 10
Environment: 10

Leo is a prime right reef/point break.  It main feature is the large rock at the takeoff zone.  It breaks best on higher tides, and as the waves get bigger the outer rocks start to come alive.  This is a very small takeoff area, with plenty of competition for the waves.  Bring your A game to this party if you want waves.

ZEROS
Location: Nicolas Canyon Beach, south of County Line about 3 miles.  Pay parking in lot, or on hwy.
Rating: 5
Swell: SW best
Size: Will hold up to 8 feet depending on swell.
Temp: 60-70
Difficulty: 6
Crowd:6
Environment: 6

Zeros is the best left point in N LA, it is best on low tide,  with a south swell. The takeoff area is from the top of the point to the bay.


ZUMA BEACH
Location: just north of Kanan Rd. and PCH pay in the lot or park on the hwy.Rating: 6
Swell:  SW combo NW is best for a frame conditions.
Size: Death over 6 feet
Temp: 55-70
Difficulty: 10
Crowd: 2
Environment: 10 (bikinis)
Zuma a long stretch of sand that explodes with people in hot weather.  This is one pounding beach break, from Broad beach to free Zuma you will find pounding shore break, with occasional moments of glory.  If you happen to see this place on the right day you might think you are looking at Pipeline.

POINT DUME
Location: Private area south of Zuma, north of Paradise cove.  Limited parking on the point....5 spots, or walk in from residential parking...long walk.Rating: 7
Swell: SW best
Size: Will hold the big days.
Temp: 55-70
Difficulty: 8
Crowd: 2
Environment:  10 Point  Dume is a private oasis for the rich, or those who are willing to hike in.  Big Dume:   This is the main spot, peeling rights off the rocks.  Will hold really big swell, and fun on small ones too.  Low to high tide push is best, can shut off on small days and high tide.

Little Dume:  If the main peak looks too big, you can hike down to little dume.  A mile down from Big  is another point of rocks, forming a great peeling right a bit smaller than the upper point.

MALIBU
You can’t miss it…Rating: 8
Season: November-March
Swell Direction: SW
Size: 1’-8’
Temp: 60-65
Difficulty: 1
Crowd: 10
Environment: 3

First Point
Classic California surf. Predictable, perfect and mellow, this right point break defines what it is to surf in California. Flawless lines peel from the top of the point to Pacific Coast Highway dumping on the beach just north of the pier. Mushy and forgiving, the only danger is stubbing your toe on the cobblestone bottom.
Caution: First point defines the word crowded! Its midnight on a full moon – Malibu will still have 25 people out.

Second Point
Fast walls provide short rides between third and first points. Often the wave is makeable from third point which leaves you watching someone else rip it up. Nevertheless, a good alternative to the crowded first and third points.

Third Point
A performance wave, third point offers up perhaps the most rippable wave in Los Angeles County. Melting around a cobblestone reef, the waves line up providing for a great ride. Fast and lined up, the wave is a magnet for performance surfing. Off the top of the point the left peals into the kiddy pool offering a mushy but ridable left.

The Rock
Depending on the tide (low tide and the rock is exposed, high tide and it lay just under the surface) the rock can be ridable. Although the wait can be long, the occasional wave peels off the rock and to the kiddy pool. Very inconsistent.