Surfing Zuma Beach Surf Spot in Los Angeles County

04.02.2009 // Surf Maps, Surf Photos, Surf Spots, Zuma Beach // lasurf // 2 Comments

Zuma Beach Surf Spot in Los Angeles County

Westies
Drains
Regs
Broad Beach

Zuma Beach - Drainpipes

A couple of things stand out when trying to describe Zuma Beach Surfing; cold, windy, closed-out, hot and cold, no parking cause of that stupid triathlon every summer, and the occasional sick barrels that rifle through once every ten years. OK, Zuma Beach does get good waves much more often than that, and is serviceable many times a year, but the allure of those really great Zuma Beach days is really a way larger serotonin release as compared to the cold hard reality, numerous WTF moments when you find yourself out there and it just really isn’t that rideable.

Still, this stretch of beach happens to host some of the better, more consistent surfable waves in the area. In the summer time (before Blackball) Zuma Beach is the go-to spot when the swell won’t churn enough on the points and reefs. Meet a buddy, throw a Frisbee around for a minute or two, (you’re gonna want to warm up before the hard realization that even a 4/3 might be needed in the summertime). Usually you are catching 2-3 foot dumpy waves good for a quick lip or floater.

On certain Southwest Swells Zuma Beach does turn into a total Barrel Fest, and will trick you into thinking that tomorrow will be just as good!

Don’t hit your head on the sandbars at Drains!

Beginners time and again fall into this trap of thinking that Zuma Beach is a great place to learn surfing! Zuma Beach is not a great learning spot, “When the wave breaks here, don’t be there, or you’re gonna get drilled”

In short, the wave is too short, quick, and hollow to be a suitable beginners wave. Try instead Zeros, or County Line.