Surfing in Los Angeles

A few years ago, I fled the cold winter of NY and came West to learn about surfing in Los Angeles--then I stayed for good. As I've learned to read a tide chart, wait for swell and balance on my board, I've become well-acquainted with some great places to go before and after surf sessions. Here's how you can have the full experience of surfing in Los Angeles, with suggestions for where to go for surfing lessons, boards and gear, clothing, food and drinks and more.

Updated: June 03, 2010

Surfing in Los Angeles: Shops for Surf Gear and Surfer Girl Styles


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Z J Boarding House

2619 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

Whatever you want for surfing in Los Angeles (or wherever you paddle out!), they've got it at ZJ's. Surfboards, wetsuits, booties, wax, flip-flops, clothing for men and women. You can rent foam boards (perfect for beginners) here, too.


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Planet Blue Clothing

3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

Fashion for the surfer girl: Before and after suiting up for a surf, this is where you can splurge on beachy-chic clothing and accessories.


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O'my Sole Marina Del Rey

4345 Glencoe Ave Ste C12, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

Say what you want about Uggs; nothing feels better on your feet after a surf session (especially if you're surfing in Los Angeles -- it might be sunny and 70 most of the year, but the water is always chilly). This shop always stocks 'em.


Surfing in Los Angeles: Post-Surf Coffee and Food


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Urth Caffe

2327 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

For a post-surf coffee and breakfast when in Santa Monica or Venice. An order of a soy latte and scrambled eggs always does the trick.


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Zelda's Corner Deli

9 Westminster Ave, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

For a post-surf lunch when in Venice. This corner deli makes delicious sandwiches and irresistible made-to-order mini-donuts.


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Neptune's Net Seafood

42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

For a post-surf lunch when jumping in at County Line (right across the street) or nearby at other Malibu surf spots. My standard order: peel-and-eat shrimp and clam chowder.


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Malibu Fish & Seafood

25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

Another post-surf lunch spot when surfing in Malibu or at Sunset in the Palisades. I like the fish tacos and seafood sandwiches. The shop also sells seafood you can take to make at home.


Surfing in Los Angeles: Surf Lessons


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Perfect Day Surf Camp

100 Knob Hill Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (map)

Surf camp run by Robbie Yrigoyen and sponsored by Roxy and Quiksilver. Private and group surfing lessons are available for kids and adults, as well as parties, in Redondo Beach and Santa Monica.


Surfing in Los Angeles: Surf Board Repair


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Aqua Tech Glassing

4065 Glencoe Ave, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

Boards get dinged. This is where they get fixed.