North Los Angeles

What makes L.A. a special destination for surfers?

From the beach to the mountains and the cityscape in between, it’s just such a dynamic, expansive experience. First Point Malibu is an ideal, premier, world-class wave that we have and it really is amazing to see world-class waves do their thing. But heading further and further north up the PCH, there are so many different rock features, and you really feel like you’re far away. It’s so stunning and beautiful. There’s nothing like surfing some off-the-beaten-path wave up there and then head into Neptune’s Net, which is a groovy, iconic biker bar, for some clam chowder. It’s always an experience around here.

What kind of waves can visiting surfers expect?

Venice Beach and the Pier has a bunch of fun beachbreak peaks. Venice Breakwater gets good on the small south swells when the points aren’t really doing it, too. Of course there’s the points of Malibu, then beyond Zuma Beach, there’s a bunch of really, fun little pointbreak style waves like El Pescador, Matador, Nicholas Canyon, Leo Carrillo. There are so many fun, little, dynamic, cool spots.

How would you describe the vibe?

All in all, people in LA right now are just really grateful to be outside and grateful to be in nature with how tragic of a year we’ve had with the Palisades Fires. Some places are more hectic than others, like First Point Malibu, but once you go beyond the fray a little bit, up by Pescador and Matador, it’s super chill because they’re not surfed very much. You can go get a couple mellow waves around Venice, too.

What should surfers bring?

For wetsuits, anything in the 3/2 range. The closer it is to the Fall, bring a 3/2 for the early mornings or late afternoons, and then a long john and a jacket is a nice combo. When it comes to boards—longboards, mid-lengths, alternative crafts, just because a lot of the waves in this region specifically are longer, stretched-out pointbreaks, where it’s just nice to have a little more rail line to play with a little more volume. Of course, tons of people shortboard 3rd Point Malibu and Zuma.

When is the best time to score?

The best time to score is in the summer because these long-period, steep-angled southern-hemisphere swells are what really light up Malibu. Fall can be great though, too, because the wind can be a lot calmer compared to the Springtime when you can get some weird coastal eddies.

What else is there to do besides surf?

LA has got a zillion things to do, but if you have a chance, I’d say don’t miss out on one of Malibu’s best-kept secrets, and that’s the Adamson House. It’s an estate and you can learn about the history of Malibu, which is really interesting. It’s such a hidden gem and the reason that Malibu exists today in the way that it does and why there isn’t a railway through it. Driving down the PCH is great and there’s a lot to see.

What’s your favorite local food?

If you want an experience, going to Duke’s is awesome. It's right on the beach at Malibu and the actual Gidget still works there, so you can go hang with her and have a whole experience. I always jam over to Howdy’s. They have great burritos. John’s Garden is good for a juice, and then you have Sunlife for smoothies. If you’re in Northern Malibu, head over to Lily’s.

Where would someone go to learn how to surf?

You definitely can learn at First Point Malibu, but normally we would point people to Sunset, or Topanga or Santa Monica.

What should visitors know about the local culture?

People can drive insane on the PCH, so I would say that when you go cruise through the PCH, take it slow. Enjoy yourself. Don’t be in a hurry. Take in the sights. Take in the pace. Pick up after yourself, cruise, and enjoy yourself. Remember that you are normally where somebody lives, and when we’re in the ocean, mind all the animals that live there, too.