Topanga
North Los Angeles Surf Spots
Surf Guide
A visible long right point at the base of Topanga Canyon. Topanga can be a real workable wave with plenty of challenging sections, but it never matches the shape of its cousin, Malibu. Topanga will take any swell, but it's best on a big west. During the huge El Nino winter of 1982-'83, local Donnie Wilson picked off a ride from Topanga that connected all the way past Chart House -- a distance of more than 300 yards. Always crowded and on shore there's this mangy, hippie, drifter atmosphere. Don't accept any free brownies.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Doable
rather surly
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Since it's one of the closest pointbreaks to downtown L.A., it's rarely empty.
Spot Rating
Fun
7
Shoulder Burn
Medium
4
Water Quality
Fair
6
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SSW, SW, WSW, W
Wind
light easterlies
Surf Height
waist high to double overhead
Tide
medium