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
Gets good on a solid W swell.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
It takes a lot of swell to make Topanga a lot of work, so the shoulder burn is typically low. Unless you factor in navigating the crowd.
Water Quality
Fair
Close to LA, but worst after a rain.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SSW, SW, WSW, W
Wind
N to NE
Surf Height
waist high to double overhead
Tide
medium