It’s no secret that the world-class beaches and surf breaks in California are quintessential parts of SoCal’s geography and culture. From the calm waves and scenic backdrops to the high energy of famed Venice Beach, surfers of all skill levels flock to Southern Cali regularly to show off their talents or learn some new techniques in order to improve their game.

Indeed, surfing around L.A. is akin to breathing in the origins of modern wave riding, what with the surf culture, lifestyle and innovation out in the water marking the California surf experience. With endless surf spots that can make it a bit overwhelming for newbies, we have divided what we feel are the best surfing destinations near Woodland Hills into a couple of categories including surf shops, places to surf and surf lesson options. 

So prepare for wetsuits, water and waves…you’re going to hit the surf in style.

Surf Shops

Garza Shapes of Canoga Park is dedicated to providing expert surfboard repair services, custom surfboard designs and more, its owners always keeping up with the various revolutions in the industry, from shortboard mania to eco-friendly options. If you are a seasoned L.A. boarder who needs repairs done to your pride and joy, Garza Shapes makes sure the fixes are water-tight, all while keeping the shape of the board intact – and, most importantly, getting you back into the water as soon as possible. The shop also shapes, details and glasses all of its boards by hand in California, with all designs and artwork created for each individual customer based on consultation.

Focus Sup Hawaii, located at 8225 Remmet Avenue in Canoga Park, was founded on the basis of “Your Life, Your SUP,” a simple premise that suggests anyone can paddle wherever they happen to be – and that Focus will have the right board for each and every adventure. During the shop’s mission to design and build the best boards that range from the easiest to paddle, fastest to race and most performing to surf, its founders have engaged in extensive material sourcing, advanced shaping and creating a wide range of models; in so doing, Focus Sup has created one of the most diverse lineups that that will have even the most seasoned of boarders out and paddling like never before.

Places to Surf

Sunset Beach, beginning at Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway and annexed by Huntington Beach in 2011, has evolved into a charming seaside community that maintains its allure and unique identity to this day – and it also offers some of the most sought-after surfing conditions in all of the Golden State. Grab a surfboard, stand up paddle board or kayak for the day or week at one of the many water gear rental spots like OEX Sunset Beach or Huntington Surf and Sport (HSS), knowing full well that Sunset Beach’s quiet shoreline brings with it one of the widest beaches in SoCal – a 1.5-mile stretch of ocean shredded by surfers, kite surfers and sailboarders.

Zuma Beach, situated in Malibu, is one of the longest surfing beaches in the state of California, this famous stretch of sand and surf holding a unique place in Golden State surf history, as well as being one of the first swells in the region to be made very popular internationally. The beautiful beach epitomizes what Malibu is to a lot of residents here – usually always sunny, plenty of perfectly manicured sand and hordes of interesting people walking up and down its length. Stretching almost two miles along the Pacific Ocean, Zuma Beach is broken into two different beach breaks: “Zuma,” what the locals call the main break, extends along the main beach, while “Westwards” represents the other break at the southernmost section of the beach. But be careful out there, bikini-clad girls and board shorts-clad guys, because the waves here are no joke; many a board has been cracked by a heavy Zuma swell.

Topanga Beach, offering surfing adventures at 18700 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, sometimes hosts 40 to 50 surfers in the water at one time, making it one of the most popular boarding spots in all of L.A. The break is known as Topanga because it falls outside at Topanga Beach and holds a lot of physical and cultural importance; the beach itself is the southeastern most spit of sand in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and is truly an amazing sight to behold. Indeed, Topanga, being the closest point break to the city of Los Angeles, can really draw some crowds, but because the wave that comes through there is so constant, it is easy to predict where it is coming from – making it easier to plan your paddle.

Surf Lesson Spots

Go Surf, located at 1 Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica, is a permitted and insured surf and stand-up paddle school that has helped thousands of new surfers catch their first wave and get to the next level. Founded by Peter Paris, who has surfed and taught surfing in Southern California and throughout Latin America, Go Surf offers lessons in popping up, surfing etiquette and ocean safety, and also operates a Learn to Surf L.A. Summer Camp in Santa Monica/Venice and El Segundo, which is a great way for kids and teens to learn ocean safety while having fun surfing.

Aloha Brothers Surf Lessons, headquartered in Venice, welcomes people of all ages and sizes looking to jump into the world of surfing – whether they’re beginners wanting to stand up for the first time or those already familiar with surfing and looking for an experienced instructor to take their skills to the next level. In addition to the standard group lessons, Aloha Brothers also offers five-lesson packages at a discounted rate, the additional water time enabling you to learn how to surf on your own.

Surf Coach of L.A. makes surfing fun by encouraging family, friends and friends you never met yet to join in the instructions, its teachers providing feedback to each student separately depending on skill level. Surf services offered by Surf Coach include surf etiquette, board knowledge, ocean safety, equipment, theory lessons, video analysis and more, with group lessons starting at $120 and private lessons starting at $150.

Malibu Surf Coach, located at 29130 Cliffside Drive in Malibu, is a mobile service based out of Point Dume offering surf lessons, surf coaching, SUP lessons and rentals, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced individuals. Taught by a professional surfer, lifeguard and head coach of the Malibu High School surf team Chris Stiegler, Malibu Surf Coach lesson plans focus on keeping each and every student healthy and active while being outdoors. Don’t miss the opportunity to join MSC’s surf programs at the business’ own exclusive local private surf spot not affected by government beach closures.

For more information about any of the beaches, services and businesses in this roundup, visit their corresponding websites.