Redondo Breakwater Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
WSW, W, WNW (mid-long periods best from 13sec+)
Wind
E, SE, ENE
Surf Height
Head-high to triple overhead.
Tide
Lower the better.
Redondo Breakwater Surf Guide
One of L.A.'s few big-wave spots, Redondo Breakwater is a fast, walled left that breaks across the front of the King Harbor breakwall. On N and W swells bigger than six feet, this spot can hold up to 20 feet. The wave refracts and is amplified off of the jetty, spinning out long, fast lefts that end in a sucker-punch shorebreak. An Army Corps of Engineers project in 1997 moved some new rocks out onto the bend in the wall, and that, combined with the ongoing loss of sand, is costing the spot some of its former glory. According to regulars, the peak has moved closer to the beach, and the wave doesn't wedge off the jetty as well.
Ability Level
Advanced
Intermediate-Advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Intolerant, until it's more than triple overhead.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Brutal, but thins with size.
Spot Rating
Fun
Lots of closeouts but stand up barrels when you find the right one.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Paddle out at the rip next to the breakwater.
Water Quality
Fair
One of the dirtiest locations in the South Bay due to being directly in front of a storm drain. Especially bad after a rain.
Hazards
Water entry from the break-wall. Don't mistime it.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Skimming, Bodysurfing, Gun
Access
Parking lot at King Harbor (or through the harbor).
Bottom
Jetty/sand.
Best Season
November - March.
Do you have local knowledge about Redondo Breakwater?
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