Surf Forecast Lunada Bay
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Lunada Bay surfspot characteristics
More about Lunada Bay surfspot
Famous big-wave reef infamous for nasty localism and thick, world-class righthanders. One of the few bona fide Southern California big-wave spots. Needs big W-NW swells and any tide. Perfect shape and very powerful with strong currents to match. A horseshoe-shaped bay. Starts at 6ft (2m) and never closes out. Rocky and unfriendly.
General: L.A.'s localized, premier big-wave spot, Lunada Bay takes NW and W winter swells up to 20-feet and pitches a beautiful, walled right that takes you through a boiling, boulder-riddled lineup. With more N in the swell, a few daredevils will raise the stakes by taking off at a spot called Truck Drivers, a few hundred yards behind the main peak. Another lovely facet is the rip -- on large swells it pulls you toward the pocket and the rocks. The place really doesn't wake up until it's over six-feet. Tides: medium to high Size: Overhead to 4x overhead Wind: E, NE Swell: WSW, W, WNW (medium to long period swells over 14sec are best) Bottom: Sand Paddling: Starts working when it's overhead and the rip takes you into the pit/rocks. Spot Rating: Perfection you can look at but not touch.
Advanced
Off Paseo Lunado and down the cliff.
November-February
Crowd Factor: Hey, how come hardly anyone's out there? Local Vibe: Historically one of the most localized spots in California. Enter at your own risk.
The locals can (and probably will) make you feel most unwelcome. Fights and fractured bones are commonplace, as are arrests and lawsuits in recent years. Not a recommended surf spot for outsiders. Access is via a dirt parking lot and steep trail off Paseo del Mar.
Relatively clean considering proximity to LA.
Drowning, getting pushed into the rocks, walking down the trail with locals throwing rocks down on you, etc.