Los Angeles - good spot for beginners?

[cnew]

Hi,

I'm a near-beginner, and I'll be in Woodland Hills (San Fernando Valley) this August with 2 complete beginners.

Looking for somewhere that's good for beginners - sandy bottom, manageable waves, no/weak rip current, easy to park the car and walk to the shore, etc. Also, if it's close to Woodland Hills (Topanga Canyon area) and a cheap place to hire suit/board that would help.

Any advice from a local would be appreciated. I remember someone mentioning Pacific Pallisades last time I was out there?...

Thanks,
Cyrus

[Dannyf2]

El porto in Manhattan Beach. lot's of traffic though. It's not by the pier. It's the furthest point going north on the beach.

[cnew]

Thanks Dannyf2

[dondiemand]

sta monica beach! lots of beginners, i myself am one of em hehe parking is a breeze, $6 all day, just get there before noon or something, u can rent board&suit at ZJ's Boarding House, two blocks away from the beach, very frinedly people, have fun!!

[TokyotheKid]

LA is freakin pollutedddd but i dont think it beats dana points Doheney harbor/ beach

[deathfrog]

dana point is only working like two days a year though, doheney a few more, go to one of the state beaches, they're generally less crowded (cardiff on a small day, old mans, for beginers any beach with waves that are alloud to surf works..) and go durring the week, wendsdays and fridays are the most crowded besides the weekend.