Redondo Beach (South Bay)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves, Ocean
Spot Type
10–18 kts
Wind Range

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Redondo Beach (South Bay) is primarily a surfing spot: an exposed beach break that is often working, with conditions reported as best in spring on west swells. Surf tends to be small to medium, and the break shows shifting sandbars with short-to-medium ride lengths. Wave shape is described as peeling with moderate wave power, and on very large swells it can close out even if some sandbars hold shape. For wind sports, the spot benefits from a thermal sea-breeze pattern in spring and summer. Wind is reported most reliably during spring and early summer afternoons, typically building after midday and peaking late afternoon. The most favorable wind direction for kiting is given as southwest, with a typical wind range around 10 to 18 knots. Kitesurfing can be possible with small-to-medium wave conditions, and afternoon breezes support freeride, foil, and strapless styles. However, the spot is also frequently regulated, including restrictions around designated swim zones and seasonal limits near the main pier, which can reduce day-to-day kiting reliability. Safety is a key consideration here: hazards called out include wave-breakers, rip currents (notably near piers and during larger winter swells), shore break, and submerged rocks near some piers. Lifeguards are described as seasonal, and rescue availability is characterized as limited, so visitors should plan for on-water awareness—especially on crowded summer days. After heavy rainfall, water quality guidance suggests checking reports because urban runoff can elevate contamination risk.

  • Exposed beach break that often works for surfing
  • Afternoon thermal sea breeze in spring and summer
  • Kitesurfing can be restricted by regulations and swim zones
Great for
Surfing shortboardKitesurfing freerideWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Exposed, often-working beach break with a classic South Bay surf scene.
  • Reliable afternoon sea breeze in spring and summer supports wind sports (best afternoons).
  • Developed coastal amenities and public access.
Heads up
  • Kitesurfing can be limited by regulations and designated swim zones.
  • Moderate rip currents are common, especially near piers and during larger winter swells.
  • Water quality can be affected by urban runoff after heavy rain.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, SW
Offshore directions
SW
Wind Range
10–18 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breeze/thermal pattern typical in spring and summer.
Reliability
Most reliable during spring and early summer afternoons.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusting typical.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September
Recommended Kite Sizes
12–17 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves, Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Surf described as small with small-to-medium overall conditions for waves at the beach break.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach with consistent waves; kiting launch can be tight during high tides or peak beach hours.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Launch can be tight during high tides or peak beach hours.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–21 °C
Water Temperature
14–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Nov: 4/3mmJul, Aug, Sep: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Very crowded during summer weekends and during prime winter swells.

Storm/Rain Season

December through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Small-to-medium waves; often regulated, reducing consistency versus legal alternatives.

WaveFreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
12–17 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Occasionally practiced by locals during stronger spring fronts; less common than surfing.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
6–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Deep water and consistent afternoon breeze suit foiling; growing in popularity.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
2.0 meters
Wing Sizes
5–7 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break that is often working; best conditions are reported in spring on west swells.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, NW, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Cleanest in the mornings with offshore winds; afternoons usually add texture from the sea breeze.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on very large swells, though specific sandbars may hold shape.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Short to medium rides on shifting sandbars.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Short to medium rides on shifting sandbars.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Redondo Beach (South Bay) in the full forecast view.

Redondo Beach (South Bay) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–9 ktsGusts 15 kts
Direction
WSW241°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 269 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–1.0 m10s period
Temperature
14–24 °C

Over the next 7 days, Redondo Beach (South Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.6–1.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Wave-breaker
  • Rip currents
  • Crowded lineups
  • Submerged rocks near some piers
  • Shore break
  • Submerged rocks near some piers
  • Seasonal kelp forests can be found offshore
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Redondo Beach Fire Department and Lifeguards monitor the beach.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Designated surfing and swimming zones are enforced by lifeguards during summer months. No kiting in designated swim zones; summer restrictions on sports near the main pier.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing is often regulated at this location.
  • No kiting in designated swim zones.
  • Summer restrictions on sports near the main pier.
Local Tips
  • Check water quality reports after heavy rain as runoff can be high.
  • Parking is easier to find in the early morning.
  • Note launch can feel tight during high tides or peak beach hours.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Los Angeles
Nearest Town
Redondo Beach
Parking
Metered street parking and several public parking lots are available along the coast.
Public Transport
Served by Beach Cities Transit and LA Metro bus lines; a car is recommended for transporting equipment between cliffs and beaches.
Access
Public access via various stairs and ramps along the Esplanade and the harbor area.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels and rentals available in Redondo Beach and neighboring Hermosa Beach.
Food & Drink
A wide variety of dining options are available near the pier and along the Riviera Village area.
Equipment Rental:
Available at various surf shops near the harbor and Riviera Village.
Gear Storage
Some local surf shops and beach clubs offer locker rentals.
Gear Repair
Local surf shops provide board repair services.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Classic South Bay beach culture with rugged coastline scenery and an active outdoors-focused community.

Best time to visit: May through October
Redondo Beach Pier0-5 km

A historic landmark featuring dining, shopping, and scenic ocean views.

Point Vicente Interpretive Center5-10 km

Museum focused on the history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and whale watching.

Palos Verdes Cliff Trails2-5 km

Extensive hiking and biking trails offering panoramic views of the Pacific.

Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza0-5 km

A pedestrian-only zone lined with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Seaside Lagoon2-4 km

A large saltwater lagoon in Redondo Beach with sand beaches and play areas.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Redondo Beach (South Bay)?

The best overall months at Redondo Beach (South Bay) are January, April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Redondo Beach (South Bay)?

Redondo Beach (South Bay) works with W, SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Redondo Beach (South Bay)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Redondo Beach (South Bay): Kitesurfing: 12–17 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 10–18 kts.

What skill level is Redondo Beach (South Bay) suitable for?

Redondo Beach (South Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.