Redondo Beach (South Bay)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Very crowded during summer weekends and during prime winter swells.
December through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Small-to-medium waves; often regulated, reducing consistency versus legal alternatives.
- Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Occasionally practiced by locals during stronger spring fronts; less common than surfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 6–8.5 m²
Deep water and consistent afternoon breeze suit foiling; growing in popularity.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 2.0 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Exposed beach break that is often working; best conditions are reported in spring on west swells.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- Kitesurfing is often regulated at this location.
- No kiting in designated swim zones.
- Summer restrictions on sports near the main pier.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Classic South Bay beach culture with rugged coastline scenery and an active outdoors-focused community.
A historic landmark featuring dining, shopping, and scenic ocean views.
Museum focused on the history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and whale watching.
Extensive hiking and biking trails offering panoramic views of the Pacific.
A pedestrian-only zone lined with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants.
A large saltwater lagoon in Redondo Beach with sand beaches and play areas.
From riders who've been here
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.