Venice Breakwater

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Venice Breakwater is an exposed beach/breakwater surf spot in the Venice area known for fairly consistent waves and for producing hollow, powerful peaks around the rock jetty. The setup is designed/formed by the breakwater, creating short, punchy sections that are often best when the tide is low. Wind and face conditions are closely tied to northeast offshore flow: East/Northeast winds are described as producing the best grooming of the wave face, while westerly/southwesterly winds tend to add chop. Surf quality is therefore most dependable when the offshore wind lines up with the incoming swell energy, and when you can time low tide. Safety is a central concern here. The spot has rocks near the impact zone and is associated with strong rip currents; crowding also increases risk during exchanges. Local rules are enforced, and multiple notes emphasize being respectful and ready to share waves because the line-up is small and competitive. Additionally, water quality can degrade after rain due to urban runoff and elevated bacteria risk—avoid entering after heavy rainfall and consider the regional pattern of 72-hour spikes following storms. Overall, it’s a classic, widely recognized Venice-area break, but it rewards prepared intermediate surfers who can manage rips, protect against rocks, and stay disciplined in the lineup.

  • Exposed beach/breakwater surf with consistent peaks
  • Low tide improves wave shape
  • Northeast offshore winds help groom the face
  • Rocks and rip currents—plan for safety
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Fairly consistent, exposed beach/breakwater surf with hollow/powerful options
  • Best wave shape is reliably tied to low tide
  • Northeast winds can groom the face when offshore
Heads up
  • Rocks nearby and strong rip currents
  • Can be crowded and competitive with moderate localism
  • Pollution/bacteria risk after heavy rainfall
  • Waves can close out on very large swells
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, E
Offshore directions
NE
Wind Range
5–12 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Sea-breeze behavior is noted seasonally, and northeast winds are best for grooming the surf face.
Reliability
low (one provider), with much higher clean/wind statistics reported for January
Gust Factor
Light gusts — One provider notes light gusts.
Best Months
January
Shadow Zones
Immediate area behind the breakwater structure can have slight turbulence.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand beach with a sandbar stabilized by the rock jetty.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Providers describe small to medium swell/conditions; large swell can still be challenging.
Chop Level
Heavy chop — One provider rates it as chop; another notes chop when winds are from the west/southwest.
Launch
Small — Sandy beach entry directly adjacent to the rock breakwater.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–21 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: 4/3mmJun–Dec: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Highest in summer months and weekend mornings year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

December through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach/breakwater break with fairly consistent surf shaped by a rock breakwater, forming a small, competitive lineup with peaks that can work on multiple swells.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, WNW
Swell Height
0.6–1.8 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Both providers emphasize low tide for best wave shape.
Shelter
Exposed — Open exposure with a semi-sheltered feel from the breakwater’s shaping, but overall conditions remain exposed.
Wind Effect
East/Northeast offshore winds are best for grooming the face; West/Southwest winds create chop.
Bigger Swell
On very large swells it can close out, though the breakwater helps maintain some shape.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality is described as good; one provider rates it as good overall.
Wave Power
Powerful — One source describes hollow/powerful waves; another describes the power as moderate—conditions vary.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Hollow and powerful is noted; another provider describes peeling, and behavior can vary by swell.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling waves with medium peel speed are described.
Ride Length
Short — Short generally; sources note <50m most of the time, and 50–150m on good days.
Ride Length Details
Relatively short waves; punchier sections near the rocks are noted, with longer rides possible on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Venice Breakwater in the full forecast view.

Venice Breakwater wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–8 ktsGusts 14 kts
Direction
SW224°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 248 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–1.0 m12s period
Temperature
14–25 °C

Over the next 7 days, Venice Breakwater is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.6–1.0 m with a period of about 12s. 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

  • Rocks
  • Strong rip currents
  • Rip currents
  • Heavy crowds
  • Pollution after rainfall
  • Localism
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as staffed during daylight hours; regional context indicates year-round professional coverage.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — One provider explicitly describes rescue availability as limited.
Emergency Info
Lifeguard towers are staffed during daylight hours; nearest hospital is Marina Del Rey Hospital. Emergency services: 911.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Local rules/etiquette are described as strictly enforced.

Rules of the spot

Be respectful to locals; share waves. Standard etiquette is strictly enforced by locals, and surfing is restricted to designated areas.

Restrictions
  • No kitesurfing or windsurfing in the main surfing zones.
  • Black ball flags may restrict surfing during peak summer swimming hours.
Local Tips
  • Avoid surfing after heavy rain (high bacteria/pollution risk).
  • Wait for low tide for the best wave shape.
  • Be ready to share waves and stay respectful—this line-up is small and can be competitive.
  • Avoid on weekends if you’re sensitive to crowding/localism.
  • Be aware that currents can be strong and board damage is common.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Los Angeles
Nearest Town
Venice
Parking
Parking is available near Venice Blvd beach access; a large paid public parking lot at the end of Venice Blvd is noted, while street parking is limited and regulated.
Access
Drive down Venice Blvd from Marina Del Rey to the beach; short 5–15 min walk. Public access via the Venice Boardwalk and sandy beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Showers
Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels and rentals in Venice and Santa Monica.
Food & Drink
Extensive options along the Venice Boardwalk and nearby Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available at multiple surf shops along the boardwalk.
Gear Repair
Local surf shops offer board repair services.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: September and October offer the warmest air temperatures and clearest skies.
Santa Monica Pier0 miles

Historic pier featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and views of the coastline.

Venice Boardwalk1 mile

Famous promenade known for its street performers, artists, and vibrant local character.

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail0 miles

A 22-mile paved path (The Strand) connecting the beach cities for cycling and skating.

Annenberg Community Beach House1 mile

Public facility with a pool, playground, and splash pad.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Venice Breakwater?

The best overall months at Venice Breakwater are January.

Which wind directions work at Venice Breakwater?

Venice Breakwater works with NE, E winds. Offshore directions are NE.

What skill level is Venice Breakwater suitable for?

Venice Breakwater suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.