Palos Verdes Cove - Middles/The Channel is known for its scenic beauty and decent surf. This spot sits within a Marine Preserve, making it a great place for both surfers and nature lovers. The cove features a broad dirt path for access, located at Flat Rock Point. While it may not always be the most consistent spot, it does get its moments, especially with the right swell.
Middles is favored mainly for its long, slow rights and lefts, making it popular with longboarders. The best surf comes during SouthWest and NorthWest swells, handling sizes around 2ft (0.6m) effectively. The waves break over boulders, with lefts and rights that work well at low, mid, and high tides. Watch for clean-up sets, and if it’s big, rip currents can be an issue. When the tide's low, the lefts improve, but be cautious as the surf can get a bit more unruly. Boneyards, on the south end of the cove, offers a rocky, shallow left that can get hollow, especially from mid-tide up.
The Cove isn't just about the surf; it’s got a rich history, too. It’s where Doc Ball took many classic paddleboard photos back in the 1930s. With good bird-watching and plenty of sealife, including dolphins and kelp beds, it's not uncommon to have glassy sessions where you can enjoy the beauty of the spot while catching some waves.