Surf: Long righthand pointbreak at the base of Topanga Canyon near Topanga Creek; best shape is with a strong W swell and mid to low tide. Some good sections. The outer section is known as Boomers, which is shorter but more powerful than the main wave. Can handle up to double-overhead. Not as perfect as Malibu but not quite as crowded either. Still, it can be a high-quality wave. Environment: Site of psychedelic-era experimentation and hedonism, a bit of throw-back localism endures. Pay to park lot off PCH. Surf: General: A visible long right point at the base of Topanga Canyon. Topanga can be a real workable wave with plenty of challenging sections, but it never matches the shape of its cousin, Malibu. Topanga will take any swell, but it's best on a big west. During the huge El Nino winter of 1982-'83, local Donnie Wilson picked off a ride from Topanga that connected all the way past Chart House -- a distance of more than 300 yards. Always crowded and on shore there's this mangy, hippie, drifter atmosphere. Don't accept any free brownies. Tides: medium Size: waist high to double overhead Wind: N to NE Swell: SSW, SW, WSW, W Bottom: Cobblestone Paddling: It takes a lot of swell to make Topanga a lot of work, so the shoulder burn is typically low. Unless you factor in navigating the crowd. Spot Rating: Gets good on a solid W swell. Access: There's a big parking lot that overlooks the break. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Since it's one of the closest pointbreaks to downtown L.A., it's rarely empty. Local Vibe: Rather surly. Environment: Close to LA, but worst after a rain. Hazards: Locals, car rip-offs. Season: September-February