Topaz Street surf guide

Topaz Street is a surf spot located at the foot of Topaz Street in Redondo Beach, right outside of Los Angeles. It’s one of those spots that can be a fallback when the conditions aren’t great elsewhere. Parking is easy and free on Esplanade, making it accessible for surfers looking for a quick session. Just keep in mind, it tends to get crowded whenever there are waves.

The surf here mainly works on short to mid-period swells from the west and northwest, thanks to the nearby Redondo Submarine Canyon which can mess with longer period swells. The sandbar on the north side of the jetty offers left waves that can be pretty fun, especially when conditions are right. It picks up swell sizes from around waist high (about 1 meter) up to a few feet overhead (around 2 meters). For the best results, aim for lower tides and optimal swell directions from the west or northwest. The waves can get a bit challenging during big winter storms, handling swells from 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) to 20 feet (about 6 meters), making it suitable for beginner, intermediate, and expert surfers alike. The preferred wind directions are east, southeast, or east-northeast, and you’ll usually find an easy paddle next to the jetty.

It's worth noting that the local vibe is generally mellow, but expect some unskilled surfers in the lineup when the waves are small. Also, watch out for the shallow sandbars on the south side of the jetty. During the winter season, when big storms hit SoCal, it's a spot to check out, though it's often better to look for different spots during those times unless the swells are right.