Get set up for the waves
Thinking you’d like to give this surfing thing a try? Here are a few resources:
In the Santa Monica/Venice area For lessons, try Nick Fowler at Aloha Bros., NickFowler9 @gmail.com.
Or Peter Paris at Go Surf LA, info@gosurfla.com.
To buy or rent equipment, check out Rider Shack Surf and Skate Shop, 13211 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. www.ridershack.com .Or head to Mollusk, 1600 Pacific Ave., Venice Beach. www.mollusksurfshop.com.
As for beaches, Fowler said most area beaches are suitable for beginners. The trick is to find a quiet spot, ideally away from other beginners.
In Malibu
For surf lessons, Joel Schultz at Surf the Bu, www.surfthebu.com.
Malibu Makos, one of Malibu’s three permitted surf companies, www.malibumakos.com.
To buy or rent equipment, stop by Zuma Jay Surfboards, 22775 Pacific Coast Highway, www.zumajays.com.
Good Malibu beaches for beginners, said Schultz, are Zuma (“if the surf is reasonably small … it is really the only beach break [sandy bottom] available that breaks out far enough for a decent ride”) and Sunset Beach by Gladstone’s restaurant (“a rock bottom surf spot that is also a good choice since its waves are so slow and gentle”).