BEST PLACES IN LA

Question
Hi Laurie,

My name is cyril, i am from france and i've just arrived in LA. I used to do surf many years ago and i would like to relearn. that is why i am looking for best places in LA , with the best period(i live not far from venice beach). Or else, i do bodyboard. Your advice will help me for enjoying my stay here during five months.

In advance, thank you very much.

Cyril.

Answer
Hi Cyril,
  I hope you're enjoying your stay in SoCal.  I have surfed a few beaches in LA (I frequent Orange County though), but I should know enough to help you out and get you started.  :)  
  First off, the Torrance, Hermosa, Redondo, and Manhattan stretch of beach is a good area.  Torrance is the farthest south, and Manhattan Beach is the farthest north.  Depending on the size and direction of the swell, this can be a really fun place to surf.  
  Although I've never surfed there, Venice beach also has some good waves.  And, if you want to make the trip, try Malibu, Zuma, or County Line.  
  A few good references for how it's looking out there that day, check out surfline.com and/or wetsand.com.  I usually go to Surfline for same-time cams and photos of certain beaches.  However, I personally haven't found their report to be the most accurate.  If you want to know what the swell is doing and what it's going to do, check out wetsand.com.  Their report and wave forecasting is much more accurate and precise.  
  Some words of wisdom: since you're going to be new to the break you're at, watch the locals and try and stay out of their way.  If you frequent the same break over and over, pretty soon there will be newcomers who will be watching out for you and staying out of your way.  :)  As always, be respectful and people will respect you.  But, most of all, have fun out there!  
  (I know you didn't ask, but if you're ever down in the Orange County area: Huntington is fun, but it's a pretty far paddle; Newport is a fast wave that's fun if you can keep up with it; if you're in the mood for a good longboarding day, head down to San Onofre, just watch out for the crowds on the weekends.  Oh, San Onofre also has campsites that you can reserve, so you can make a weekend trip out of it.)
  If there is anything else I can help with, just ask.  Have fun!
    --Laurie