Santa Monica - Samo 20
Edit SpotAbout
It's a nice spot if your bringing your girlfriend or wife with you, or your kids. It's friendly, and I only go to this spot because there are always waves here. They aren't the best, but at least you can surf them. You won't get sponsored surfing here, but you'll have fun.
Atmosphere:
The locals are very nice. The area gets a lot of college students and sorority girls that are just learning to surf. That's pretty much what makes me come back here once in a while. There are a few surfing instructors that are normally available by there and they charge about $50.00 or so to help out the beginners. On occasion, you might meet a hottie that's going to ask for surfing tips. it's pretty cool. There are a lot of inner city programs that use this spot to teach inner city kids to surf. It's pretty cool, and you need to watch for them -- try not to run them over. Overall, the locals are great and very friendly. You may get a couple of Haole's, (by the way I'm from the South pacific), that get to this spot on a shortboard and act like they own the ocean, but they are often overwhelmed by the local crowd. Just be cool, and give a wave -- take a wave.
Additional Info:
This is not the best spot on the map, but it's a spot. It's more of a beginner's spot because there's a lot of white wash to surf for beginners. The waves aren't great for longboards unless it's a north west swell; then you're in heaven. But you bring a 8' longboard, or a shortboard, you should be in good shape. Station 20 is for beginners, and couple stations on the left are for more advanced surfers. Closer to the pier is some run off from the city. Stay clear of it. It's warm, but it might make you sick.
Location
Loading...Access
Take 10 freeway going towards Santa Monica.
Exit 4th Street. Left on the exit, and pass the 1st light, then make a right on Pico; and look for beach parking signs. Then go straight and find a parking spot. You can park at the beach parking for $5.00.
| Walk | Instant access (<5 min) |
|---|---|
| Public access | Yes |
| 4x4 required | Unknown |
| Boat required | Unknown |
Wave Characteristics
| Type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right and left |
| Bottom | Sandy |
| Power | Fast, Powerful, Ordinary |
| Frequency | Regular (100 days/year) |
| Normal length | Short (<50m) |
| Good day length | Normal (50 to 150m) |
Ideal Conditions
| Wind direction | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | NorthWest, SouthWest |
| Swell size | Less than 3ft - 3ft+ |
| Tide | Don't know |
| Tide movement | Rising and falling tides |
Crowd
| Week | Few surfers |
|---|---|
| Weekend | Crowded |
Dangers
Rips / undertow, Pollution
Videos
None
Nearby spots
0.04 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Sandy |
| Frequency: | Don't know |
0.50 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Sandy |
| Frequency: | Regular (100 days/year) |
0.98 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Sandy |
| Frequency: | Regular (100 days/year) |