El Porto
Los Angeles, USA
Beach breakIntermediate
Manhattan Beach's energetic beach break at El Porto delivers year-round peaks that punch above their weight, a South Bay staple that can produce surprisingly hollow and powerful waves.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size3-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Any
LowMidHigh
Season
October–March
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Punchy, sometimes hollow beach break peaks with shifting sandbars
Length
30–80m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The peaks shift and the shore pound can be heavy, good ocean awareness is needed.
Hazards
- •Steep shore pound on bigger swells
- •Rip currents near the Manhattan Beach Creek outlet
- •Heavy crowds (proximity to LA brings masses on weekends)
Local Tips
- •The sand shifts constantly, a good sandbar here one week might be gone the next.
- •El Porto gets less wind shadow than some LA spots; dawn sessions are worth the early alarm.
Location
33.8986, -118.4209