Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Los Angeles

Stand up paddle, or SUP surfing, has found a welcome home in Los Angeles. Whether it's groups of people paddling through the glassy surface of marina waters or the rare Malibu surfer using a paddle to ride a wave in, people are paddling their way into fitness while having a good time. California's coastline glimmers with plenty of beautiful beaches and marinas, making it a premier location to take up the sport.

  1. Beaches of Malibu

    • The glittering beaches of Malibu are a hot-spot for SUP surfing, regular surfing and other beach activities. Rent SUP boards or pay for a lesson at one of the Malibu rental companies. There you can paddle past the waves while taking in one of the most majestic views of the coastline with a backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains. Because Malibu is an affluent community that houses celebrities and the like, finding public access paths to the beach can be challenging. If you're renting a board without taking a lesson, ask the rental company for the best public beach access paths to follow.

    Hit the Marina on the Westside

    • While SUP surfers make riding waves look easy, it can be the most difficult part. Marina del Rey, just north of the Los Angeles International Airport, is ideal for beginners. The marina offers calm water where you can get used to balancing and paddling. You'll also find plenty of rental shops and companies that offer paddling classes and extreme yoga. Imagine doing a downward facing dog pose while maintaining balance on your stand up paddle board as it floats in a sea of water.

    South Bay Beaches

    • A favorite South Bay spot is Hermosa Beach. Pier Avenue bars offer festive happy hour sessions, and the beach is often filled with volleyball players and surfers. Rent a board or take in a lesson from a local company, and blend in with the beach-crowd. Because it's a busy surfing spot, it's a good opportunity to use the SUP board to ride the waves in.

    Travel to the OC

    • Orange County beaches are known for their surf and beautiful marinas. Newport Beach is an affluent coastal community, complete with massive mansions and the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast. With that in mind, Newport is a great location to use a SUP board. Newport Harbor is huge and you'll find rental companies throughout.