Used by both kitesurfers and windsurfers, this isn’t a great spot except when low pressure systems are passing through. It is really only suitable for those who are at intermediate level and above.
As usual for this area it is a nice sandy beach that is long and wide. It is right in the city itself, and you’ll find it 6 blocks north of the pier or at the end of Montana Avenue if you come from that side.
Wind tends to be light here, at most 15 knots from an onshore (west) thermal. It is good in the afternoons and evening and the wind can be found all year round, though it is a bit inconsistent with no real best or worst time to come. Despite the fact that this beach is very popular with others, you won’t find many others out windsurfing or kiteboarding, but that’s probably more to do with the fickle wind than anything. The water is generally a bit cloudy, but there are no signs of pollution unless you count the sun cream all the swimmers have put on.
There is a shop here where you can rent or buy gear, and public showers. There are also rescue facilities. The main part of Santa Monica is really close though, and you’ll find plenty there to keep you occupied if you need something other than beach, wind and waves.
Swimmers and surfers come out here in summer, so try to avoid hitting any of them. The current can also pick up and be quite strong, and there is the odd submerged rock to watch out for.