Surf Lesson in Redondo Beach

The coastal area of the South Bay (Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach) is believed to have been originally inhabited by the Tongva tribe of Native Americans as far back as 7,000 years ago.

The Portola expedition which took place during the mid - 18th century was the first European land exploration of what is now known as California. In 1784, the Spanish Crown deeded 75,000 acres to soldier Juan Jose Dominguez. In 1863 a Scottish immigrant named Sir Robert Burnett purchased Rancho Sausal Redondo from the Avilla family heirs then later sold to a Canadian named Daniel Freeman in 1885. Shortly after the Santa Fe Railroad built the first passenger railroad.

Redondo Beach became a city in 1892.

The Redondo Beach Pier was originally a series of three wharfs constructed between 1895 -1926. The “Endless/Pleasure Pier” was built with reinforced concrete by George W. Harding in 1916, then in 1925 the wooden “Monstad Pier”, then the wooden “Horseshoe Pier” in 1929. The pier was mostly destroyed by a fire in 1988, rebuilt, then officially reopened in 1995.

Hotel Redondo was built in 1890 and offered 225 rooms, an 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, and gardens.

Henry Huntington bought the Redondo Company in 1905 and used his Big Red Electric Cars to bring tourists and residents to Redondo Beach. Huntington saw waterman and surfer George Freeth while on vacation in Hawai’i and encouraged him to come to Redondo Beach in 1907 to offer daily surfing exhibitions. In addition to introducing surfing to California, Freeth is also credited with inventing longboards after modifying the original 16ft redwood planks people used to surf. Freeth saved many lives of swimmers and created lifeguard training programs in the South Bay and Venice while in California.

Redondo Beach Saltwater Bathhouse built by Henry E. Huntington in 1910 was a popular hangout.

Moonstone Beach was built with moonstones (sodium potassium aluminum silicate, aka hecatolite) that had been washed ashore and was a frequented tourist attraction from 1880s-1920s.

In addition to Moonstone Beach and the Saltwater Bath House, tourists in the early 1900s enjoyed the Carnation Gardens, walking on the pier, the Lightning Racer rollercoaster, and a casino.

During winter swell season, Redondo Beach offers a variety of wave sizes and types in close proximity to each other. Topaz Beach will offer a wave twice the size with great tube rides available compared to Sapphire Beach’s smaller and gentle rolling waves. Both beaches are sandy floored, and a 30 second walk from each other. During winter swells, as you walk towards Torrance Beach from Topaz Beach you will get bigger waves. If you are a surfer with a bit of experience, the Cove is a long and rolling reef break approximately a 6 minute drive from Topaz Beach. The Cove also favors winter swell directions.

Palos Verdes is a stunning area of coastal beauty and Eucalyptus groves that like Redondo Beach, has maintained its small town feel. A several minutes drive from Redondo, Palos Verdes has some amazing surf spots, hiking trails, horse stables, an botanical gardens. It is very common to see whales along the Palos Verdes coastline during their migrations. Driving the Palos Verdes coastline to San Pedro is a must for scenic beauty!

Two epic Music Festivals held in the spring and fall on the waterfront in Redondo Beach. Amazing artists with multiple stages, food, and drinks. Come for a fun weekend and walk, bike, or a very short drive to anything you might need including surfing!