Royal Palms State Beach Reviews and Ratings
(Los Angeles County, USA)
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Visitor reviews of Royal Palms State Beach surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Royal Palms surfing requires more patience than you expect to give. Locals here have surfed ALL serious breaks throughout the world, they are seasoned athletes; abilities and station in life far beyond the outside dupes who come there. If you think you will go out and dazzle somebody, you will be mistaken!
This break for locals (75% of the time) is merely an exercise to stay in shape. When the surf gets huge; rarely does, you will see some guys who will surf any size, any place, any time, and do it better, with more power, less fear than you think possible. All said, I suggest the following if you visit.
Catching waves can be a challenge, and rocky bottom can slow you down. Remember the break is singular, so if you use caution entering the water, then use courtesy; and think twice before getting in someones way, everything works out! What you never want to do is go to the floor with these locals; you will feel some pain if this happens. Like I said, these people have traveled the world, and can be Gnarly, tested Longshoreman who can respond in a moments notice to outside hostility. I'd have to say, cooperation, respect, courtesy, safe entry and exist of ocean is a must do!!!”
Bruce Bacon from UNITED STATES - 12 Apr 2018
Royal Palms State Beach Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 3 votes and 4 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.0(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 1.5(1: Royal Palms State Beach is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.0(1: Royal Palms State Beach is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Los Angeles County. 5: the best break in Los Angeles County). |
Difficulty Level: 2.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Royal Palms State Beach can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Royal Palms State Beach, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Royal Palms State Beach are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Royal Palms State Beach is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Royal Palms State Beach requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 1.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 1.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Royal Palms State Beach for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Royal Palms State Beach is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Royal Palms State Beach is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 2.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Royal Palms State Beach, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Royal Palms State Beach where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“I would definitely never surf here again. Locals here are merciless and brutal. I live in between PV and San Padre. I decided to go surf there one day. Very hard to enter the water and leave it. Rocks and urchins. I stepped on an urchin on the way back and the locals kept on telling me I had one chance and not to screw it up. I tried to impress them and go for a set wave but I accidentally cut off a guy and missed the wave. They made me leave the water and they put a bunch of dirt and rocks on top of my car. I'm sticking with beaches only from now on. Every break besides Royal Palms is mellow, even Lunada bay. Lunada bay isn't bad at all its all mellow guys.”
Bill from UNITED STATES - 17 May 2016
“I've been surfing this break for about a year and a half and I say it can get really big and get barrels but it is best when its low tide and onshore winds so you could time the lip better when your doing snaps or big airs. I've also surfed Palos Verdes too but if you're getting hammered in the white wash and not even catch a wave the whole session how are you going to say Palos Verdes is better anyways like i said it can get really big and get barrels so I'm proud to say this is my home break.”
Devon from UNITED STATES - 03 Jan 2014
“Surfed both Royal Palms and Lunada Bay. I heard about the locals. Lunada was way mellow but those longshoreman locals at Royal Palms were rutheless. I couldn't get one wave and was harassed the entire session. I would seriously recommend staying away from San Pedro and surfing Palos Verdes instead.”
matt tyszkabies from UNITED STATES - 18 Dec 2012
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