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Aerial satellite view of Hammerland surf break in South Los Angeles, California, United States
South Los Angeles, California, United States

Hammerland

33.911, -118.428
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference
Right · MixedAdvanced3–12 ftJan – Dec

A ledgey jetty break just north of El Porto that stands up hard on NW swell and delivers steep, punchy barrels when the conditions stack up right. Optimal window is NW groundswell from 3-12ft, low-to-mid tide, with an offshore Santa Ana or rare NW wind cleaning up the face. It works across all tides but rewards patience since those genuinely offshore days are uncommon on this stretch of coast. This is an experienced-surfer wave: the drops are abrupt, the take-off zone is tight, and the rights in particular jack up fast enough to punish hesitation. Bottom: jetty/reef mix. Season: winter peak, Nov-Mar. Consistency: works when NW groundswell fills in, which is seasonal at best. Biggest practical caveat is water quality, as you are surfing near a drainage corridor with documented sewage concerns, so check conditions after rain and think twice about any open cuts. Access is straightforward: ride or skate the bike path from Dockweiler State Beach parking to the jetty, then position on the south side.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Ledgey jetty right with steep drops and barrels.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
All tides
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
13° to 20°C
Wetsuit
3/2 to 4/3
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for standard winter swell
  • Step-up 6ft 8in to 7ft for larger NW sets 8ft plus
Lineup
Some pressure on swells
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Weekday sessions are often empty, a genuine rarity for LA County. Weekends draw a small crew of regulars who know the spot well and take it seriously. Localism is real but skill-based: surf competently, wait your turn, and you will generally be fine. Don't overclaim sets and don't drop in. The vibe has old-school roots going back decades, and the lineup culture reflects that.

Access & Facilities

Park at Dockweiler State Beach and take the bike path north to the jetty. South side is the target. Dockweiler has restrooms, parking fees apply. No surf rentals on site. Water quality is a genuine hazard given proximity to the Hyperion Treatment Plant outfall corridor. Avoid surfing 72 hours after significant rain.

Nearby Alternatives

El Porto sits just to the south and offers more consistent beach peaks across a wider swell range, with better water quality and a more forgiving entry level. Further south, Manhattan Beach Pier area picks up similar NW swell and works when Hammerland is too small or blown out.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Hammerland surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Hammerland is a mixed break suited for advanced surfers. It is not a beginner wave. Start somewhere softer and work up.
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