Zuma Beach Activities
Surfing
Zuma Beach's exposed beach break brings in consistent waves that attract beginning and intermediate surfers. Conveniently summer usually delivers the best waves, especially when there are offshore winds from the northeast. Surfers enjoy both lefts and rights. Southwest swells can produce some great barrels.
Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
Because of the length of the beach, crowds are rarely a problem at Zuma. Body boarding and skim boarding are popular in the choppy surf. Beginning surfers often struggle with the short waves that dump quickly onto the beach. Better learning spots are found up the coast at County Line (see photo below) and Nicholas Canyon's Zeros.
County Line Beach
Kiteboarding
Launching kiteboards at Zuma Beach is prohibited through most of the summer because of the large crowds on the beach. If the beach is clearly empty, check with the lifeguards for permission. Winds at Zuma are good, but the surf can be rough and rip tides hazardous.
A good source of information is the SoCal KiteSurfing.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up Paddleboard Tours
Hana Paddle Boards offers guided tours that begin at Westward Beach just south of Zuma Beach. The 3-hour, 9-mile tours lead around Point Duma to Paradise Cove with stop there for a meal at Sandcastle Restaurant. Transportation from Zuma Beach is supplied along with wetsuits, boards, and paddles. They also offer lessons and rentals.
Hana Paddleboard Tours
Zuma Beach Junior Lifeguards
The Junior Lifeguards program develops skills in ocean swimming and in dealing with hazards in the ocean. Participants learn about water safety, surf rescue, surf riding, and first aid. The 4-week program is open to youths ages 9 to 17. Participants meet at Lifeguard Tower 9 at Zuma Beach.
New participants must pass a basic swimming test held in March and April.
LA County Junior Lifeguards
2024 Zuma Beach Junior Lifeguards Program Schedule
Session I: June 17 through July 13, 2024
Session II: July 15 through August 9, 2024
Choose Morning or Afternoon classes
Zuma Beach Triathlon
The new Zuma Beach Triathlon will be held on two days in September:
September 14, 2024: Beach Expo and Zuma Foundation Triathlon for ages 9 -14
September 15, 2024: ½-mile swim, 18-mile bike and 4-mile run - or - 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10k run.
