For the Xavi Surf family El Porto—that beloved beach break in the heart of Manhattan Beach—is home. While it may not grace the covers of surf mags, this local gem has become a cherished family tradition.
The Waves
The waves at El Porto are far from perfect - this beach break is known for its mushy sections and inconsistent sets. But that's part of what makes it so appealing for family surf days. El Porto dishes up a constant supply of playful shoulders, walled-up sections and rampy faces that are ideal for everyone to cruise along together. When those winter northwest swells roll in, El Porto can fire off fun shoulder to head-high sets that allow parents and kids to trim down the line side-by-side. And even on smaller summer days, there's always a playful waist-high runner to spend quality time in the ocean as a family.
The Vibe
A day at El Porto is not complete without mentioning the bike path and the crowds. This place can get packed, especially during the summer months when beach-goers descend. But the Xavi clan has embraced the lively, community vibe for years. We've shared waves with kids, parents, and smiling first-timers in El Porto's welcoming lineup. Yes, it can get hectic when people are vying for the same set wave. But it's all part of the experience - a safe space to practice surf etiquette and learn to navigate crowds.
The Tradition
For the Xavi family, the real beauty of El Porto isn't chasing world-class tubes. It's continuing our beloved tradition of bonding over the simple joy of riding waves, throwing a baseball, playing in the sand, and scarfing some great food together in a forgiving environment. We've watched family members of all ages and abilities progress their surfing here over the years. From those first tentative waves to confidently trimming down fun walls, El Porto has been the ultimate training ground to spark and foster a lifelong passion for surfing. So while El Porto may not be a bucket-list wave, for generations it's been our sacred family spot - a place where ocean memories are made, skills are honed, and the love of the beach is passed down, one fun day at a time in SoCal's warmest lineup.
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