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Times Description

Will Rogers State Beach is one of the nicest family beaches in Los Angeles County. Residents of tony Pacific Palisades consider it to be an extension of their back yard. There is some play equipment for children. At the foot of Chautauqua Boulevard, serious volleyball is played. Rocky little inlets interrupt the straight stretches of sand to make a stroll interesting. The beach is not wide, especially toward the northern end, but it is more than 3 miles long, the county's second longest behind Dockweiler. A few years ago, a Times writer rated Will Rogers high for having the most wholesome beach-goers and the handsomest lifeguards. In fact, county lifeguards consider it to be a prestigious duty assignment. But just as the relentless surf continually moves sand around, the mix of people changes too, and what was true yesterday can't be guaranteed today. Surf is mild at Will Rogers. Offshore from Sunset Boulevard there is a point break that peels right. The peaks are easy to mount, which is fine for beginning surfers. There is lots of room for everyone. But if you go in the water, the bad news is pollution. It is particularly bad at the mouth of Santa Monica Canyon, where a storm drain from Pacific Palisades and Brentwood empties onto Will Rogers State Beach. The danger zone is a few blocks north of the Santa Monica city limit at San Vicente Boulevard. -- Los Angeles Times

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Santa Monica Jetties Surf Spot

Located at the southern end of Will Rogers State Beach, Santa Monica Jetties features hollow sand-bottom lefts and rights under the right conditions. In fact perfect, stand-up barrels can be had if sandbars cooperate, which usually requires an unusually wet winter. Be forewarned, however, heavy outflow might mean sick waves, but it undoubtedly means sewer effluent in the water -- a sad fact of life in the Santa Monica Bay. The Jetties' steep take-offs and zippering tubes are not for beginners. A good place to look on a clean, midwinter morning when the offshores are firing, a strong north or west swell is running and all the heroes are at Zuma.

To get there, take Pacific Coast Highway north from Santa Monica approximately two miles. Look for the signs indicating Will Rogers State Beach. -- Van Weyden

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