Los Angeles Ocean Water Quality Update

Like many of you, we were deeply affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires in January of 2025. Our hearts & efforts were with our families, friends and team members impacted. It was beautiful to see how our community came together with community actions like our own Fire Relief Efforts (learn more here.) Even after the fires were out though, the effects lingered including their unknown impacts on our beaches. After a several week hiatus of running surf programs in the North LA Region due to an abundance of caution, we’re thankful to be back out in the waves from Santa Monica through Redondo Beach with with the latest assurances from Heal The Bay, LA County and other sources. Read more below:

As summer approaches, our thoughts naturally turned toward the beaches we love and ensuring they’re safe and ready for us to surf, swim and enjoy. We think most would agree that we’re all ready for some beach days & good vibes in 2025!

After attending a the latest seminar hosted by Heal the Bay with government representatives on April 22nd, we’re excited to share some positive & assuring results about the condition of our coast. In a few words – the results are in and we’re confident in the safe enjoyment of our local waters (yew!) Aqua Surf is fully operational for surf camp, surf lessons and surfing events. More info below 🤙

What do the results tell us? In short, the results are GOOD. Yew!

In Detail: Thorough testing of water, sand, and air quality has been conducted by Heal the Bay, USC, and LA County Public Works. Water and sediment samples underwent extensive screening for 116 different heavy metals, toxins, and bacteria to ensure comprehensive safety evaluations. Additional tests of beach sand and sediment confirmed hazardous materials weren’t present, identifying the dark sediment as harmless ash and plant debris. Continuous air quality monitoring throughout LA also confirms consistently safe and clean air conditions. All testing indicates the beaches from Santa Monica southward are safe and ready for summer activities.

Full Test Results from Heal the Bay can be found here.

Note: While there is still plenty to study and closely monitor in our local beach ecosystems, when it comes to surfing all signs appear safe outside of the direct burn areas which remain in a state of caution as clean up efforts continue. Thank you to Heal The Bay and our local frontline experts!

We’re glad to report that the bounty of tests have come back with positive news. Sand and sediment analyses by LA County Public Works revealed no hazardous materials, confirming that the dark sediment observed washing up on the beach is almost entirely ash and plant debris from the fires (not dangerous). Water testing showed minimal and non-harmful levels of contaminants, none  at any levels which pose a health risk to people. Moreover, air quality tests indicate clean, fresh air, ideal for outdoor fun and surf adventures.