Hermosa was totally worth it for me and has been worth it on past trips as well. My recommendation is to drive way down to the south end of the beach until you get to where the palm trees line the road. That spot still has steep waves but nowhere near as pounding as Hermosa proper. It’s basically the difference between makable and non-makable waves. Further north on the beach you will get crunched way harder than down south. I’d also recommend an incoming tide for that beach. Lower tide can be more punishing probably at any swell size, but especially if it’s large. Lastly, be ready to punch over some big foam piles or at least a lot of them when a set comes in. If you time it right you can probably paddle out in totally flat water between sets. I’m making it sound bad but it’s really not. The rides there are amazingly fun if you can catch a good swell. You’ll be able to tell from the beach if the waves are makable or not. Seems like it’s either working or totally closing out at Hermosa.

The bandito thing could be an issue. We’ve had a couple close calls but luckily never a breakin. However, you are fine to leave your car on the beach as long as it’s locked and there is absolutely nothing inside of it worth stealing. Leave everything in a secure hotel room and you are going to be fairly safe.

Drew brings “insta-rack” or “rack-tastic” which is nothing but two long pieces of 4×4″ minicel foam. Those have served us well for several trips and fit nicely in his boat for air travel. Together with a good set of cam straps and you are set to go. If you leave your boat in it’s bag on top of the car you are less likely to damage the roof of your rental car and more likely to keep the load secure.