Freedom Boat Club Redondo Beach

In California you must be 16 or older and hold a California Boater Card to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more, including a personal watercraft. Someone aged 12 to 15 may operate that same class only while supervised on board by a person at least 18 who is also in possession of a California Boater Card. The supervising adult needs the card, not just the years. State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways administers it. The rental company sets its own minimum rental age, often higher, so confirm it when booking.

Source: California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, dbw.parks.ca.gov and californiaboatercard.com (parks.ca.gov)

California requires a Boater Card, rather than a conventional boating license, for most recreational operators of motorized vessels. Since January 1, 2025, the requirement applies regardless of age and includes personal watercraft. Operators generally must be at least 16 for vessels over 15 horsepower; ages 12 to 15 may operate only if supervised on board by an attentive adult 18 or older, and must either hold a card themselves or be supervised by a cardholder.

Rental vessel operators are exempt. Exemptions also cover direct supervision and qualifying temporary visitors. Approved applicants may print a 90-day temporary card while awaiting the permanent card. California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways administers the program.

Source: California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (parks.ca.gov)

From Redondo Beach, you can explore King Harbor, head onto Santa Monica Bay, anchor at Malaga Cove, or continue to Marina del Rey. Put in at the public Redondo Beach Small BLF on Portofino Way in King Harbor; its three basins are largely sheltered by breakwaters and connect to the bay through the harbor entrance.

Beyond the breakwaters, Santa Monica Bay is open coastal water, with Redondo Canyon reaching close to shore. Malaga Cove is an exposed anchorage for boaters with local knowledge. Marina del Rey offers another protected, manmade harbor with guest berths at Burton Chace Park.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (dbw.parks.ca.gov)

Day-trip choices from Redondo Beach include Marina del Rey, Alamitos Bay, Rainbow Harbor and Avalon Harbor. Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park offers guest docks on the Main Channel, with groceries and shopping nearby. Alamitos Bay has public docks beside a commercial center with restaurants, while downtown Rainbow Harbor provides short-term public mooring for a shopping or dining stop. Avalon Harbor offers an island outing with shoreboat service, marine fuel, boating supplies and public showers.

Source: Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (beaches.lacounty.gov)