Surfing breeds an odd mix of characteristics in an athlete. While surfers are very tight-knit, they're also tight-lipped. It's rare to find a surfer who will reveal the last secluded beach he surfed with skyscraping waves.

That is, until you find a surfer who's willing to share his or her passion for the South Bay coast.

Dr. Brad Thomas, 43, a sports medicine specialist at Beach Cities Orthopedics who has been surfing the South Bay since the age of 5, said that "Right After Torrance" (RAT), a sandy beach between the end of Torrance Beach and the rocky Malaga Cove, serves as his favorite secluded location to ride waves.

"At RAT Beach I can always get waves to myself," he said.

Rancho Palos Verdes is where Redondo Beach bodyboard athlete Bobby Kithcart said he frequents to truly get away from crowds. But did Kithcart have any spots in the area that he wanted to share with Patch readers? 
           

"No," he said, politely. 

The Palos Verdes area, also known as "The Hill," has long been known for having hostile surf. "Be careful of the waves up there, be ready for a strong paddle or two," said Tim Tindall, a bodyboarder from Torrance who has been surfing since 1975.

Other than The Hill, Kithcart identified Manhattan and Redondo beaches as alternative local places to surf for advanced riders.

"I like the north side [of Manhattan Beach Pier] because it's extremely hollow, but still manages to hold it's shape on South swells, so you can get really long barrels," he said.  "The same with avenues [A through I in Redondo Beach]—peaky, hollow, really 'rampy' sections."

El Porto Beach also offers the advanced surfer a tough paddle out among strong current and great sandbars, Tindall recommended.

"It offers a lot of power and it's one of my favorite waves," he said before he surprisingly disclosed his favorite secluded surf spot in the South Bay. "Longfellow [Avenue in Hermosa Beach] … it's random, and not a lot of people ride it, but can really be a fun wave when you want to get away from the crowds."

Editor's Note: This is the second installment of a two-part "Surf Files" series. For more South Bay surf, become a fan of Hermosa Beach | Patch on Facebook and upload your own surf videos to our page. We will publish the best video right here on Patch.com.