I could wade into the water at Rockaway until I was about chest high, then there was a sudden drop. Further on out there's a sandbar accessable during low tide. But only the locals know about it.
Of course, after a storm that drop can be much closer to the shore.
The surf can be nasty here. My brother had his shoulder dislocated by 'triple waves' - twice!
I've got some pics of my home break (El Porto, CA) on my home page.