La Jolla may have mild surf, but it probably takes the prize for total number of ill-fated surf landings and the greatest financial impact of any beach in the world.
I've had my share of pain and shame at La Jolla; however, I have never lost anything of significant value in my poorly planned and executed landings. Breakers Beach at NAS North Island was the site of my single costliest surf launch. I have also had a couple of incidents on Islander trips that have cost me dearly
Some of our Aussie members might make an argument for the Mona Vale "sand monster" or a couple of other beaches in NSW and Queensland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkxpKnw43FA
From what I've seen, just about every beach in South Africa would classify as Sands of Sorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-Q0Eip2L4A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb1EjjAE6vM