There's a ton of us that head out at the Mc, also lots of really cool locals. Head north passed the power lines and you'll see a beach on the right side, that's So Cal island, there's usually a bunch of us there, or up a little further on the right is drop off and just passed that on the left is goose flats, those are the three main places to hang out.
In terms of hazards, there isn't much until you head north of Blythe, I'm sure someone will give you the tour though. Welcome aboard