Broad Beach: mellow, sand bottom, fewer crowds—our top pick for first lessons.Zuma: more open exposure = slightly bigger on many days; great once you’re popping up reliably.Surfrider (Malibu Pier): iconic right point; can be crowded and etiquette-heavy—better with some experience or during small summer days.We match the beach to the day’s tide, wind, and swell, choosing the friendliest conditions for success.