Beginner’s Guide to Surfing in Malibu (2025)
- Anthony Petro
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
Malibu is one of the most iconic surf towns in the world — from its legendary long right-handers to its beginner-friendly beach breaks. If you’re searching for beginner surf lessons in Malibu, you’ll quickly find a mix of options: Malibu Surfing School, Malibu Makos, Malibu Surf Experience, Malibu Surf Coach, and the rising favorite, Always Summer Surf School.
But what’s the best way to learn to surf in Malibu? In this guide, we’ll cover the best spots for beginners, what to expect in your first lesson, how the top Malibu surf schools compare, and why Always Summer Surf School is the best choice for safe, fun, and unforgettable surf lessons in 2025.
🌊 Why Malibu Is Perfect for Beginners
While Malibu is famous for advanced waves like Surfrider and First Point, it also has mellow beach breaks that are perfect for learning. Zuma Beach and Broad Beach both offer consistent whitewater and forgiving conditions — making them ideal for first-time surfers.
Zuma Beach surf lessons: Wide sandy beach, plenty of space, great for families.
Broad Beach surf lessons: Smaller crowds, clean beginner-friendly waves.
That’s why the best Malibu surf schools choose Zuma or Broad Beach for beginner lessons.
🏄 What to Expect in Your First Malibu Surf Lesson
If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry — that’s what lessons are for. A typical beginner surf lesson in Malibu includes:
Beach safety briefing — rip currents, surf etiquette, positioning.
On-land instruction — how to pop up, stance, balance.
In-water coaching — catching whitewater waves, paddling tips.
Hands-on guidance from your Malibu surf coach the entire session.
At Always Summer Surf School, lessons run 90 minutes — longer than most schools in Malibu, giving you more time to practice and actually stand up on a wave.
🏖 Malibu Surf Schools Compared for Beginners
When looking for the right school, here’s how the most popular options compare:
Malibu Surfing School
Pros: Established name, experienced instructors.
Cons: Crowded lessons, usually only 60 minutes, gear often extra.
Best for: Tourists who just want a quick intro.
Malibu Makos
Pros: Camp-style surf program, fun for kids.
Cons: Focused on children, less personal coaching, crowded summer sessions.
Best for: Parents seeking kids’ surf camps.
Malibu Surf Experience
Pros: Easy to book, beginner-friendly.
Cons: Very short sessions, tourist-oriented, less coaching depth.
Best for: Visitors who just want to try surfing once.
Malibu Surf Coach
Pros: Private 1-on-1 coaching, technical skill building.
Cons: Expensive, limited availability, not family/group oriented.
Best for: Intermediate or advanced surfers looking to refine skills.
Always Summer Surf School (Best for Beginners & Families)
Pros: 90-minute lessons, all gear included, private & small-group focus, Zuma & Broad Beach locations, CPR-certified local instructors.
Cons: You’ll get hooked and want to surf every day. 😉
Best for: Beginners, families, groups, and intermediates who want a safe, fun, and personalized surf lesson in Malibu.
📸 Do You Need Photos or Videos?
A lot of first-timers want to capture the moment. At Always Summer Surf School, we offer optional photo and video packages so you can relive your first wave long after you’ve left Malibu. This is a big advantage over schools like Malibu Surf Experience or Malibu Surfing School, which don’t always include media options.
✅ Final Tips for Beginners Surfing in Malibu
Arrive early — parking at Zuma can fill up fast.
Wear sunscreen and bring water.
Don’t stress about falling — every surfer does, it’s part of the fun.
Choose a surf school that includes all gear and keeps groups small.
🌞 Why Always Summer Surf School Is the Best Choice for Beginners
Unlike Malibu Surfing School (crowded, shorter lessons), Malibu Makos (kids-only), Malibu Surf Experience (tourist-focused), or Malibu Surf Coach (advanced only), Always Summer Surf School is designed for beginners, families, and groups who want to learn safely and have fun.
With 90-minute sessions, small class sizes, all gear included, and certified local coaches, we make sure your first Malibu surf lesson is something you’ll never forget.
🌊 Ready to Catch Your First Wave?
Book your Malibu surf lesson with Always Summer Surf School today. Just bring sunscreen and stoke — we’ll take care of the rest.
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