Best Surf Camps in Malibu for Kids & Families (2025 Guide)By Always Summer Surf School | Zuma Beach, Malibu, CA

Why Malibu Is the Perfect Family Surf Destination

When you picture California summers, you picture kids laughing in the surf, parents watching from the sand, and the smell of sunscreen mixed with sea breeze.That’s Malibu — one of the safest, cleanest, and most iconic places in the world to learn to surf together.

At Always Summer Surf School, we’ve built our kids’ and family surf camps around one simple idea: surfing should be joyful and easy to learn.Our team teaches year-round at Zuma Beach, Malibu’s most beginner-friendly surf break.The waves are gentle, the sand is soft, and the ocean energy is calm — the ideal environment for kids as young as five.

While other programs like Malibu Makos Surf Club or Cali Surf School focus on larger group camps, Always Summer Surf School keeps things intimate: small groups, high instructor-to-student ratios, and personalized ocean safety instruction.

What Makes a Great Kids’ Surf Camp?

Not all surf camps are created equal.Parents want safety, engagement, and real learning — not a chaotic beach day.

Here’s what separates a great Malibu surf camp from an average one:

Key Feature	Why It Matters	Always Summer Surf School Advantage
Low Student-to-Instructor Ratio	Kids learn faster and stay safer.	1 coach for every 2–3 kids.
Certified Instructors	Proper CPR, First Aid, and water safety.	All coaches certified and local surfers.
Structured Curriculum	Builds progression over time.	Multi-day lesson plans by age & skill.
Real Ocean Education	Kids learn about tides, safety, and respect.	Daily ocean awareness and environment talks.
Fun Factor	Keeps energy high & fear low.	Games, friendly challenges, and teamwork.

We believe the best surf camps teach kids confidence, not competition.Each day focuses on small wins — standing for the first time, paddling independently, or catching a wave solo.

Always Summer Surf School’s Family Surf Camp Experience

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who It’s For

• Kids ages 5–16

• Families who want to surf together

• Beginners to intermediate levels

📍 Where It Happens

Zuma Beach, Malibu — wide open, soft-sand beach with gentle waves and lifeguards everywhere.

📅 When It Runs

• Summer Camps: June – September

• Weekend Mini-Camps: October – April

🏄 Daily Schedule Example

Time	Activity
8:30 AM	Check-in & safety briefing
9:00 AM	Beach warm-up & land drills
9:30 AM	First surf session
10:30 AM	Snack break & ocean awareness game
11:00 AM	Second surf session
12:00 PM	Wrap-up & feedback

Parents are always welcome to stay and watch — or join in with a family surf lesson!

Why Families Love Zuma Beach

Zuma isn’t just famous — it’s perfect for families.

• Huge sandy area for kids to spread out

• Easy access, bathrooms, and snack stands

• Lifeguards stationed every few hundred feet

• Predictable small-wave conditions most mornings

Compare that to Surfrider Beach, where waves are faster and the crowd is dense — not ideal for beginners or children.That’s why even long-time locals from Malibu Makos and Cali Surf School often bring kids to Zuma for their first waves.

At Always Summer Surf School, we make it our classroom every day of the year.

Competitor Comparison (and Why Parents Choose Us)

Surf School	Primary Focus	Group Size	Instructors	Wave Type	Best For
Always Summer Surf School	Kids & family surf lessons	2–4 per coach	Malibu locals	Soft, clean waves (Zuma)	Safe, small-group learning
Malibu Makos Surf Club	Kids summer camps	10–20 per group	Mixed	Zuma	Social large groups
Cali Surf School	Lessons across LA & OC	6–8 per group	Rotating coaches	Mixed	Travelers
Malibu Surf Coach	Private adult coaching	1–2 per coach	Advanced pros	Surfrider	Intermediate surfers

Parents consistently choose Always Summer Surf School for the hands-on attention, local safety knowledge, and genuine Malibu vibe.

Safety First

We know parents worry — and we take that seriously.Every instructor is CPR and ocean-safety certified, and we keep kids within shallow, supervised zones at Zuma Beach.We also teach respect for the ocean, from recognizing rip currents to understanding marine life.

Our safety ratio is among the best in California: 1 instructor per 3 students.

Why Families Learn Faster Together

Surfing is better shared.When parents and kids learn together, kids stay calmer and pick things up faster.That’s why we offer family surf lessons — private sessions designed for 2–4 people so everyone progresses side by side.

Families visiting from Chateau Marmont, Hotel Bel-Air, or Malibu Beach Inn often tell us these shared experiences become their favorite vacation memories.

Tips for Parents Before Booking

• Bring water, sunscreen, and a towel for every participant.

• Don’t overpack — we provide surfboards, wetsuits, wax, and shade.

• Encourage your kids to relax; nerves are normal for first-timers.

• Book early for summer dates — Malibu fills up quickly.

• Add a photo or GoPro package — kids love seeing themselves ride their first wave.

FAQs

What’s the minimum age for kids?

We start lessons at age 5, depending on comfort level in the water.

Do parents need to know how to surf?

Not at all. Our coaches guide you every step of the way, even if it’s your first time in the ocean.

What’s included in camp fees?

All gear (boards, wetsuits, leashes, wax), safety training, snacks, and digital photos.

What’s your refund policy?

Full refunds for cancellations made 48 hours before the session.

Section 10: Book Your Family Surf Experience

Make this summer unforgettable.Join Malibu’s top-rated surf school for a safe, fun, and confidence-building experience your kids will never forget.

📅 Book Now: https://alwayssummersurfschool.com📞 Text or call: (424) 465-3118📍 Location: Zuma Beach, Malibu, CA