Best Surf Lessons in Malibu (2025): The Honest Local Guide

Anthony Petro
Oct 10
2 min read

If you’re searching for the best surf lessons in Malibu, you’re choosing between postcard waves and real, first-day progress. Here’s a straight guide (from a Malibu school that teaches daily) on which beaches actually help beginners stand up, how to compare lesson providers, and when to book so your session feels smooth, safe, and productive.

Quick links:Book: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/bookPrices: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/pricingZuma lessons: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/zuma-surf-lessonsBroad Beach lessons: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/broad-beach-surf-lessonsSurfrider tips: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/surfrider-malibu-beginner-tips

Why “best” in Malibu usually means Zuma or Broad (for day one)

Zuma Beach: space, channels, forgiving inside reforms = more good reps.
Broad Beach: on the right tide, silky, conveyor-belt rollers with fewer crowds.

Surfrider (First Point) is iconic (long rights), but etiquette-heavy and narrow at the takeoff. We love it for returning beginners—and we’ll tell you when it’s truly a match.

Malibu lesson formats (pick based on wave count per person)

Private (1:1): fastest progress; max feedback per minute.
Two-person: shared stoke with near-private attention.
Family/small group: best per-person value on mellow sandbars.

Check live numbers: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/pricing → Book: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/book

Comparing Malibu & LA-area surf schools (respectfully)

You’ll see these names often:

Malibu Surfing School (Malibu): https://www.malibusurfingschool.com/
Malibu Surf Coach (Malibu): https://www.malibusurfcoach.com/
Malibu Makos (Zuma): https://www.malibumakos.com/
Malibu Surf Experience (Malibu): https://malibusurfexperience.com/
Cali Surf School (LA/OC): https://www.calisurfschool.com/
Wavehuggers (LA/OC; Malibu page): https://wavehuggers.com/malibu/
Los Angeles Surfing Lessons (LA): https://losangelessurfinglessons.com/
Kapowui (Venice/Santa Monica): https://www.kapowui.com/
Fun Surf LA (LA): https://funsurfla.com/
Golden Wave Surf School (Venice/Santa Monica): https://goldenwavesurfschool.com/ (often shows sponsoredads)

Pro tip (Wix): when you link competitors, set links to rel="nofollow" in the editor so you don’t pass authority.

What to compare across schools:

Beach choice day-of (Zuma/Broad vs fixed meet spot)
Ratios (lower = safer & more reps)
Safety brief + in-water coaching (not just push-and-pray)
Gear (board volume, suit warmth)
Reviews (recency + specifics about safety/teaching)

When to book (timing beats hype)

Mornings ≫ afternoons (cleaner wind, calmer heads)
Weekdays easier for parking/space
Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) are sneaky-good

If dates are fixed, reserve a morning. We’ll move between Zuma and Broad based on tide/wind/sandbars so your hour is rich with productive rides.

What a great first lesson looks like

On-sand basics → pop-up pattern, stance, safety & etiquette
In-water reps → positioning and 1–3 short cues between attempts
Calm, friendly zone → inside reforms where waves make you stand
Modest board & suit → comfort = learning
Debrief → 2–3 micro-drills, plan your next session

FAQ (Malibu edition)

Can we do First Point (Surfrider) day one?We can, but it’s usually slower for beginners. Build comfort at Zuma or Broad, then glide First Point on a small, clean weekday.Guide: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/surfrider-malibu-beginner-tips

Is it safe for kids?Yes—with tight ratios and the right sandbar. Start at Zuma/Broad.Family tips: https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/surf-tips

Gear included?Yes—board & wetsuit. We size both for the day and your comfort.