Best Surf Lessons in Malibu: Which School Should You Choose? (2025 Guide)

Malibu is world-famous for its waves — from the long rights at First Point to the friendly whitewater at Zuma. If you’re searching for the best surf lessons in Malibu, you’ve probably come across names like Malibu Surfing School, Malibu Makos, Malibu Surf Experience, Malibu Surf Coach, and Always Summer Surf School.

But which one is right for you? Whether you’re a beginner, a family looking for safe fun, or an intermediate surfer ready to level up, this guide compares Malibu’s most popular surf schools side by side.

🌊 Malibu Surfing School

Malibu Surfing School is one of the longest-running schools in the area. They offer lessons mostly at Zuma Beach and sometimes near the Malibu Pier.

• Best for: Tourists who want a recognizable name.

• Pros: Longstanding reputation, experienced instructors.

• Cons: Large group sizes, shorter lessons (around 60 minutes), gear often costs extra.

If you don’t mind sharing waves with a big group, Malibu Surfing School is an easy option — but not always the most personal experience.

🏖 Malibu Makos

Malibu Makos is less of a surf school and more of a summer surf camp, mostly for kids. They run day programs and emphasize beach activities alongside surfing.

• Best for: Kids’ surf camps.

• Pros: Camp atmosphere, good for children who want to spend a whole day at the beach.

• Cons: Not designed for adults or families, often very crowded, less flexible with scheduling.

If you’re visiting Malibu with kids who want a full camp experience, Malibu Makos is an option — but it’s not ideal for adults or travelers who just want a 90-minute surf lesson in Malibu.

🏄 Malibu Surf Experience

Malibu Surf Experience is a school that focuses heavily on the tourist market. They advertise quick, easy-to-book lessons at popular Malibu beaches.

• Best for: Tourists who just want to try surfing once.

• Pros: Beginner-friendly, easy sign-up.

• Cons: Shorter sessions, more generic experience, less focus on skill-building.

This is the surf school for people who want to tick “surf Malibu” off their bucket list — but not necessarily for those who want coaching, safety, or progress.

🏄 Malibu Surf Coach

Malibu Surf Coach is usually a one-on-one coaching service for surfers who want private attention. This is geared toward intermediates or advanced surfers looking to improve technique.

• Best for: Intermediate or advanced surfers.

• Pros: Private lessons, technical coaching.

• Cons: Higher cost, limited availability, not family-focused.

This works if you’re looking for advanced-level instruction, but less practical for families or first-timers looking for beginner surf lessons in Malibu.

🌞 Always Summer Surf School (Best All-Around Choice)

This is where Always Summer Surf School comes in — the best all-around surf school in Malibu for beginners, families, groups, and intermediates.

Here’s why:

• 90-minute sessions (longer than most schools).

• Private and small-group lessons — no crowded lineups.

• All gear included: surfboards, wetsuits, leashes.

• Zuma Beach + Broad Beach locations — chosen daily for swell, tide, and wind.

• Local Malibu surf coaches — CPR-certified, permitted, and insured.

• Beginner and intermediate friendly — safe, fun, and supportive.

• Optional photo and video packages to remember the day.

Unlike Malibu Surfing School (shorter lessons, larger groups), Malibu Makos (kids’ camps only), Malibu Surf Experience (tourist-oriented), or Malibu Surf Coach (advanced only), Always Summer Surf School is designed for everyone — from first-timers to families to intermediates.

✅ So, Which Malibu Surf School Should You Choose?

• Malibu Surfing School → Good for quick group lessons.

• Malibu Makos → Best if you want a kids’ surf camp.

• Malibu Surf Experience → Fine for tourists who want a short “surf taste.”

• Malibu Surf Coach → Best for advanced one-on-one training.

• Always Summer Surf School → The best choice for small groups, families, beginners, and intermediates who want safe, fun, personalized surf lessons in Malibu.

🌊 Ready to Surf Malibu Like a Local?

Book your lesson with Always Summer Surf School today. Just bring sunscreen and stoke — we’ll handle the rest.