Malibu Surf School Reviews: Locals Compare the Options (2025)

If you’re researching surf lessons in Malibu, you’ve probably seen schools like Malibu Surfing School, Malibu Makos, Malibu Surf Experience, Malibu Surf Coach, and Always Summer Surf School. Each has a reputation, reviews online, and a certain type of student they attract.

To save you time, here’s a breakdown of what the reviews say — and why more people are choosing Always Summer Surf School for a safe, fun, and personalized Malibu surf lesson.

🌊 Malibu Surfing School Reviews

Malibu Surfing School is one of the best-known names, and many visitors choose it simply because it shows up first on Google.

What reviewers like:

• Established school with experienced instructors.

• Convenient for tourists at Zuma Beach.

What reviewers don’t love:

• Large group sizes with little personal attention.

• Lessons are often shorter (around 60 minutes).

• Some mention that gear isn’t always included in the base price.

Bottom line: Good for quick tourist lessons, but not ideal if you’re looking for small-group or private surf coaching in Malibu.

🏖 Malibu Makos Reviews

Malibu Makos Surf Club is geared toward kids’ camps and summer programs. Parents often sign their children up for half-day or full-day camps.

What reviewers like:

• Great energy for kids and a fun camp vibe.

• Lots of beach activities beyond just surfing.

What reviewers don’t love:

• Not really designed for adults or families who want a lesson together.

• Can be crowded and chaotic with dozens of kids in the water.

• Less flexibility for travelers — it’s structured as a camp, not a drop-in lesson.

Bottom line: Works if you want a kids’ surf camp in Malibu, but not a fit for visitors, families, or private lessons.

🏄 Malibu Surf Experience Reviews

Malibu Surf Experience markets heavily to tourists and offers quick, beginner-friendly lessons.

What reviewers like:

• Easy to book online.

• Fun way for tourists to try surfing once.

What reviewers don’t love:

• Very short sessions.

• Feels more like a tourist activity than real surf coaching.

• Some reviews mention that safety and instruction aren’t always the priority.

Bottom line: A good “check the box” experience, but less useful if you want to actually learn and progress.

🏄 Malibu Surf Coach Reviews

Malibu Surf Coach usually refers to one-on-one, private coaching for intermediates or advanced surfers.

What reviewers like:

• Personal attention.

• Technical coaching that helps improve form.

What reviewers don’t love:

• Expensive compared to standard surf schools.

• Limited availability.

• Not geared toward beginners, families, or groups.

Bottom line: Great for higher-level surfers, but not for most visitors looking for beginner surf lessons in Malibu.

🌞 Always Summer Surf School Reviews (Why Students Love Us)

Now let’s look at why reviews for Always Summer Surf School stand out.

What people love:

• 90-minute lessons — longer than most competitors.

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

• All gear included — surfboards, wetsuits, leashes, no hidden costs.

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

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

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

• Optional photo and video add-ons to capture the day.

Reviews consistently highlight the professionalism, safety, and fun vibe of the instructors, along with the convenience of having everything provided.

Bottom line: If you want a personalized surf lesson in Malibu — safe, fun, and memorable — Always Summer Surf School is the clear choice.

✅ Final Word: Malibu Surf School Reviews at a Glance

• Malibu Surfing School → Established, but often crowded & short lessons.

• Malibu Makos → Good for kids’ camps, less for families or visitors.

• Malibu Surf Experience → Tourist-oriented, quick but generic.

• Malibu Surf Coach → Advanced private coaching, pricey, not beginner-friendly.

• Always Summer Surf School → Best all-around choice for beginners, families, groups, and intermediates.

🌊 Ready to Book the Surf School Malibu Locals Recommend?

Check live times and prices with Always Summer Surf School — just bring sunscreen and stoke, we’ll handle the rest.