Malibu Surf Schools Ranked: Best Surf Lessons in 2025
- Anthony Petro
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
When you search for surf lessons in Malibu, the choices can be overwhelming. From Malibu Surfing School to Malibu Makos, Malibu Surf Experience, Malibu Surf Coach, and newer names like Always Summer Surf School, each promises the ultimate wave-riding experience.
But which Malibu surf school really delivers the best value, safety, and fun? We’ve compared the top options and ranked them for 2025.
🥉 #4 – Malibu Surf Experience
Malibu Surf Experience is heavily marketed to tourists. Lessons are quick, beginner-friendly, and often scheduled at popular beaches like Zuma.
Pros: Easy to book, fun for tourists.
Cons: Short lessons, more of a tourist “activity” than real coaching, less focus on safety.
Verdict: Good for checking “surf Malibu” off your bucket list, but not the best choice for families or anyone who wants to actually learn.
🥈 #3 – Malibu Surfing School
Malibu Surfing School is one of the longest-standing names in town. They operate mostly at Zuma Beach and have plenty of instructors on staff.
Pros: Established name, experienced instructors.
Cons: Larger group sizes, shorter lessons (often 60 minutes), and gear isn’t always included.
Verdict: Convenient and recognizable, but reviews often mention crowded lessons and less personal attention.
🥈 #2 – Malibu Makos Surf Club
Malibu Makos focuses almost entirely on kids’ camps, offering half-day and full-day surf programs during the summer.
Pros: Fun for kids, camp-style energy, beach games.
Cons: Not designed for adults, families, or private groups. Crowded with kids in peak season.
Verdict: A solid option for parents wanting a summer surf camp, but not practical for visitors or adults looking for beginner surf lessons in Malibu.
🥈 #2 – Malibu Surf Coach
Malibu Surf Coach is less of a school and more of a one-on-one coaching service for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Pros: Private lessons, technical skill-building.
Cons: Expensive, limited availability, not designed for beginners or families.
Verdict: Excellent if you’re already surfing and want to refine your technique, but not suited for first-timers or groups.
🥇 #1 – Always Summer Surf School (Best Surf School in Malibu 2025)
Always Summer Surf School takes the top spot because it combines the best features of all the other schools — without the drawbacks.
Here’s why Always Summer ranks #1:
90-minute surf lessons (longer than most competitors).
Small groups & private lessons — no overcrowded lineups.
All gear included — surfboards, wetsuits, and leashes (no hidden fees).
Zuma Beach + Broad Beach locations, chosen daily for best swell, tide, and wind.
Local Malibu surf coaches — CPR-certified, permitted, and insured.
Perfect for beginners, families, groups, and intermediates.
Optional photo and video add-ons to remember the experience.
Verdict: Unlike Malibu Surfing School (crowded), Malibu Makos (kids-only), Malibu Surf Experience (tourist-focused), or Malibu Surf Coach (advanced only), Always Summer Surf School is the best all-around choice for anyone looking to surf in Malibu in 2025.
✅ Final Ranking: Malibu Surf Schools 2025
🥇 Always Summer Surf School – Best overall surf school in Malibu.
🥈 Malibu Surf Coach – Great for advanced private coaching.
🥈 Malibu Makos – Good for kids’ camps.
🥈 Malibu Surfing School – Established, but crowded.
🥉 Malibu Surf Experience – Tourist activity, not real coaching.
🌊 Ready to Learn Surfing in Malibu the Right Way?
Book your lesson with Always Summer Surf School today. Just bring sunscreen and stoke — we’ll handle the rest.
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