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Surf Safety and Etiquette in Malibu: Essential Rules for a Respectful Ride

The ocean doesn’t care if you’re a local or a tourist—if you don’t respect it, it will humble you fast. But with the right knowledge, surfing Malibu can be safe, fun, and drama-free. At Always Summer Surf School, we don’t just teach you how to stand up—we teach you how to stay up, stay safe, and stay welcome in the lineup.

The Golden Rule of Malibu Surfing: Respect the Ocean, Respect the Locals

Malibu isn’t just a beach—it’s a community with 70+ years of surf history. One wrong move (dropping in, snaking, or ditching your board) can earn you side-eye for life. Follow these core principles:

  1. Safety first — yours and everyone else’s

  2. Right of way — the surfer closest to the peak goes

  3. Smile and apologize — even if you’re right

  4. Leave no trace — pack out what you pack in

Always Summer Promise: Every student learns these rules before touching a board.

Understanding Ocean Hazards: Rip Currents at Zuma Beach

Rip currents cause 80% of beach rescues in Malibu. They’re not “undertows”—they’re narrow channels of fast-moving water pulling away from shore.

How to Spot a Rip

  • Dark, calm gap between breaking waves

  • Foamy water moving seaward

  • Debris or seaweed drifting out

Zuma Hotspots: Between Towers 8 and 10 (our teaching zone is outside this)

What to Do If Caught

  1. Don’t panic — rips are only 10–30 feet wide

  2. Don’t fight it — swim parallel to shore

  3. Signal lifeguards — raise one arm

  4. Float if tired — you’ll eventually exit the current

Pro Fact: Zuma has 12 lifeguard towers and jet ski rescue—stay within 100 yards.

The Unwritten Rules: Lineup Etiquette 101

The lineup is sacred. Break these, and you’ll feel the burn.

Rule

Why It Matters

Common Mistake

One wave, one rider

Prevents collisions

Paddling for the same peak

Don’t snake

Stealing position

Cutting the line

Paddle wide

Avoids drop-ins

Duck diving through the impact zone

Control your board

No flying weapons

Letting go on wipeout

Always Summer Drill: We practice “board control” on land before water entry.

Real Story: The $800 Ding

“A newbie ditched his board at Surfrider. It hit a $2,000 Channel Islands. He paid $800 to fix it—and never came back.” – Instructor Mike, 12 years in Malibu

Gear Safety Checks: Before You Paddle Out

A 30-second check saves lives.

Pre-Session Checklist

  • Leash: Attached to back foot, no cracks

  • Fins: Tight, no sharp edges

  • Wax: Fresh layer (we use Sticky Bumps Basecoat + Tropical)

  • Nose guard: On soft-tops (reduces impact)

  • Rash guard: SPF 50+, fitted

Always Summer Standard: Every board is inspected twice—once by staff, once by you.

Weather, Wildlife, and Hidden Dangers

Malibu’s beauty comes with teeth.

Sharks: The Truth

  • Species: Mostly leopard sharks (harmless)

  • Attacks on surfers: Zero in Malibu in 25+ years

  • What to do: Keep moving, avoid seal-heavy zones (e.g., Leo Carrillo)

Seals & Sea Lions

  • Curious, not aggressive

  • Keep 50+ feet distance

  • They will steal your fish if you spearfish

Dolphins

  • Your surf buddies!

  • Often ride the same wave—don’t try to out-paddle them

Storm Surf

  • After rain: Bacteria spikes → avoid river mouths (Malibu Lagoon)

  • Lightning: Exit water immediately

Teaching Kids Safe Surfing in Malibu

Kids under 12 need extra rules.

Age

Rule

Reason

5–8

Stay in whitewater only

No rips, shallow

9–12

Buddy system + instructor in water

Accountability

All

Helmet + full wetsuit

Head protection + warmth

Always Summer Kids Program:

  • 1:3 ratio

  • Soft-top 6’0 boards

  • Free swim test before waves

Parent Review: “My 7-year-old learned rip current escape in 10 minutes. Lifesaver.” – Lisa K., Calabasas

Tide, Swell, and Timing: When It’s Safe to Surf

Not all conditions are equal.

Safest Windows

Factor

Safe

Avoid

Tide

Mid–High (4–6 ft)

Negative low (exposed rocks)

Wind

Light offshore (<8 mph)

Strong onshore (>15 mph, choppy)

Swell

1–4 ft @ 12+ sec

6+ ft (hold-down risk)

Time

2 hours after sunrise

Dusk (shark feeding)

Live Tools:

Real Wipeout Stories: Lessons from the Locals

Story 1: The Hold-Down at Point Dume

“6 ft winter swell. I pearled, got held 15 seconds. Board tombstoned. Lesson: Never surf alone in big conditions.” – Jake, Always Summer Instructor

Story 2: The Ding at Surfrider

“Dropped in on a longboarder. His fin sliced my calf. 12 stitches. Lesson: Wait your turn.” – Anonymous student

Takeaway: 90% of injuries are preventable with etiquette and awareness.

How Always Summer Builds Safety Into Every Lesson

We’re not just instructors—we’re lifeguards, first responders, and ocean nerds.

Our Safety Stack

  1. Pre-lesson brief (10 mins on land)

  2. In-water demo (instructor shows every move)

  3. 1:4 ratio max (eyes on you always)

  4. Jet ski backup (for groups over 6)

  5. Post-lesson debrief (what went right/wrong)

Certifications:

  • All staff: CPR, First Aid, ISA Level 2

  • Head instructor: 20+ years Malibu experience

Your Malibu Surf Safety Checklist (Print & Laminate)

text

[ ] Leash checked
[ ] Wax fresh
[ ] Buddy or instructor present
[ ] Rip current plan reviewed
[ ] Tide app checked
[ ] Sunscreen (reef-safe)
[ ] Water bottle (hydration = reaction time)

Book a Safe, Fun Lesson Today

Don’t learn safety the hard way. Let Always Summer show you how it’s done—the right way.

This Week’s Schedule:

  • Private (1:1): $149 → 4 slots left

  • Semi-Private (1:2): $119/pp → 6 slots

  • Group (1:4): $89/pp → 10 spots

Book Now → Use code SAFEMALIBU for 10% off

Call (424) 465-3118 — we answer 7 days, 7 AM–7 PM.

Stay safe. Surf smart. See you in the water. 🏄‍♂️

Always Summer Surf School | Zuma Beach, Malibu | Est. 2015

 
 
 

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