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Top 10 Malibu Beaches for Learning to Surf


If you’ve ever typed surf lessons near me and landed on Malibu, you picked the right coastline.Stretching more than 20 miles, Malibu offers a mix of mellow sandbars, world-class point breaks, and family-friendly coves — each with its own vibe.

At Always Summer Surf School Malibu, we teach across multiple beaches year-round, matching every student to the perfect wave.Here’s your ultimate guide to the 10 best Malibu beaches for beginners and progressing surfers.

1. Zuma Beach

Malibu’s most famous stretch of sand — wide, scenic, and consistent.Perfect for first-timers thanks to forgiving sandbars, lifeguard towers, and easy parking.Morning lessons offer clean conditions before wind picks up.

📍 Best for private and group lessons alike.

2. Broad Beach

Tucked north of Zuma, Broad Beach is quieter with smaller, slower-breaking waves.Families love its gentle shore-break and clear water.Limited parking keeps crowds down, so book early.

📍 Best for kids and family surf sessions.

3. Surfrider Beach (First Point)

The crown jewel of Malibu surfing — long right-hand point break and rich surf history.Great for intermediate students ready to link longer rides.Beginners can still surf the inside section at small tide windows.

📍 Best for progressing longboarders and returning students.

4. Point Dume Cove

A scenic, semi-private spot for advanced lessons and small groups.Rocky bottom and narrow access paths mean you’ll want an instructor guiding entry and exit.

📍 Best for private advanced coaching or video analysis.

5. Topanga Beach

Just south of downtown Malibu, Topanga delivers playful point-break walls and short rides on mid-tides.Slightly busier, but convenient for visitors staying closer to Los Angeles.

📍 Best for returning surfers staying in Santa Monica or Pacific Palisades.

6. County Line

Right on the Ventura-Malibu border, this classic beach break offers open peaks and a relaxed crowd.Good for strong beginners ready to paddle into waist- to shoulder-high surf.

📍 Best for adventurous students seeking more powerful waves.



7. Leo Carrillo State Beach

Leo Carrillo is a favorite for its mix of reef and sand-bottom waves plus scenic cliffs.It offers multiple small peaks and is protected from northwest winds — ideal for mid-level learners wanting variety.

📍 Best for intermediate surfers on calm tide mornings.

8. Nicholas Canyon (“Point Zero”)

Known locally as “Zero’s,” this spot breaks with long rights on medium swells.It’s quieter than Zuma but less consistent, so we only teach here on specific tide windows.

📍 Best for returning surfers improving paddling and trimming.

9. Malibu Lagoon

Just south of Surfrider, the Lagoon’s inside sandbars create soft, rolling whitewater — perfect for first-timers and young kids.This is where many Malibu locals first learned to surf.

📍 Best for beginners wanting an ultra-gentle start.

10. Paradise Cove

Private-feeling and postcard-beautiful, Paradise Cove offers calm surf and easy beach access with on-site dining.Waves here are smaller but ideal for mellow longboarding or relaxed family lessons.

📍 Best for relaxed learners and photo-worthy surf sessions.

Pro Tips for Surfing Malibu Beaches

  • Early Mornings = Cleanest Surf: Light winds and glassy water.

  • Mid-Tide Rising: Smoothest waves and safer shore-break.

  • Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protects both you and the ocean.

  • Hydrate & Stretch: Two small things that improve every session.

  • Listen to Your Instructor: Malibu’s waves change constantly — experience matters.

Why Always Summer Surf School Tops Them All

  • Local Malibu instructors who surf these beaches every day.

  • Flexible private and group lessons at multiple spots.

  • Boards, wetsuits, and safety training always included.

  • CPR-certified, fully permitted, and family-friendly.

Compare that to larger city schools like<a href="https://www.malibusurfingschool.com" rel="nofollow">Malibu Surfing School</a> or<a href="https://www.gosurfla.com" rel="nofollow">Go Surf LA</a> —and you’ll see why students choose Always Summer Surf School for a more personal, ocean-aware approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Beginners Surf at Any Malibu Beach?

Yes, but Broad Beach, Zuma, and the Lagoon are the most forgiving for new surfers.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Gear?

No — every lesson includes board, wetsuit, and safety gear.

Which Beach Has the Longest Rides?

Surfrider Point and Nicholas Canyon offer the longest rides when conditions line up.

What’s the Best Season to Surf Malibu?

June through October — warm water, consistent swells, and gentle winds.

Are Malibu Beaches Safe for Kids?

Absolutely — all lessons stay in monitored, lifeguard-patrolled zones.

Book Your Malibu Surf Lesson Today

No matter which beach you pick, Malibu guarantees clear water, warm sand, and waves worth remembering.👉 <a href="https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/book-now"><strong>Book Now with Always Summer Surf School Malibu</strong></a>

Compare & Book Surf Lessons Near Me

<h3>Compare & Book Surf Lessons Near Me</h3>
<p>
If you're comparing <strong>surf lessons near me in Malibu</strong>,
check out <a href="https://www.malibusurfingschool.com" rel="nofollow">Malibu Surfing School</a>,
<a href="https://www.gosurfla.com" rel="nofollow">Go Surf LA</a>,
and <a href="https://www.kapowui.com" rel="nofollow">Kapowui Surf Lessons</a>.
Then book your own <a href="https://www.alwayssummersurfschool.com/">Malibu surf lesson</a>
with <strong>Always Summer Surf School</strong> — boards and wetsuits included.
For real-time waves, visit <a href="https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/malibu/5842041f4e65fad6a770888c">Surfline’s Malibu forecast</a>.
</p>


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