An Introduction To Malibu Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Malibu surf is a legendary experience along California’s stunning coastline, known for its iconic waves, laid-back vibe, & breathtaking scenery. Just 35 miles west of Los Angeles, this classic surf destination offers easy access to world-famous breaks without the need for a car. With bike-friendly roads, walkable stretches, & public transportation options, Malibu surf is perfect for surfers who want to explore on foot or two wheels.
At the center of the action is First Point, right next to the iconic Malibu Pier. This spot is famous for its long, peeling right-hand point breaks, attracting surfers from around the world. Second Point delivers mellow, clean waves ideal for beginners, intermediates & longboarders, while
Third Point ups the challenge with faster, punchier sections for more experienced surfers. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back session or something more adrenaline-filled, the consistent conditions here rarely disappoint.
With its mix of natural beauty, rich surf culture, & easily accessible spots, Malibu surf is a dream for any wave rider. It’s the kind of place where long rides, golden sunsets, & the essence of California surf culture all come together.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Malibu
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Peak Malibu Surf Season | November to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Malibu surf reaches its winter pinnacle from November through March, when northwest winter swells wrap into the iconic pointbreak of Malibu. Wave heights range from 3 to 7 feet, producing long, peeling walls beloved by longboarders & shortboarders alike.
Malibu surf during this season showcases glassy lines on northeast wind windows, offering some of the cleanest surf on the coast. While popular, the lineup moves quickly, as waves allow multiple maneuvers on extended rides. Malibu surf in winter is the gold standard for classic California pointbreak sessions.
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Shoulder Malibu Surf Season | April, May, September & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
In spring & early autumn, Malibu surf mellows slightly, with waves usually in the 2 to 5-foot range. The swell energy is softer, but First Point maintain smooth, rideable peaks. Malibu surf during these shoulder months is perfect for refining technique—longboard trims or shortboard flow—without the larger winter sets.
Crowds thin out just enough to find space, & the weather warms up. Whether you’re a beginner stepping into your first pointbreak or an advanced rider polishing lines, Malibu surf in these months strikes a wonderful balance.
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Low Malibu Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Summer brings the gentlest Malibu surf, with small, slow-rolling waves between 1 & 3 feet. Malibu surf in the low season is ideal for learners, family groups, & those who prefer mellow conditions. The pointbreaks take a break from their usual power, offering soft, consistent sets that allow for multiple catch-&-rides.
Crowds can be large on sunny weekends, but the forgiving waves make it easy to find a friendly peak. Malibu surf in summer is all about relaxed sessions, catching endless easy rides, & soaking up the classic SoCal beach vibe.
Malibu Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Malibu Surf Temperature:
18–21°C (64–70°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikinis are okay during warmer afternoons, but most surfers will prefer a spring suit, especially for early or overcast sessions.
Rainfall:
Summer months are typically very dry, with less than 1–2 rainy days monthly, often experiencing long stretches of clear skies.
Malibu Surf Temperature:
17–20°C (63–68°F)
What To Wear:
A spring suit or 3/2 mm wetsuit is the go-to, offering comfort during crisp mornings & as the water starts to cool.
Rainfall:
Rainfall increases slightly, averaging around 2–5 rainy days per month, particularly by November as winter approaches.
Malibu Surf Temperature:
14–16°C (57–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is recommended for the colder winter swells, keeping you warm through morning chills & overcast days.
Rainfall:
Expect around 6–8 rainy days per month, most coming from Pacific storms bringing heavy, short-lived rain.
Malibu Surf Temperature:
15–18°C (59–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit continues to be necessary, though late spring sessions can occasionally feel comfortable in a spring suit.
Rainfall:
Rainfall decreases toward spring, with around 3–5 rainy days monthly, often tapering to drier conditions by May.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Malibu
| Malibu Surf Spots | Distance from Malibu | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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First Point |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
1-4 foot |
Gentle, long rides |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Second Point |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
2-6 foot |
Steeper, faster right hand break |
Intermediate |
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Third Point |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
3-8 foot |
Fast, hollow right-handers |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Malibu Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: Southest
- Crowd Factor: Very high
First Point at Surfrider Beach is the quintessential longboard point break, delivering endless, peeling right-hand walls on southwest swells with light north or notheast winds. Mid to high tides soften the wave, creating glassy sections that allow for graceful trim & rail-to-rail flow. Rides can exceed 200 meters when conditions align.
The take-off is gentle but the lineup is notoriously crowded, drawing surfers worldwide. Despite the intense competition, the wave’s forgiving nature keeps it accessible to all levels. First Point remains a bucket-list destination for its perfect wave shape & iconic status.
Rating: 5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Second Point is more performance-oriented than First, offering a faster, punchier right-hand wave that demands more skill. Best at mid to high tide under southwest swells & northerly winds, it breaks over a cobblestone & sand bottom, creating steeper sections & occasional tube opportunities.
The take-off can be critical, rewarding precise bottom turns & snap off the top maneuvers. While the lineup is still busy, it’s less congested than First Point. Surfers seeking high-performance sections & potential barrel rides favor Second for its added speed & challenge.
Rating: 4,5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Third Point is a quieter alternative down the Malibu point, offering rights that peak under southwest swells with mid tide & northerly winds for clean faces. The wave is punchier & shorter than the other points, breaking over a steeper cobblestone bottom for faster drop-ins & more critical sections. Rides typically span 50–100 meters, rewarding firm bottom turns & carving.
Crowds are moderate, as many surfers stick to the more famous points. Third Point provides a solid performance wave with fewer people, ideal for experienced surfers seeking a bit of solitude.
Rating: 4/5
Travel Time To Malibu Surf Spots
| Malibu Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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First Point |
Approx. 8 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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Second Point |
Approx. 10 min. |
3 min. |
Not required |
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Third Point |
Approx. 15 min. |
3 min. |
Not required |
Malibu Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Malibu surf schools let you experience the magic of California’s most legendary surf break while learning from some of the best in the business. Malibu Surfing School provides personalized instruction with expert coaches, while Socal Surf Sup caters to all ages with a focus on building foundational skills.
Malibu Surf Experience ensures a unique and immersive learning journey for aspiring surfers. Always Summer Surf School combines fun and safety, making it ideal for families.
Sea n Soul Surf offers dynamic lessons, emphasizing technique and confidence-building. With such diverse options, Malibu ensures an unforgettable surfing experience tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or working on your style, Malibu surf schools offer a laid-back yet professional vibe that makes learning fun.
Malibu Surf Camp
While there aren’t traditional overnight surf camps in the area, Malibu surf camp experiences can easily be created thanks to the town’s endless surf-friendly accommodations & daily lesson options.
Many visitors build their own Malibu surf camp vibe by booking surf lessons during the day & staying in one of the many beachfront hotels, vacation rentals, or cozy lodges within walking distance of the waves.
This setup lets surfers enjoy flexible schedules, soak up the famous Malibu lifestyle, & balance time in the water with exploring the town’s vibrant coastal charm.
Malibu Surfboard Hire
Malibu surfboard hire is super easy, with plenty of rental shops offering a full range of boards from soft-tops to high-performance models, all just steps from the beach.
Sea n Soul Surf stands out for its well-maintained equipment and friendly service. Catering to surfers of all levels, they offer a range of boards, from beginner-friendly foamies to high-performance shortboards.
With top-quality gear & friendly local shops, Malibu surfboard hire makes it a breeze to grab a board & get in the lineup.
Malibu Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Malibu surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Malibu surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
How To Get To Malibu Surf
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) To Malibu
Distance: 45km (28mi)
To reach Malibu surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Los Angeles Airport (LAX) & take a taxi or shuttle to your destination. Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 2-2.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
Details:
From LAX, catch the Big Blue Bus Line 3 from the Lower/Arrivals Level heading to Downtown Santa Monica. At the Santa Monica Transit Center, transfer to the Big Blue Bus Line 10 or Metro Bus Route 534 toward Malibu.
These buses stop at popular Malibu beaches such as Zuma & Surfrider. While the fare is low, the journey involves transfers & can be impacted by heavy westside traffic, particularly during morning & evening peak hours.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 1-1.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $30-$55 USD per person
Details:
Malibu specialized shuttle services, including Malibu Limo Shuttle & Malibu Shuttle, provide both shared & private options. Shared shuttles depart at set intervals from LAX’s Ground Transportation Center, stopping at key Malibu landmarks such as Malibu Pier & Point Dume.
Private shuttles can be scheduled to match your flight arrival & offer non-stop transport directly to your hotel or rental. Advance booking is essential, especially on weekends & during high-season events like surf contests.
Accommodation In Malibu
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€280 to €550 |
$300 to $600 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€600 to €820+ |
$650 to $850+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Malibu, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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