Surfing Malibu: What beginners should know

Malibu is not on our 25 best beginner spots on earth for a very simple reason. It is not a beginner friendly break. But it’s a magnificent wave, and you can with a bit of luck, and perhaps a local instructor get to surf it. So, let’s talk about Malibu.

If you’ve ever seen an old surf film, a Beach Boys record cover, or basically anything to do with 1950s and 60s surf culture, you’ve already met Malibu. Specifically, First Point at Surfrider Beach—it’s the most iconic longboard wave in the world. This is where modern surf culture grew up, and it’s still one of the most surfed spots in California.

???? The surf
Malibu is a right-hand point break divided into three main takeoff zones: First Point, Second Point, and Third Point. Beginners will want to stick with First Point—the softest, longest, and friendliest of the three.

• First Point: Long, rolling, peeling rights that can run for 200+ yards on a good day. Perfect for longboarding and learning trim.
  
• Second Point: A bit faster and steeper. Popular with intermediates on performance boards.
  
• Third Point: Punchier, shorter rides.

It breaks best on a south or southwest swell (summer is Malibu’s season), but it’s surfable almost year-round. Waves here are mellow when small, but on a solid swell, Malibu becomes a conveyor belt of endless rides—and a zoo.

???? Water quality
Malibu’s water quality is…complicated. On clean days, it’s clear and beautiful, but after rain, it can be some of the dirtiest water in LA County. Follow the 72-hour rule after storms. And yes, you can surf it now if you’re still worrying about the post-fire debris.

???? Wardrobe
Water temps are classic SoCal:

• Winter (Dec–Feb): 56–60°F (13–15°C) — 4/3 or 3/2 fullsuit.
  
• Spring (Mar–May): 58–64°F (14–18°C) — 3/2 fullsuit.
  
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 64–70°F (18–21°C) — springsuit, shorty, or surf bikini/boardies + rashie.
  
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 62–68°F (17–20°C) — 3/2 or lighter.
  

☀️ Best time for beginners to go
Late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer is prime swell season, and the water’s warmest. Morning sessions are best to avoid the worst of the crowds. You can get luck in late afternoon when most people are at work.

⚠️ Hazards
Malibu is famous, beautiful, and can be welcoming—but it’s also chaotic. Things to keep in mind:

• Crowds: This is one of the busiest surf spots in the world. On a good summer day, expect 100+ surfers in the lineup. It’s the only place I have ever heard “Get off my wave or I’ll kill you”. Thankfully I wasn’t on the receiving end
  
• Drop-ins: Because of the crowd, etiquette can break down. Don’t be surprised if someone snakes you.
  
• Rocks: The bottom is mostly cobblestone reef—watch your step getting in and out or if you’re riding straight to the beach on low tide

???? Rentals + lessons
You won’t find surf rentals right on the sand, but nearby Malibu Surf Shack (at the pier) has rentals, soft-tops, and lessons. There are also surf schools in Santa Monica and Venice if you’re coming up the coast.

???? When you’re not surfing
Malibu is a day trip central:

• Stroll the Malibu Pier for tacos, fishing, or cocktails at Malibu Farm.
  
• Drive up the coast for the best views ever along PCH.
  
• Check out the Adamson House Museum next to the break
  
• Hike in the Malibu hills for waterfalls and canyon views.
  
• Shop at local Ralph’s for some celebrity spottage
• If you can’t handle the lineup, return your surfboard, and go paddleboarding instead
  

???? Solo friendly?
Yes—with caveats. Malibu can feel intimidating at first because of the crowds and vibe, but it’s also one of the most legendary spots to tick off your surf bucket list. If you’re traveling solo, be courteous and manage expectations: even one wave at Malibu feels like a win. The community on the beach is mixed—old-school longboarders, frothing shortboarders, day-trippers, and everyone in between.

And one more thing

It’s legendary. Take whatever you can get.