Here's Everything You Need To Know Before Surfing Malibu

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One of the most iconic surf breaks in the U.S. and in surfing history. Malibu is a world-renowned Southern California mechanical, and borderline hypnotic, wave. Ever since Malibu was first discovered, it has acted as a Mecca for surfers all across the globe. One of those waves that, on its day, looks like what surfing should be.

Its place in history is undeniable. And for good reason. Swell lines wrapping into Surfrider Beach for as far as the eye can see make for an impressive sight on the right day and right conditions. For the better part of a generation, surfers have become enamoured with the almost mythical qualities of the 'Bu.

In fact, Malibu is so prominent in surfing folklore that it officially became the first location named as a World Surfing Reserve on October 9th, 2010. This programme actively seeks out significant surf spots, those that are classified as outstanding waves, and wraps them up in protective orders. The aim is to preserve these locations for generations to come. Those protections are also extended to nearby environments, which is particularly important for surf spots, given that elements like estuaries can be used to replace sand on beaches. An important ecological factor in the quality of some beaches and surf spots all over the world.

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Like other world-class, incredible waves across the world, Malibu can get incredibly crowded, even on smaller days. Best bet would be to paddle out around first light, but you'll always be contending with a crowd, no matter the time of day. It's a bucket-list experience, if everything lines up. Or if you live here, you already know when it's best to be in the water.

Where Is Malibu?

Surfrider Beach is the name of the spot where the iconic wave breaks. To get there, it's about a 50-minute, 70-kilometer drive from LAX. You will need to head out onto the 405 and join highway 101 before swinging south back to the coast and reaching the city of Malibu, well-known for its celebrity culture and long sandy beaches. In a surf sense, though, if you're heading this way to get in the water, you want to aim for Malibu Lagoon State Beach, aka Surfrider Beach.

Back in 1981, surfers of this brilliant break set up a charity organization called the Surfider Foundation. This was launched to help preserve the waves of Malibu, and provide protection against development and any other number of threats that can kill a surfing community. These days, the Surfrider Foundation has grown into one of the largest grassroots non-profit organizations estimated to have more than a million members. It's now set up to help preserve surf spots across the globe has a workforce in key locations to facilitate this.

Something about a sunrise at Malibu just zings.

Malibu Wave Breakdown

Some people think of Malibu as one sort of long beach. But that's not true. The reality is, there are three distinct take-offs running down Malibu's cobblestone point. First Point is the inside of this surf zone and can be slightly on the slower side. This makes it ideal for longboarders, as the easy-going entry and slow-down of the wave means there's less grunt in the mix.

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Moving on from there is Second Point, which can be more geared towards the performance aspect of surfing. Second Point is a much faster, shorter ride, and can even connect up to First Point on big south swells. First Point is more inside than Second, so you can go from racey take-off, to cruise mode when it all joins up. Then the furthest westerly zone is Third Point, which is sat even further out than the other two. Third Point is even faster than the previous two take-off zones, and more performance-oriented again, versus First and Second Point.

What you're really looking for here is big southerly swells. Big enough that all three of these different points will connect up into one, glorious ride. When they do, the wave can break for half a mile, with multiple sections and nuance through it all. The crowds are going to put a lot of people off, to seek something else nearby. But if you can shrug off being hemmed in on all sides by multiple different people, there's still an absolute delight of a wave under it all.

Also, FYI, Malibu beaches were fenced off and patrolled by guards through the 1900s. Surf pioneers Sam Reid and Tom Blake, one of the most prominent surfers of all time, paddled two miles from the boundary line, into the guarded area, to surf the joint in the 1920s. It's understood that the pair surfed on a relatively calm day on what is now known as Malibu's First Point.

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When To Surf Malibu

Fall is the best season for the Californian coastline, and the entire northern hemisphere. Winter's great, and you get the swell size filter out of the Pacific. But everything's a bit warmer in the Fall. Think fun-sized waves right at the start of the South Pacific's southern swell season, and you're set.

Where To Stay

The population of Malibu City is around 11,000. There are plenty of Airbnbs and hotels in the area you can call into. Expect to spend around $400 per night to stay. There are many less expensive options the further you are from the coast and city center, it's up to you what type of visit you'd like.

El Matador State Beach is worth a visit if you're in town.

What To Do in Malibu

Take a walk along the Malibu Pier or around the ancient Rome-inspired Getty Villa. Head westwards around Point Dume, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean, and on to El Matador State Beach, a collection of coves with some of the most dramatic rock formations in the country dotted along the shore. This is a good place to take in the surrounding area.

Related: The 3 Most Dangerous Seas in the World

Here's Everything You Need To Know Before Surfing Malibu first appeared on Surfer on Jun 29, 2025