Surfing at Malibu
Malibu's surf break is at Surfrider Beach, the stretch of Malibu Lagoon State Beach between the lagoon and the Malibu Pier. It is a right-hand point break over cobblestones that picks up south swells and works best in spring, summer and fall. California State Parks says rides can run 300 yards or more. LA County posts a surf report on its Surfrider Beach page.
Surfing at a Glance
The Wave
Save The Waves describes Malibu as a right-hand cobblestone point break, built by sediment carried down Malibu Creek. Save The Waves calls it a consistent south-swell magnet. On the biggest days, waves can reach double overhead and connect for 100 yards or more from Second Point through to the pier.
State Parks calls it a three-point break.
When It Breaks
- Spring, summer and fall: the south-swell season and Malibu's best months, according to Save The Waves.
- After rain: stay out. LA County Public Health advises avoiding ocean water for at least 72 hours after rain, especially near creeks. Malibu Creek empties right at the break.
Surf Report and Cameras
LA County Beaches & Harbors embeds a surf report on its Malibu Surfrider Beach page. The feed comes from Surf-Forecast.com. Look for a south swell, since that is what Malibu needs.
Lineup Manners
Malibu is famous and busy. A few basics keep everyone safe:
- One surfer per wave. The surfer closest to the peak has the wave. Don't drop in.
- Paddle wide. Go around the breaking waves, not through someone's ride.
- Hold your board. Don't let it fly loose in a crowd.
- Stay out of the swimming area near the lifeguard towers.
Rentals
Beach rentals and equipment are available at the start of the Malibu Pier, outside the closure area. The Malibu Cabana on the pier sells surfboards.
Parking
The LA County Surfrider lot (90 spaces) is right by the break. The State Parks lagoon lot at Cross Creek Road is a short walk west. Both charge. See Parking.
History
Save The Waves dates surfing at Malibu to the 1920s. It became the center of California surf culture in the 1950s and 1960s, the setting for Gidget and the home break of Miki Dora, Lance Carson, Dewey Weber and Dale Velzy. On October 9, 2010, it became the first World Surfing Reserve, opened with a Chumash blessing and a paddle-out of about a hundred surfers. More on Surfrider Beach.
Surfing at Malibu FAQ
When is the best time to surf Malibu?
Spring, summer and fall, when south swells arrive. Save The Waves describes Malibu as a south-swell point break that breaks well in those seasons.
Where can I check the Malibu surf report?
LA County Beaches & Harbors embeds a surf report on its Malibu Surfrider Beach page. The feed comes from Surf-Forecast.com.
How long are the waves at Malibu?
California State Parks says rides at Surfrider Beach can run 300 yards or more. On the biggest days, Save The Waves says waves connect from Second Point through to the Malibu Pier.
Is it safe to surf Malibu after rain?
No. LA County Public Health advises staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after rain, and away from flowing creeks at any time. Malibu Creek empties at Surfrider Beach.