The Ultimate Guide to Surfing Lessons in Malibu, California, and What You Should Know

Surfing appeals to adventurous spirits of all ages, as it is a fun, challenging, and exhilarating sport that allows people to ride the ocean waves under sunny skies. The best thing about this amazing sport is that it can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. While there are levels to surfing, one can only be considered a competent surfer if they can control themselves and their surfboard in the water, have total directional control, and can face unbroken waves on their own. To achieve that, surfing lessons are the best route to achieving a high level of skill.

 

The process of mastering surfing can be a challenging journey. Generally, it can take between a handful of surfing trips to a few years out on the waves to become competent at the sport, depending on the learner's understanding of the basics and their level of fitness and dedication. 

 

For those who want to learn how to surf or improve their skills, there's no better place for a surfing journey than in Malibu, California. Malibu is known for its stunning coastline and perfect waves, which provide a conducive environment for surfing. If you’re interested in taking lessons, read on for a guide to getting started with surfing in Malibu.

Selecting a reputable and certified surf school is an integral part of the process, as your instructors play a vital role in the success of your surfing lessons. There are many surfing schools around the Malibu coast. Here are some things to consider as you narrow down your options.

 

Instructors should be knowledgeable and friendly. In addition, they should be able to provide personalized tips to improve your individual skills. The school should be able to provide you with quality equipment, and the quality of their lessons should be high. The classes should be taught in a fun environment to facilitate understanding, and the school should maintain high safety standards.

 

There are several reputable surf schools in Malibu, each with unique offerings. Malibu Surfing School is a popular option for all ages and skill levels. Offering private lessons from Dimitri Papavassiliou, an Olympic surfer, Malibu Surfing School promises top-notch guidance and instruction at Broad Beach. You can book an individual 1.5-hour lesson for $130 or bring your friends for group programs.

 

Malibu Makos Surf Club is another locally based, licensed surf school that has been in operation since 1991. This reputable group offers one-hour or 1.5-hour private surfing lessons for up to eight surfers, as well as group surfing lessons for larger groups. They even teach a semester-long “Introduction to Surfing” course at Pepperdine University, which reviews surfing safety, currents, wave judgment, and the conditions of local surfing areas. Malibu Makos Surf Club also hosts surf camps at Zuma Beach for all skill levels, as well as kids’ classic surf camps for tons of fun. Join a Saturday surf session for a one-hour lesson and a great time out on the waves.

Most certified and reputable surf schools in Malibu offer a nearly similar structure of lessons, with some slight variations. They combine theory and practical training, which allows their students to understand the principles and apply them on the water. The basics are covered in beginner lessons and cover theory and simple techniques, such as paddling and proper stance. Safety instructions and ocean awareness are also taught in beginner lessons, including education on wave assessment, rip tides, currents, and general swimming knowledge.

While it may sound like a merely physical sport, there is a lot of theory behind surfing. This sport combines balance, skill, mind and body coordination, and athleticism. One must understand the basics very well in order to become a skilled surfer rather than just picking up a surfboard on the first day and attempting to ride the waves.

 

Learning how to choose the correct equipment should be on the list of your first lessons in your Malibu surf class. Generally, surfing requires three core pieces of equipment: a surfboard, a leash, and a wetsuit. The surfboard is the vehicle that allows you to barrel through the waves. The leash is a cord attached to your ankle, which keeps you attached to your board (you don’t want to lose it!). Lastly, the wetsuit keeps you warm and dry while on the water. 

 

Surfboards come in different shapes and sizes. For beginners, it's advisable to start with long boards as they offer more stability and are easier to use.

Understanding how to paddle and control the board properly is essential in getting started with surfing. Paddling means lying on your stomach on the board while using your arms to propel yourself, and it is the basic method of movement on a surfboard.

 

Your next theoretical lesson should be the correct way to stand up in order to catch a wave. The next technique you will learn is maneuvering your way down the wave, which involves shifting your weight and using your feet.

Like other sports, you will also need to learn surfing etiquette. This includes tips like giving way to the surfer closest to the breaking wave and how to interact with other surfers. Additionally, you will need to learn about basic safety precautions. You should also understand that the ocean can sometimes be unpredictable. Therefore, you should pay attention to the prevailing conditions and act accordingly. Understanding your limits and sticking to surf spots that match your skill level is also important. If in doubt, always consult your instructor.

The Malibu coast is known for having some of the most consistent waves in the world, and surfing here can feel like riding a never-ending wave. In addition, Malibu's coastline offers several surf breaks, each with its unique characteristics. You should learn about the different breaks and their ideal conditions. Your instructor will provide valuable insights on this topic.

Like any other sport, it is essential that you take regular coaching sessions in order to grow and improve your surfing abilities. Regular lessons will allow you to grasp the fundamentals in a fast way. After understanding the fundamentals, you can take advanced lessons and specialized coaching options to refine your skills.

Are you planning to spend your next vacation in Malibu learning to surf? Oraklus is a leading provider of luxurious Malibu vacation rentals and can help you make the most out of your Malibu vacation. Their vacation rentals range from stunning equestrian estates to waterfront villas. All come with a dedicated concierge to make your stay the best it can be. Contact Oraklus today to book an Airbnb in Malibu or a vacation home.