USA
California
All levels
Point break

Surfing Malibu (Surfrider Beach): Complete Guide

Malibu's First Point is the original California longboard wave — a long, peeling right-hand point break that helped define surf culture in the 1960s. It's still one of the most sought-after waves in the world on a clean south swell.

Wave type
Point break
Skill level
All levels
Best season
May – September
Swell
S – SW
Wind
Offshore N
Water temp
15–20°C
Crowd
Heavy

Why surf Malibu (Surfrider Beach)?

Iconic, photogenic, and a world-class longboard wave 45 minutes from downtown LA.

Beginner-friendly?

Third Point on smaller days is the friendliest; First Point gets fiercely competitive.

Hazards & local knowledge

Heavy crowds, drop-ins, occasional pollution after rain.

Nearby towns

Santa Monica • Los Angeles • Topanga

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