Malibu
Malibu is California's most iconic wave—the birthplace of the modern longboard and ground zero for 1960s surf culture that changed the world. Three sections (First Point, Second Point, Third Point) offer different experiences, but First Point is the showcase: long, peeling right-handers that allow nose-riding and trim surfing at its finest. The crowds are legendary, sometimes comically intense, but the wave quality on a clean summer south swell explains why generations of surfers have made this pilgrimage. Surfing history lives here.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
10/10
Access: Surfrider Beach parking. Three sections: First, Second, Third Point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Malibu?
Malibu is a point break in Los Angeles, USA, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Malibu?
Malibu picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.2 to 1.7m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Malibu?
A N wind is dead offshore at Malibu, and anything from the NW round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Malibu?
Malibu is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Malibu?
The most reliable run of swell at Malibu comes Jun to Sep. There's a second window in May and Oct too. Summer S swells. Flat in winter unless big W wraps in.
How cold is the water at Malibu?
The water at Malibu averages around 18°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Malibu good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 10/10), so mind the pecking order. Extremely crowded. Cobblestone point. Longboard priority.
How do I get to Malibu?
The nearest airport on our list is LAX, then it's roughly a 40-minute drive. Surfrider Beach parking. Three sections: First, Second, Third Point.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Sep
Secondary: May, Oct
Summer S swells. Flat in winter unless big W wraps in.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
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The Wedge
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Lower Trestles
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San Onofre
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Oceanside
🌊 Pier consistency • All-level access • Working-class waves
Plan a trip around Malibu
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