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
- 1.6m
- 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
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Surfrider Beach parking. Three sections: First, Second, Third Point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Malibu?
Malibu works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Malibu?
Offshore wind at Malibu blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Malibu?
Malibu wants SSW swell (180° to 250°) between 0.6m and 2m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Malibu?
The main season at Malibu is Jun-Sep. A secondary window runs May, Oct. Summer S swells. Flat in winter unless big W wraps in.
How do I get to Malibu?
Fly into LAX, then allow about 40 minutes by road. Surfrider Beach parking. Three sections: First, Second, Third Point.
What kind of wave is Malibu?
Malibu is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
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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