Malibu
- Longboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Malibu is a globally renowned right-hand point break with consistently long, peeling walls that are especially favored for longboarding. Sources describe it as world-class and/or excellent in quality, with very long rides that can extend well beyond a quarter-mile on larger swells. The break is associated with a cobblestone point (with an occasional sandbar inside) and is accessible via Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu Pier. Ride character is described as taking shape across multiple take-off areas/points that can connect on bigger days; on very large swells, the wave can organize into continuous, long runs. Wind and conditions are strongly seasonal. Offshore grooming is associated with north to northeast winds, while other wind directions can introduce chop. Seasonal timing also matters: surfing is described as best in summer, with autumn and late-year months noted as particularly clean or optimal by guides. Safety is a major consideration at this spot. The biggest risks highlighted include extreme crowds, rocks and other hard bottom hazards, loose boards/drop-ins, and pier pilings. Water quality can be poor after heavy rain/runoff, with guidance to avoid the water for roughly 72 hours following significant rainfall. Arriving early is strongly recommended due to parking and lineup competition, and strict etiquette is emphasized because of rider density.
- Iconic long right-hand point break
- Long peeling rides; described up to/over a quarter-mile on large swells
- Offshore grooming with north/northeast winds
- Seasonally staffed lifeguards and rescue availability
- Legendary right-hand point break known for long, peeling rides
- Often described as world-class/excellent wave quality
- Works across multiple swells with offshore wind opportunities
- Rescue availability and seasonal lifeguard staffing
- Extremely crowded and competitive lineup
- Hazards include rocks, pier pilings, and submerged cobblestones
- Water quality can degrade after rainfall/runoff
- Expensive access
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Diurnal sea-breeze pattern; afternoon sea breezes are common.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- The point can be somewhat sheltered from NW winds by the Malibu coastline.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with cobblestone near the point.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop can increase when winds shift toward west/southwest directions.
- Launch
- Medium — Cobblestone point with occasional sandbar inside; sandy beach entry near the point.
Through the year
Extremely crowded year-round; peaks during summer south swells and weekends.
December through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Quintessential longboard point break delivering long, peeling right-hand walls; also described as consisting of three distinct points that can connect on massive swells.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Point break exposed to open coast conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the north or northeast groom the waves; west or southwest winds can cause chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Points can connect into a very long ride; Third Point can hold significant size and stays more continuous/performance-oriented, while First Point can become a continuous wall on bigger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Often described as world-class.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Long, peeling right-hand walls.
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Long — Endless, long rides; described as over a quarter-mile on large swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- First Point is described as exceptionally long and ideal for longboarding; ride lengths quoted as roughly 100–300 meters, with over a quarter-mile on large swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Malibu in the full forecast view.
Malibu wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- SSW199°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 247 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–0.8 m12s period
- Temperature
- 16–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Malibu is forecast for daytime winds of 2–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.6–0.8 m with a period of about 12s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- extreme crowds
- loose boards
- drop-ins
- submerged cobblestones
- pier pilings
- pollution
- pollution after heavy rain
- offshore runoff after rainfall (runoff from nearby areas)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal tower staffing and patrolled rescue coverage via Los Angeles County Lifeguard Division.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Rescue availability is present; lifeguards are staffed seasonally and during peak hours.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911 in an emergency; lifeguard towers are staffed seasonally and during peak hours.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Strict surfing etiquette is required due to the density of riders; designated swimming zones during summer; surfing prohibited in certain areas near the pier.
- designated swimming zones during summer
- surfing prohibited in certain areas near the pier
- Arrive very early to find parking and a spot in the lineup.
- Avoid the water for about 72 hours after significant rainfall due to runoff.
- Ask someone nearby about the best/safest parking spot.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Malibu
- Nearest Town
- Malibu
- Parking
- Ask someone nearby about the best/safest parking spot; paid parking and limited street parking along PCH are mentioned.
- Access
- Easy. Look for Malibu Pier on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH); the point extends north of the pier.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available throughout Malibu.
- Food & Drink
- Food is available nearby, including options located on the pier.
- Equipment Rental:
- Board and wetsuit rentals are offered by shops along PCH.
- Gear Repair
- Surfboard repair services are available via local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A world-class tourism destination with iconic coastal scenery and a dense set of outdoor activities and amenities nearby.
Iconic 1905 pier with panoramic views, dining, and fishing.
Dramatic cliffside park with hiking trails and whale-watching opportunities.
Educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria.
Extensive trail network through the Santa Monica Mountains with rock climbing and scenic vistas.
Iconic pier with dining and visiting.
One of the largest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, ideal for families and sunbathing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Malibu?
The best overall months at Malibu are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Malibu?
Malibu works with N, NNE, NW winds.
What skill level is Malibu suitable for?
Malibu suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.