Review · LOS ANGELES SURF LESSONS

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons

★ 5.0 · 5 reviews 1 minute to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) Operated by Always Summer Surf School · Bookable on Viator
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Malibu surf lessons can turn a stretch of beach into a proper day out, even if you have never stood on a board. This approximately 90-minute session takes place near Escondido Beach, at a spot described as semi-private and less crowded than many Malibu breaks.

I like two things in particular: the board and wetsuit are included, so you need not sort out rental gear, and the instructors have helped first-timers build confidence and stand up on small waves. You can also choose a morning or afternoon start, which gives you some control over the shape of your day.

One thing to weigh: surfing depends on the weather and sea conditions, and the session is non-refundable if you cancel. The school can offer a new date or a refund if it cancels for poor weather or because too few people sign up.

What to know before you book

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - What to know before you book

  • A Malibu beach setting: The lesson is near Escondido Beach, with the surf spot described as semi-private and less crowded.
  • A roughly 90-minute lesson: Plan on about an hour and a half, though the duration is also displayed in an inconsistent range from one minute to 90 minutes.
  • Gear is included: A soft-top surfboard and wetsuit are provided, along with snacks, water, and instruction.
  • First-timers are welcome: Beginners have learned to stand and ride small waves with help from instructors Steele, Anthony, and Alex.
  • Morning or afternoon starts: Pick the time that fits your plans, subject to the options available when you book.
  • A firm cancellation rule: Your booking is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change. Weather or minimum-number cancellations come with a new date or refund option.

Meeting the instructors on Broad Beach Road

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - Meeting the instructors on Broad Beach Road

Your meeting point is 31202 Broad Beach Road, Malibu, California. The activity ends back at that address, so you do not need to plan for a separate drop-off point after the lesson.

The school is Always Summer Surf School. Instructors named Steele, Anthony, and Alex are associated with the lessons, and the strongest thread in their teaching is helping newcomers feel at ease in the water. That matters more than it may sound. Surfing asks you to manage a board, follow instructions, and get comfortable with moving water all at once. For a first session, a calm instructor can make the difference between enjoying the attempt and feeling overwhelmed.

The beach location is near Escondido Beach, and the surf spot is presented as less crowded than other options in Malibu. That can be a real advantage for a beginner: fewer people competing for the same patch of water may make it easier to focus on your instructor and your own board. Still, less crowded does not mean empty or private. The beach is described as semi-private, not exclusively reserved for the lesson.

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Getting into the water for the first time

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - Getting into the water for the first time

The central purpose of the session is simple: learn the basics of surfing and get a chance to ride waves. The lesson is aimed at beginners, and first-timers have managed to stand on their boards and ride small waves during a session. That is an encouraging possibility, not a promise. Waves and conditions vary, and no lesson can guarantee that every participant will stand up.

The instruction seems especially useful for people who want to try surfing without first committing to equipment or a long course. Steele has helped novices enjoy the experience, while Anthony has worked with both adults and children. Alex has also helped young beginners feel comfortable trying the sport. If you are nervous about the water or unsure whether surfing is for you, that patient, confidence-building approach is worth seeking out.

The exact sequence of the lesson is not specified, so do not expect a detailed minute-by-minute itinerary. What is clear is that instruction and time in the water are the focus. You should arrive ready to listen, try, and accept that getting up may take a few attempts. The aim is not to become a surfer in 90 minutes. It is to get a useful introduction and, with a little luck and steady coaching, catch a wave.

Why the included gear makes a difference

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - Why the included gear makes a difference

A surfboard and wetsuit are included, which removes two practical hurdles for a short lesson. You do not need to find a rental shop, guess what board to choose, or bring your own wetsuit. The boards are soft-top models, a beginner-friendly option that keeps the setup simple for a first try.

Snacks and water are also included. That is a thoughtful extra for an activity that takes place at the beach, though the information does not specify what snacks are served or how much water is provided. Bring any additional food or drink you know you will need, especially if you are planning to spend more time at the beach before or after the lesson.

This package is most useful if you are visiting Malibu without surf equipment or testing the sport before buying a board. If you already own gear and have surfed regularly, the value will depend more on the instruction and the beach setting than on the included equipment. One experienced surfer who had taken lessons before found the coaching helpful for improving. That makes this more than a novelty session, though how much you gain will depend on your skill level and the conditions that day.

Choosing a morning or afternoon session

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - Choosing a morning or afternoon session

You can choose between morning and afternoon starts. That flexibility helps you fit the lesson around other plans, but the available information does not provide exact start times or say that one part of the day is always better for surfing. Check the options at booking rather than assuming a particular time will be available.

The advertised lesson is approximately 90 minutes. That is enough time for a focused introduction, but it is not a full-day surf camp. The duration appears inconsistently in the activity details, with a range beginning at one minute and ending at 90 minutes. Treat the 90-minute figure as the practical guide, and confirm the scheduled start and expected length when you book.

If you are arranging the session for a family, think about the energy level of the youngest participant and how they feel about the water. The instructors have helped children get comfortable and catch their first waves, but the activity information does not state a minimum age or provide a child-specific lesson format. Ask the school directly if either detail affects your plans.

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What the beach setting adds

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - What the beach setting adds

Malibu is the draw here, but the useful detail is not just the place name. The lesson takes place near Escondido Beach at a surf spot described as less crowded. A quieter setting can make learning feel less hectic, particularly when you are trying to follow instructions and control a board for the first time.

The setting also suits a surf lesson that is meant to feel like an outing, not just a technical class. You get time at the beach, a chance to try a new skill, and a memorable shared activity. A mother and daughter who had never surfed both managed to stand and ride a small wave, turning the lesson into a bright spot in their summer. That is the kind of result to hope for: not mastery, but a new experience you can enjoy together.

Keep expectations sensible. The beach and waves are not a controlled indoor classroom, and weather can affect whether the lesson runs. The school may cancel if conditions are poor. If that happens, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A cancellation due to too few participants also comes with an offer of another date or experience, or a full refund.

Is the lesson worth the cost?

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - Is the lesson worth the cost?

No price is provided here, so I cannot compare the fee with other Malibu schools or tell you whether it is a bargain. The useful way to assess value is to look at what is bundled: instruction, a soft-top board, a wetsuit, snacks, and water. For a visitor who would otherwise need to rent gear and arrange a lesson separately, that all-in setup can simplify the day.

The value also rests on the quality of the instruction. Steele, Anthony, and Alex are the named instructors connected with positive beginner experiences, including helping children feel comfortable and helping a more experienced surfer improve. That is a promising sign, but the information does not guarantee which instructor will lead your particular session.

If your main goal is to learn without assembling equipment or navigating a crowded surf spot on your own, this lesson offers a practical package. If you are already an experienced surfer, want a long training session, or need a specific instructor, ask before booking. Those details are not confirmed in the activity information.

Who should book this Malibu surf lesson?

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - Who should book this Malibu surf lesson?

I would put this high on the list for first-time surfers, families with children who want to try a new activity, and couples or friends looking for something more active than a day on the sand. The included equipment keeps preparation simple, and the instructors’ experience with beginners is a good fit for people who need reassurance as much as technical advice.

It may also suit someone who has surfed before but wants a lesson in Malibu and a chance to work on their skills. A returning beginner could benefit from more than one session, though no multi-lesson package or progression plan is described.

It is a less obvious choice if you need guaranteed conditions, a highly structured course, a particular instructor, or a fully private beach. None of those are promised. The beach is semi-private, the session depends on weather, and the instructor assignment is not specified.

The activity is listed as suitable for most participants. Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation. If you have a specific access need, it is sensible to check with the school before booking, since the available information does not explain beach access or lesson accommodations in detail.

Booking with the cancellation rule in mind

Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons - Booking with the cancellation rule in mind

The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed if you cancel or request an amendment. That makes it wise to choose a time you can keep and to avoid booking casually as a placeholder in a busy itinerary.

The exception is a cancellation by the school because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met. In either case, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Since surfing is weather-dependent, leave a little flexibility in your plans if you can.

Should you book?

Book this lesson if you want a straightforward introduction to surfing in Malibu, appreciate having your board and wetsuit provided, and like the idea of learning near a less crowded surf spot. The best reason to go is the combination of beginner-focused instruction and the chance to try a real wave with help from Steele, Anthony, or Alex.

Skip it if you need a fully private beach, a guaranteed surf session, or flexible cancellation terms. For a first taste of surfing, though, the package is appealing: show up at Broad Beach Road, get equipped, and give yourself about 90 minutes to find your balance.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The lesson is described as approximately 90 minutes. The duration is also displayed as a range from one minute to 90 minutes, so confirm the expected timing when booking.

Where does the lesson meet?

Meet at 31202 Broad Beach Road, Malibu, California 90265. The activity ends back at the same point.

What is included?

A soft-top surfboard, wetsuit, snacks, water, and instruction are included.

Are the lessons suitable for beginners?

Yes. The lesson is suitable for beginners, and first-timers have learned to stand and ride small waves with instructor support.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon start?

Yes. Morning and afternoon start times are offered. Exact times depend on the options available when you book.

What happens if the lesson is canceled?

If the school cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel or request a change, the booking is non-refundable.

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