Malibu surf in a weekend sounds like a movie, but it is also practical. You get a small-group setup, hands-on surf instruction, and a real camping night on the coast, with meals handled for you. For many first-timers, that combination turns nerves into progress fast.

I especially love that you’re not left figuring anything out. You get six hours of surf instruction, plus surfboards and wetsuits provided. I also like that the experience mixes ocean time with the coast and the outdoors, not just a quick lesson and a goodbye.

One drawback to consider is that surf is weather-dependent, and the day-to-day plan can shift if conditions are poor. You should dress for all-weather and be ready for the fact that the operator may reschedule if conditions are not right.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to 12 people in the group, so you’re not lost in a crowd
• Six hours of beginner surf instruction included, with gear provided
• Private tent and sleeping kit for a real night under the stars
• Meals included (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks between sessions
• Malibu to the Santa Monica Mountains for both surf and a scenic hike with water time

Why this 2-day beginner surf camp in Malibu makes sense

If you’ve never surfed, the trick is simple: you need enough time in the water to learn the basics, then practice them again the same weekend. This camp is built around that idea, with multiple teaching moments and a full day on the coast for your lessons.

You also get the kind of “whole experience” weekend that feels more like a trip than a class. There’s a coastal drive, a night in a private tent at a secluded campsite, and a second day that ends with hiking and swimming in the Malibu area.

And because the group is kept small, you’re more likely to get real feedback. That matters on day one, when balance, timing, and getting up on the board can feel like juggling while standing still.

Getting to the action: meeting point, group size, and pace

You start at 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066. From there, the tour provides transportation, which is a big deal if you’re coming from the city and do not want to rent a car for two days of driving and surf logistics.

The experience runs in English, and you may be with a multi-lingual guide depending on the day. The group size is capped at 12, which usually means you’re not waiting forever for the next step or squeezed into long lines for gear.

Pace-wise, this is a weekend “doing” plan. You’re not sleeping in and skipping activities. You’ll move from surf to campsite to next-day adventure, so if you like a slow, laid-back travel schedule, plan a buffer day afterward.

Day 1 in Malibu: Pacific Coast Highway views and beginner surf coaching

Your first big day starts with a drive up Pacific Coast Highway 1 through Malibu. You’ll go past recognizable surf territory and get pointing-out moments along the route, including famous surf spots and celebrity homes. Even if you care more about learning than sightseeing, this drive helps you understand where you are and why people come back again and again.

Then you’ll get to the secluded surf spot for your lessons. You should expect about six hours on the water learning the fundamentals. The most important part is that you’re not just watching from shore. You’ll be using the surfboards and wetsuits provided, which removes two common beginner headaches: choosing the right board and worrying about fit and gear basics.

For first-timers, here’s what those six hours are likely to be designed for:

• getting comfortable in the wetsuit and handling your board
• learning how to catch a wave safely and how to position yourself
• building the habit of trying, falling, then trying again with guidance

You do not have to be athletic to participate, but you do need to be willing to get wet, work at your own pace, and accept that progress can be uneven during the first session. The good news is that you get time, not a token lesson.

Malibu Wines campsite night: private tent, BBQ dinner, and real downtime

After surf, the camp shifts from ocean intensity to coastal calm. You head to the campsite on the 1000-acre property of Malibu Wines, described as wild and remote, with a sense that you’re away from everything. You’ll be able to use the space as a group, then break off to relax around the camp.

A standout here is that you sleep in a private tent. That changes the feel compared with crowded dorm-style setups. You’ll also have a sleeping bag and inflatable mat, so you can focus on enjoying the night instead of worrying about what to pack for camping.

Your evening includes time to set up, relax, and cook a BBQ dinner. Wine is available for purchase, so if that’s your thing, you can pair your sunset with something local. If not, you still get that full “camp at the coast” mood.

Practical tip: plan to treat this as a night of recovery. After hours in the water, your body will want warmth, rest, and a little time to reset. The tent setup helps, because you’re not just driving to a hotel at the end of a long day.

Day 2 morning rhythm: coffee, oatmeal, and the sunrise option

Day two starts with a slower tone. You’ll wake up and relax, with coffee or tea, and then a light breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit. The plan recommends waking up for sunrise, which makes sense. Even if you do not catch a spectacular show every morning, the early light in coastal California is usually worth it.

Then you’ll pack up your tents and get ready for the next activity. Because breakfast is handled, you’re not spending time searching for food or figuring out timing before you head into your final stretch.

You’ll want to keep one simple mindset: do not let day two become a scramble. The more calmly you pack and transition, the better you’ll feel for the hike and the water time later.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: hike, swim hole, and cliff jumping

After breakfast and packing, you head to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for a local hiking spot. This part is about views and movement, not technical hiking.

The activity includes taking a dip and doing cliff jumping into the deep waters of a swimming hole. Not everyone will want to jump from the same height or even jump at all, so go at your own comfort level. The key is that the water play is part of the fun, and it’s often what makes day two feel like a full adventure instead of a second surf lesson.

This hike area is described as one of the most beautiful parts of Malibu, and it’s a must-see even outside of the surf camp framing. If you love pairing physical activity with scenery, this is the moment where the weekend starts to feel like more than “surf class.”

What’s actually included, and what it means for your planning

One reason this camp works for beginners is how much is bundled. You’re not building your own itinerary from scratch.

Included:

• Six hours of surfing instruction
• Surfboards and wetsuits
• Transportation throughout the experience
• Snacks
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Camping reservations
• Private tent, sleeping bag, and inflatable mat
• A mobile ticket
• Availability in English

Not included:

• GoPro video

That meal and equipment setup is the hidden value. It saves you time and decisions. You can show up, get organized, and spend your energy learning and having fun.

Still, you should plan your personal items. The data says you should dress appropriately and the tour operates in all weather conditions. That means bring the basics you know you’ll want for changing temps, wet gear storage, and comfort during long hours outside.

Equipment and surf time: how to get the most from the lessons

Surf lessons go best when you treat them like training, not entertainment. You want to ask questions, pay attention to the guidance between attempts, and focus on the one or two cues the instructor is emphasizing at that moment.

Because wetsuits and boards are provided, you can avoid the most common beginner mistakes:

• using gear that is too big or too small
• getting stuck spending time on fit and setup
• losing practice time to logistics

Also, since you’re with a small group, you should get more focused attention than you would in a large surf school.

If you’re traveling with friends or family, keep the expectation realistic: you may not all progress at the same speed. That’s normal. The win is that you leave with real confidence from trying, not just watching.

Meals, energy, and avoiding the beginner burnout trap

This weekend includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks. That matters because surfing and hiking are tiring in a way that food planning can either help or ruin.

A full day in a wetsuit can drain energy faster than you’d expect. Then the campsite night adds physical recovery needs. Having meals handled means you can focus on sleep and hydration instead of chasing restaurants.

If you have dietary requirements, you should advise them at booking. The tour data explicitly requests this, so do it early rather than hoping for options on the fly.

One more practical point: avoid overstuffing right before water time. A big meal too close to surfing can be uncomfortable. The included lunch and dinner are meant to keep you going, but you can still eat with timing in mind.

Weather realities: what “all weather” means for you

The tour says it operates in all weather conditions, and it also says this experience requires good weather. That usually means: they run when they can, but if conditions are too poor for safety or quality, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So your job is not to guess the forecast and panic. Your job is to be prepared. Dress appropriately, plan for wet and changing conditions, and keep a flexible mindset.

If you’re the type who needs certainty down to the hour, this is the one thing to understand. Your experience is designed for the outdoors, and the outdoors does what the outdoors wants.

Who this is best for, and who should think twice

This camp is designed so most travelers can participate. That makes it a strong pick for:

• first-time surfers who want real coaching time
• people who like structured group travel but still want adventure
• travelers who want an LA-area weekend that feels like it’s going somewhere

You should think twice if:

• you want a fully controlled, indoors-friendly schedule
• you dislike camping at night, even with a private tent and basic sleep gear
• you are not comfortable with the idea of cliff jumping at a swimming hole, even if you can skip it

Age note: if you’re under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult. If you have medical conditions, the tour asks you to advise them at booking, which is a smart move anytime you’re doing strenuous outdoor activity.

Value and a smart check before you commit

I can’t tell you a price because none is provided here, but I can talk about value in a grounded way. This experience bundles the big costs that usually hit beginners hard:

• surf coaching time (not just a quick taste)
• gear (board and wetsuit)
• transportation
• camping essentials (private tent plus sleeping bag and inflatable mat)
• meals across two days

If you were to plan those things yourself, you’d spend time coordinating gear rentals, finding instructors, booking camping, and figuring out food. Here, you get a ready-made weekend flow.

One more practical caution: because adventure operators and schedules can change, I strongly suggest you verify that the experience is confirmed for your exact date before you finalize other travel. If you’re flying in or coordinating with kids, do not wait until the last minute.

Should you book this 2-day beginner surf adventure?

If you want a beginner-friendly surf weekend that actually gives you time in the water, I’d say yes. The combination of six hours of instruction, gear included, camping under the stars, and a second-day adventure in the Santa Monica Mountains is a solid way to get out of LA life and into real experiences without overplanning.

Book it if you like a structured small group, you’re comfortable being outside all day, and you can handle the weather factor like a grown-up outdoors person.

Skip it if you need everything indoors, you hate camping nights, or you’re not comfortable with the added water activities on day two.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?

It runs for 2 days, with a day-one surf and camping schedule and a day-two hike and swimming hole stop.

How many hours of surfing instruction are included?

You get six hours of surfing instruction.

Are surfboards and wetsuits provided?

Yes. Surfboards and wetsuits are included.

What meals are included?

Dinner, lunch, breakfast, and snacks are included. Day two includes oatmeal and fresh fruit for breakfast, plus coffee or tea.

Where do I meet, and where does it end?

You meet at 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much flexibility do I have to cancel?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancel 2 to 6 days in advance for a 50 percent refund. If you cancel within 2 days, the amount paid is not refunded.