Surf lessons start fast here. This small-group weekend mixes real Malibu time on the water with a coastal night camping experience and a second-day outing in the Santa Monica Mountains. You’ll also get a scenic Pacific Coast Highway drive where your guide points out well-known surf spots and celebrity homes—fun context before you even hit the beach.

I love the six hours of surf instruction that come with boards, wetsuits, and all the basics. It’s the kind of setup that helps you go from standing up to catching real waves without turning the trip into a gear hunt. I also love the private tent experience on a remote Malibu Wines property, with a BBQ dinner and sunset views that feel like you escaped the city for real.

One thing to weigh: surfing depends on conditions, and day two includes a swimming hole with cliff jumping. If cold water, heights, or choppy weather make you nervous, this may not feel like a relaxing, skip-any-part kind of day.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• Six hours of beginner coaching so you learn technique, not just beach time
• All surf gear included (surfboard and wetsuit), so you travel lighter
• Camping on a Malibu Wines property with a private tent and sleeping setup
• Day 2 hiking plus swimming-hole fun in the Santa Monica Mountains recreation area
• Small group capped at 12 for more hands-on guidance

Why Malibu for a 2-Day Beginner Surf Weekend

Malibu is one of those places where the scenery does half the job. Even before you think about surfing, the Pacific Coast Highway drive sets the mood with big ocean views and the famous coastline vibe. For a beginner camp, that matters: you arrive energized, not rushed.

This tour is built as a true two-day arc. You get time to learn the basics, then you get the payoff—sleeping under the stars near the coast—before your second-day outing. The combination of surf instruction plus an outdoor nature day makes it more than a one-time class.

It’s also a smart structure if you’re new to surfing. Beginners often get overwhelmed by a long day on the beach without coaching. Here, the plan focuses on actual time learning, with equipment handled for you and guided instruction included.

And yes, this one has a strong track record: it’s rated 4.8 with 96% of people recommending it. That usually signals good organization and a format that works for first-timers.

Day 1: Malibu Drive, Celebrity-Coast Context, and Six Hours of Surf Lessons

Day one starts with a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu. Your guide will point out major surf spots along the way, plus celebrity homes you’ll recognize if you follow LA culture. It’s a light “look and learn” part of the day, and it helps you understand why this coastline has such a reputation.

Then you head to a secluded surf spot for the main event: up to six hours of surfing instruction. Even though the schedule is packed with drive time and a full day overall, the key is that the surfing time is not an afterthought. This is built for beginners, meaning you should expect coaching aimed at the fundamentals—how to position yourself, how to manage your board, and how to handle the waves with less guesswork.

The value here is simple: when boards, wetsuits, and instruction are included, you can focus on learning instead of solving logistics. On a first surf trip, the biggest friction is often gear and technique. This camp takes away both.

Practical note: the tour operates in all weather conditions, but surfing still depends on conditions. Plan on dressing for it, and don’t assume every moment will be perfect beach weather.

The Malibu Wines Campsite: BBQ Dinner, Sunset Views, and Private Tent Sleep

After your surf day, things slow down in the best way. You’ll head to your campsite on the Malibu Wines property—about 1,000 acres, with a more remote feel than a typical campground setup. The big win for many people is that it’s not just “sleep somewhere nearby.” You’re camping for real, and the tour includes the reservations.

You’ll set up your tents, kick back, and then cook a BBQ dinner while you watch the sunset. Wine is available to purchase, but it’s optional—what matters is the setting and the mood. Malibu has lots of day-tour energy; this flips it into an evening that feels like a coastal retreat.

Your sleep setup is part of the deal: a private tent plus a sleeping bag and inflatable mat. That’s huge for first-timers because you don’t want to spend your limited trip time wrestling with camping gear decisions.

This is also where the trip earns its “weekend adventure” label. Even if you’re not a hardcore camper, the overnight changes the vibe: you’re outdoors long enough that Malibu stops feeling like a drive-by destination.

Day 2 Morning in Malibu: Coffee, Oatmeal, and a View-Focused Start

Day two begins with a relaxed morning at the campsite. You’ll have coffee or tea, and there’s a light breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit. The schedule also recommends waking for sunrise, which makes sense if your goal is to absorb the coast instead of just rushing through.

Then you’ll pack up your tent and head out. There’s something satisfying about not having to plan your day two from scratch. You get fed, you get moving, and you stay in the “guided outdoors” lane.

If you’ve never combined camping with surfing, this morning routine is a big help. It prevents the classic beginner problem: waking up hungry, cold, and behind schedule, which can ruin motivation for the rest of the day. Here, you start with food and calm.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: Hiking, Swimming Hole Time, and Cliff Jumping

The second major stop is in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. You’ll head to a local hiking spot for a mix of outdoor movement and water time. This is where the trip turns from ocean skills to natural-play fun.

You’ll take a hike, then you’ll get to dip in a swimming hole and do some cliff jumping into deep water. That sounds thrilling—and it can be—but it’s also a reality check. This isn’t just a casual wade in a small pool. You should be ready for depth and for heights being part of the experience.

If that’s not your thing, still go in with eyes open. The trip includes this as a core activity, so it’s best to choose it only if you can handle the physical part and the water setting.

The upside is the setting: the Santa Monica Mountains offer a different kind of scenery than the beach. It feels like a local, active day in Malibu, not another tourist stop. For beginners, it also provides a fun break from ocean muscles. You’re not just repeating surfing; you’re mixing it with hiking and swimming.

What’s Included (So You Don’t Lose Time to Gear and Decisions)

This camp is set up to minimize friction. Here’s what you get without extra shopping stress:

• Six hours of surfing instruction
• Surfboards and wetsuits (big deal for first-timers)
• Transportation between stops
• Meals: dinner, lunch, and breakfast
• Snacks during the day
• Camping reservation
• Private tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mat

That’s the core value: you’re paying for a structured surf learning experience plus the overnight setup. You aren’t left to figure out where to rent gear, where to camp, or how to fit it all together.

Not included: a GoPro video. If you want action footage, you’ll either bring your own camera setup or accept that the memories will be more hands-on than recorded.

Also keep in mind the tour has a max group size of 12. Smaller groups tend to mean fewer long waits during instruction and more chances to get your guide’s attention when you’re practicing.

Meeting Point and Getting There: 4375 Berryman Ave

The meeting point is 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which helps your planning—no extra rides, no complicated end-of-tour transfers.

It’s listed as near public transportation, which is helpful if you don’t want to deal with parking or if you’re coming from elsewhere in LA. Still, because you’re moving between Malibu areas and trail areas, having a practical way to arrive on time matters more than usual.

Plan to arrive early enough to check in calmly. With surf days and camping, the schedule is built around set blocks of time, and you don’t want to lose learning minutes to a late start.

Weather, Safety, and the Reality of Ocean Conditions

The tour runs in all weather conditions and says you should dress appropriately. That doesn’t mean the ocean won’t be wild—it means you should expect real-world variability and come prepared.

The good news is that you’re not going alone. You’re with a guide and in a small-group setup. For beginners, that support is what keeps a surf day from becoming a frustrating “watch everyone else” story.

On day two, you’ll be in the swimming hole environment, and the activity includes cliff jumping. Go with confidence only if you’re comfortable with water entry from heights and with deep water. If you’re unsure, treat this as the part of the trip that requires the most personal judgment.

The tour also notes that the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the kind of contingency that matters—nobody wants to be forced into a situation that isn’t safe or workable.

Group Size, Pacing, and Who This Camp Fits Best

With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re in a camp setting where beginners can still get feedback. The structure also gives you a full day on day one, a lighter start on day two, and then an active outdoor afternoon.

This format is ideal if you want:

• A beginner-friendly way to learn surf fundamentals
• Included equipment so you don’t waste your trip researching rentals
• A memorable overnight component, not just a class and done
• A second day that’s active and scenic, not a repeat of the beach

It may feel like a lot if you’re looking for a totally chill trip. You’re out all day, you’re in the ocean, and you’ll be moving again on day two with a hike and jumping.

Age-wise, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with teens or younger kids, make sure the adult-to-participant ratio works for your comfort level.

Language: it’s offered in English, and the guide may be multi-lingual.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Paying For

There’s no price listed here, so I can’t do a true dollar-per-hour breakdown. But I can tell you where the value comes from.

You’re getting:

• Coaching time (up to six hours) rather than just a “surf and smile” tour
• Gear included (board and wetsuit), which can otherwise add cost fast for beginners
• Meals across two days
• Transportation between multiple locations
• Camping with reservations and core sleeping gear

For first-time surfers, the hidden costs are usually rentals, instructions that are too short, and the time lost figuring out logistics. This camp bundles those pieces into one plan, which is exactly what makes a short weekend worth it.

The other value is the overnight experience on a private-feeling Malibu Wines property. That turns a 2-day learning trip into something you’ll talk about later, not something you’ll forget between meetings at home.

One caution from an outlier experience report: one person said an old listing appeared to be non-existent and suggested frustration after planning. I can’t confirm operational details, but I do recommend a practical step: before you book flights, double-check the date you’re traveling and make sure you have a clear confirmation for your specific start time.

Should You Book This Surf Camp?

If you’re a beginner who wants real instruction, not just beach time, I’d seriously consider booking. The combo of six hours of surfing lessons, included wetsuits and boards, and a proper overnight setup is a strong formula for learning and for making the trip feel like an adventure.

I’d book with extra care if you’re:

• Not comfortable with cold water or changing conditions
• Uncomfortable with cliff jumping at the swimming hole
• Hoping for a low-activity, fully relaxed pace

For most first-timers, though, this is the kind of weekend that gets you from anxious to confident faster, because the camp design removes the normal beginner friction points.

If you like your travel organized but still outdoorsy, this hits a sweet spot.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the beginner surf adventure?

It runs for about 2 days.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long are the surfing lessons?

You get approximately six hours of surf instruction.

Is surf equipment included?

Yes. Surfboards and wetsuits are included.

What meals are included?

Dinner, lunch, and breakfast are included, along with snacks.

Do we camp overnight?

Yes. You’ll have a private tent, plus a sleeping bag and inflatable mat, and you’ll camp on the coast.

What’s included besides surfing and camping?

Transportation is included, as well as camping reservations.

Is a GoPro video included?

No. GoPro video is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Is there a cancellation deadline for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund.