Watching waves for two days is addictive. This beginner surf camp turns Malibu into your classroom, with a small group, up to six hours of surf instruction, and all the gear you need. The experience also blends classic Southern California views—Pacific Coast Highway drives, celebrity-home spotting, and sunset camping—with real time in the water.

I especially like that you get real instruction (not just time bobbing around), plus surfboards and wetsuits are included. Add in full meals and a private tent setup on a remote campsite near Malibu Wines, and you get a weekend that feels like you traveled somewhere, not just took a class and left.

One possible drawback: this is weather- and conditions-dependent. You’ll still go as long as conditions allow, but if the surf won’t cooperate, the plan can change and you may need flexibility.

Key Things You’ll Notice Right Away

• Up to six hours of beginner instruction with equipment included, so you’re not figuring it out alone
• Pacific Coast Highway 1 scenic drive toward a secluded surf spot, with your guide pointing out famous landmarks
• Private tent plus sleeping bag and inflatable mat for a proper coastal night under the stars
• Malibu Wines property campsite on a 1000-acre working landscape with BBQ dinner and sunset time
• Santa Monica Mountains swimming hole and cliff jumping after a short hike (water time is built in)

Why This 2-Day Malibu Surf Camp Works for Beginners

If you’ve ever looked at surf photos and thought, That could be me, this setup makes it more realistic than most. You’re in a small group (maximum 12), you get transported to good local areas, and you receive structured instruction instead of a vague, stand-on-the-board-and-hope vibe.

The rhythm matters. You’ll spend Day 1 learning how to paddle, how to pop up, and how to read what the waves are doing. Then you reset at camp with food and sleep, and you go back for Day 2—now with a clearer feel for timing and balance. That overnight break is a big deal. It helps your body absorb the movements while you’re still close to the ocean.

The other smart piece is simplicity. You don’t need to rent gear or hunt down wetsuits. The camp provides surfboards and wetsuits, plus snacks and meals. That means you can focus on the actual learning, not logistics.

Day 1: Rolling Up Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu’s Surf Spot

Your day starts with driving up the Pacific Coast Highway 1 through Malibu. You’ll ride in with the group and guide, and they’ll point out famous surf spots and even celebrity homes along the coastline. It’s a fun way to build local context before you ever hit the water—especially if you’re new to the area and want to understand what people mean when they talk about Malibu surf culture.

When you reach the lesson location, you’ll settle into a beginner-friendly surf setup for about six hours. That is plenty of time for real coaching: learning pacing, board control, and how to manage the chaos of incoming sets. With beginner-focused instruction, the goal is not just one successful ride—it’s building repeatable skills.

A quick practical note: the tour runs in the morning/early part of Day 1 and you’ll be out during active surf time. Plan to dress like you might get damp and salty, because you will. Bring a change of dry clothes for after surfing if the tour doesn’t specify a guaranteed time to do so.

Day 1 Lunch, Snacks, and the Lesson Pace That Prevents Burnout

This camp doesn’t treat the day like a single long grind. You get meals and snacks, which helps keep energy steady when you’re paddling, standing, falling, and repeating. When you’re learning to surf, fatigue can mess with technique fast—your shoulders get tired, and your pop-up gets sloppy.

The included food also makes the whole weekend easier to manage. You’re not trying to find a place to eat in Malibu between surfing sessions, and you won’t lose time hunting for snacks. This matters because your real progress comes from practice, not from waiting around.

If you have dietary needs, you’ll want to share them when booking so the team can plan. The tour asks for that up front, which is a good sign—they’re trying to prevent last-minute scrambling.

Day 1 at Malibu Family Wines: Private Tent Camping and a BBQ Dinner

After the surf lesson, you head to your campsite on the 1000-acre Malibu Wines property. This is where the weekend shifts from activity to atmosphere. You’ll set up your tent, kick back, and cook a BBQ dinner while watching the sunset.

A key detail for comfort: the package includes a private tent, plus a sleeping bag and an inflatable mat. That’s not glamorous camping, but it’s a meaningful upgrade from the typical learn-to-surf-and-camp-by-the-seat-of-your-pants style. You’re not stuck thinking about bedding or bringing gear you don’t own.

Wine is available for purchase, so you can keep it casual. If you’re not a wine person, you still get the best part: the coastal setting and the feeling of being tucked away from the city.

What you should expect at night is simple. It’s a campsite experience on a working property, so you’ll want to be comfortable with outdoor conditions. Nights can cool down, especially when you’re close to the coast, so pack layers for after the sun goes down.

Day 2 Morning: Coffee or Tea, Oatmeal, and Packing Up Calmly

Day 2 begins with coffee or tea and a light breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit. Waking up for sunrise is recommended, and honestly, if you enjoy quiet views, it’s the moment that makes camping feel worth it even before you go back to the water.

Then you’ll pack up and head out. This transition is part of what makes a two-day camp different from a one-day class. You get a morning reset instead of jumping straight from night to another full lesson day.

If you’re the type who gets sore after the first day, the included breakfast helps you fuel up. Surfing uses your upper body and core, and you want something gentle in your stomach before you start paddling again.

Day 2: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for a Swimming-Hole Adventure

After breakfast, you head to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This stop is about legs, legs, and then water—because you’ll hike to a famous local spot where you can take a dip and do cliff jumping into deep water.

This is the part of the weekend that’s not strictly surf-related, but it’s a strong add-on. It gives you a full “coastal adventure” feeling: you’re not just sitting on a board all day. Plus, it’s a great way to feel confident in open water conditions around Malibu.

A consideration: cliff jumping is optional in most outdoor trip cultures, but the tour data specifically mentions cliff jumping into deep waters. If you’re unsure, bring a clear mindset at the start. Ask your guide what’s safe and what’s recommended for your comfort level.

Also, dress appropriately for the day and be ready for water. Even if you don’t jump, you’ll likely get in for a swim.

The Transport and Small-Group Size That Makes It Feel Personal

The camp includes transportation, and the group size capped at 12 is a big reason the instruction can feel tailored. In smaller groups, you’re more likely to get correction when you’re doing the wrong thing—like where your feet land for pop-up, or how you’re positioning your shoulders while paddling.

You’ll start and end back at 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066, so it’s not a multi-stop maze. It’s also noted as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.

There’s also a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. If you prefer everything to be straightforward and in your language, that’s a helpful baseline.

What’s Included: Gear, Meals, Camping, and Real Surf Time

Here’s what you’re getting without needing to add extra rentals or scramble for food:

• Six hours of surfing instruction
• Surfboards and wetsuits provided
• All meals included: dinner, lunch, and breakfast, plus snacks
• Private tent, sleeping bag, and inflatable mat
• Camping reservations
• Transportation to the surf and activity spots

What’s not included is also clear: GoPro video. If you want a hero shot, you’ll need your own camera plan (or just accept that this is about learning, not recording).

For value, think of it like this: surf instruction plus full-board camping logistics usually costs more when you piece it together yourself. Here, the camp handles the coordination—where you go, what gear you use, and how the meals fit around the water time.

Who This 2-Day Beginner Surf Camp Is Best For

This camp is a strong fit if you want a true first surf experience with structure. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• are a complete beginner or close to it
• want up to six hours of guided coaching in a short timeframe
• like the idea of a Malibu weekend that includes both surfing and outdoor time
• enjoy camping and don’t mind sleeping outdoors for one night

It’s also a good choice if you want a plan that takes care of day-to-day decisions—what to eat, what gear to use, and how to get from place to place.

If you’re traveling solo, the small-group format can be reassuring because you’re not trying to manage everything alone. If you’re traveling with family, note the tour states under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Conditions, Safety, and the One Thing to Watch Before You Book

The tour says it operates in all weather conditions, but it also notes it requires good weather. In real life, that usually means the team goes in as long as conditions are safe enough to run the surf portion, and if the surf conditions are poor, they’ll offer another date or a full refund.

So your best move is simple: check the forecast for your surf window once you’re confirmed, and be ready to stay flexible.

One more thing to watch based on an issue reported in the wild: there has been at least one complaint about an experience that appeared outdated or not operating under the listing name, leading to major disappointment after travel. Before you book, I’d verify the dates and operator details from your confirmation message, and keep a paper trail until the trip is actually underway.

Should You Book This Surf-and-Camping Weekend?

If your goal is to become a surfer within a weekend, this camp has the ingredients. You get real instruction time, you don’t have to source gear, and you get meals plus a private tent setup so you’re comfortable enough to focus on learning. The Day 2 addition in the Santa Monica Mountains keeps the trip from feeling like only one repeating activity.

Book it if you want a structured beginner experience and you’re okay with outdoor sleeping for one night. Skip it if you need a guarantee that cliff jumping will feel comfortable for you or if you hate any uncertainty tied to weather and surf conditions.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to try hard things in a supportive setting, this is the kind of weekend that can turn into a quick life memory. Start with the instruction, ride the learning curve, then enjoy the Malibu night—because that part is what makes the whole thing feel like a trip.

FAQ

What is included in the surf instruction?

You’ll get six hours of surfing instruction, and the tour provides surfboards and wetsuits.

Where does the tour meet and where does it end?

The tour starts at 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to bring surf equipment?

No. Surfboards and wetsuits are provided.

Is camping included overnight?

Yes. The tour includes a private tent, sleeping bag, and inflatable mat, plus camping reservations.

What meals are provided?

Dinner and lunch are included on Day 1, and breakfast is included on Day 2. Snacks are also provided.

Is GoPro video included?

No. GoPro video is not included.

What activities happen on Day 2 besides surfing?

On Day 2, after packing up, you’ll go to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for a hike and then time in a swimming hole with cliff jumping mentioned as part of the activity.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Additional Info (Quick Facts)

• Location focus: Malibu, plus an additional stop in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
• Language: English
• Ticket: mobile ticket
• Confirmation: received at booking
• Weather: operates in all weather conditions, with potential schedule changes if conditions are poor
• Age: under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

If you want, tell me your surf experience level (total beginner, tried before, etc.) and your travel dates, and I’ll help you decide whether this exact rhythm fits your expectations.

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