Malibu

Surf Guide

Malibu consists of three loosely defined take-offs on a cobblestone point, with the occasional sandbar on the inside. On large swells, the points can connect into a ride over a quarter-mile long. Generally thought of as a summer break, the 'Bu will also take west and even big northwest swells. The smaller inside break, First Point, is by far the most familiar and the best-shaped wave of the bunch -- a mechanical, mesmerizing wave to watch. Behind all the history and beneath the clutter of boards and bodies, there is still a gem of a wave that folds at the speed of a noseride. The next spot out, Second Point or Kiddie Bowl, is a much shorter -- though faster -- performance wave. It sometimes closes out with swell or tide changes, but is also a good escape from the crowd if you keep a sly eye out. If you get lucky, you can connect the section into First and spray all the longboarders. Third Point is the farthest out and serves up the fastest bowly wave in the area -- state-of-the-art speed surfing. Dominated by an aggro shortboard crew, it's a wonderful study in mob mentality: the predators, the prey, the shouting, the inevitable crack of boards slamming together and the onlookers' mischievous snickers. Most regulars, though, hold the opinion that all you need is one to make your day. The downside of all this perfection is the pollution. There are now approximately 12,000 residents in the lower Malibu creek area, most with septic tanks that leach into the lagoon, which, along with problems created by the Tapia Water Facility, has led to one of the worst pollution problems in the state. When the lagoon empties into the sea, either by rainfall or bulldozer, bacteria levels at Malibu go off the Richter. There have probably been a few winter pileups on PCH caused by surfers slamming on their brakes, stunned at the sight of Malibu's empty brown perfection. To a daredevil few, the E. coli warnings serve only as crowd control. Without a doubt, it's the most tempting cesspool you'll ever see. LOCAL RESOURCES: Los Angeles Surfrider | Heal the Bay | Malibu Boardriders | Malibu Surfing Association *WORLD SURFING RESERVE* 
Malibu sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters. LINEUP TIPS: Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics