A weekend on the water sounds simple, but this one has real structure. You get a beginner-friendly surf camp in Malibu, plus a night of camping under the stars and a second day that swaps ocean time for a scenic swim stop. I like how the schedule builds from first lessons to a full coastal adventure.

Two things I’d highlight right away: six hours of surf instruction and all equipment (board + wetsuit) included. You’re not wasting time figuring gear out, and you’re getting enough practice time to feel like you actually learned something by day two.

The only real drawback to consider is the camping setup. It’s a private tent with bedding, not a hotel, and day two includes a hike plus the option of cliff jumping, so it’s more active than a sit-and-watch tour.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 12 people) keeps the coaching personal.
• Up to six hours of surf instruction means more time trying than just watching.
• All surfing gear included so you can travel light.
• Private tent on the Malibu Wines property gives you a true coast-night experience.
• BBQ dinner plus breakfast/lunch keeps you fueled for two active days.
• Pacific Coast Highway drive adds context with surf spots and celebrity-home viewpoints.

A Weekend Surf Camp That Actually Teaches Malibu Basics

If you want a first surf weekend that doesn’t feel rushed, this is built for you. You’ll get instruction time while staying based in the Malibu area, so the trip doesn’t turn into constant driving with quick stops.

I like that the plan respects the beginner reality: you need coaching, board time, and repeated attempts to build confidence. The camp also treats food as part of the experience, not an afterthought.

One more plus: it’s offered in English, and the guide may be multi-lingual. That matters when you’re learning body positioning, paddling basics, and how to read waves without getting lost in translation.

The Pacific Coast Highway Drive: More Than Just Transit

On day one, you’ll head up Pacific Coast Highway 1 along Malibu. The guide points out famous surf spots and celebrity homes as you go, which turns the drive into a mini orientation.

This is more than scenery. When you’re a first-timer, it helps to know what you’re looking at—where the breaks are, why certain beaches get surf attention, and what the coast looks like from a distance.

The route also sets expectations for the vibe: this isn’t a “find the beach later” kind of trip. You’ll feel like you’re arriving somewhere specific for surfing, not just parking near water.

Day 1 Surf Lessons at a Secluded Malibu Spot

Your first real chunk is the surf session at a secluded location in Malibu. The day is designed around about six hours of surf instruction, and you’ll be given the key gear you need to start: surfboard and wetsuit.

For beginners, this is where you’ll get the most value. You’ll learn the basics of getting in the water, handling the board, and progressing through standing and riding attempts as conditions allow.

Also, you’re not on your own with a rental shop and a map. You’ll have a guide coaching you, which means you can correct mistakes early—before bad habits form. The small group size matters here because it usually means more eyes on what you’re doing.

What to watch: if you’re expecting a polished “vacation wave,” keep an open mind. Surf conditions vary, and you’re going to be in the water learning, not only posing. Wear what you’ll want in cold water, and don’t skip your warming-up routine between sessions.

Malibu Wines Camping: Private Tent, Real Coastal Night

After surfing and a drive day, you’ll settle into camp on the 1000-acre Malibu Wines property. This is a remote campsite style setup, and the emphasis is on a coast-night experience rather than comfort-first glamping.

You get your own private tent plus sleeping bag and inflatable mat. Translation: you’ll be sleeping outdoors, but the basics are handled for you. You won’t have to guess how to pack a sleeping system or track down camping gear.

Expect camp time to feel social but not cramped. The plan includes setting up tents, relaxing, and cooking a BBQ dinner as you watch the sunset. Wine is available for purchase, so you can treat that as a nice extra rather than a core part of the meal.

If you’re sensitive to cold, consider that night temperatures can drop near the coast. Bring layers you’ll actually sleep in, and consider earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. This is part of the “stars” charm, but you should plan for it.

The Day 2 Morning: Coffee, Oatmeal, and a Calm Reset

Day two starts with a slower morning. You’ll get coffee or tea, plus a light breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit before packing up the tents.

Sunrise is recommended, and honestly, I think it’s worth it if you’re up for it. Waking in a tent environment changes your perspective, and the coast air plus early light can make the whole camp feel more meaningful.

After breakfast, you’ll pack up and head out for the next activity. This matters because some weekend tours compress everything into one long, exhausted blur. Here, you get a reset before the second day’s hike and water time.

Santa Monica Mountains Swim Hole: Hike, Dip, and Cliff Jump Options

Later on day two, you’ll head to a stop in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The activity is a hike to a famous local spot where you can take a dip and do some cliff jumping into deep water.

This part is where you should set expectations. It’s not just a walk with viewpoints—it’s active, and the water access includes potentially intimidating terrain. If you want to keep it to swimming only, you’ll likely have that option, but you should still be ready for the hike and the effort.

Why I like this stop: it adds variety after your ocean day. You get a different kind of natural experience—less surf-focused, more about rugged scenery and that “we earned this swim” feeling.

Safety note for your brain, not a lecture: cliff jumping isn’t for everyone. If you’re unsure, stick with the dip, focus on footing, and let the more fearless people have their moment.

What’s Included Means You Can Travel Light

This is one of those tours where the included items actually matter. You’re not just getting transportation and a vague promise of instruction—you’re getting the gear and the meals that make the schedule work.

Here’s what you should plan on being covered:

• Six hours of surf instruction
• Surfboards and wetsuits
• Transportation
• Snacks
• Dinner, lunch, and breakfast
• Private tent, sleeping bag, and inflatable mat
• Camping reservations

So what should you bring? The data doesn’t list personal items, so I’ll keep it practical: pack a couple of quick-dry outfits, something warm for camp evenings, and swim gear you can rotate. Also consider a small dry bag for phone or keys during water time.

What’s not included: a GoPro video add-on. If you want action footage, plan to use your own device and storage, and accept that ocean days can be chaotic for gear that isn’t waterproof.

Transportation and Group Size: Small-Group Surf Camp Comfort

You’ll be picked up at 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066 and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That simple loop is a big deal when you’re tired after day one and you don’t want to negotiate how to get back.

Group size is capped at 12 people. In real life, that’s the difference between getting bumped down a priority list and actually getting coaching when you need it. It also makes the camp feel manageable—like a weekend with people, not a busload.

The tour is also listed as near public transportation. That doesn’t replace a car, but it can make it easier if you’re staying in the city.

Value Check: Why This Feels Like More Than a Surf Lesson

Even without a listed price here, the value story is clear. You’re paying for a complete weekend flow: instruction, equipment, meals, camping gear, and transportation.

Many beginner surf experiences give you a short lesson and then send you off with rentals. This plan keeps you in the learning mode for hours, then gives you the camping night that turns the whole weekend into a full experience, not just a day trip.

The meals also help you get through the active day. Between surf sessions, a hike, and time at camp, hunger can wreck focus. Having lunch, dinner, and breakfast included keeps the day moving.

The only “cost” is effort. Camping and outdoor time means you’ll want to pack thoughtfully and accept that you’re trading hotel convenience for a coast night you can’t replicate in an apartment.

Who Should Book This Beginner Surf Adventure?

This is a great fit if you:

• are new to surfing and want more instruction time than a quick lesson
• want a small-group vibe with up to six hours on the water
• like the idea of camping on the coast with a private tent
• are okay with an active day two that includes a hike and deep-water option

It might be less ideal if you’re chasing a fully relaxed luxury weekend. The camping setup is practical and provided, but it’s still camping. And day two asks for physical comfort—especially if you choose the cliff jump option.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, note the rule: anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Plan for the hike pace and water confidence as part of your family decision.

One Thing to Watch: Weather and the Outdoor Reality

The tour says it operates in all weather conditions, and the cancellation policy also notes that it requires good weather. Here’s how I’d read that: they’ll run when conditions are workable, but if surf or safety conditions are truly poor, you should expect a change—either another date or a refund.

Pack for real outdoors time. Even if the plan runs, you’ll still be dealing with coastal wind, sun, and temperature swings between water and camp.

Also, one important practical reminder: this is an activity that can be scheduled close to your travel dates. Before you book flights for a big group, confirm you have the right, active reservation for your exact dates once you receive confirmation. That’s just smart planning for any outdoor tour.

Should You Book This 2-Day Beginner Surf Adventure?

I’d book it if your goal is to become a surfer within a weekend, not just visit beaches. The combination of six hours of instruction, included equipment, and a full second day of coastal nature time makes it feel like an actual program.

If you’re excited by the idea of an overnight under the stars and you don’t mind outdoor sleeping, this is the kind of trip you’ll remember later. You’ll leave with more than photos—you’ll leave with muscle memory and at least some real wave time.

But if you want hotel comfort and zero risk-taking energy, you might feel uneasy about the camp night and the cliff jump option. In that case, look for a surf tour that stays strictly at beaches with flat terrain and indoor lodging.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the 2-day tour?

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

How long is the surfing instruction?

The tour includes six hours of surfing instruction.

Are surfboards and wetsuits provided?

Yes. Surfboards and wetsuits are included.

What kind of sleeping setup do I get overnight?

You’ll sleep in a private tent, with a sleeping bag and an inflatable mat provided.

What meals are included?

Dinner, lunch, and breakfast are included, plus snacks. Wine is available for purchase at the campsite.

Is this tour suitable for minors?

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

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