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Private Surf Lessons in Malibu

Recommended by 95% of travelers
Malibu, USA
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Jim_W ·
Aug 2025
Ric was great a great teacher and very easy to learn from. Never been on a surfboard in my life and Ric had me in waves in a 1/2 hour. Lots of fun and would recommend to anyone. Bucket list item checked off, and I will probably have to do it again on my next trip to Malibu!
· Henry_S ·
Apr 2026
Excellent lesson in a world class spot from a very experienced surf instructor. Had a great time and learned a great deal. Do not miss this opportunity.

Overview

Suitable for all experience levels, this private surfing lesson in Malibu will have you catching waves in no time. Get hands-on instruction from a local surfer and lifelong Malibu resident, who can also give personalized travel tips. Learn the ins and outs of surfing, including paddling and standing, with the goal of riding waves.
  • Take a private surfing lesson in Malibu
  • Get a personalized tutorial adapted to your experience and skill level
  • Learn from a lifelong Malibu resident and surfer, beginners welcome
  • Catch waves at Surfrider Beach, one of the region's most surf-friendly beaches

What's Included

  • Surfboard and wetsuit

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

      The address is 23038 Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). That is not my house so please don’t knock on the door. I will meet you on the beach in front of that address. You can park for free on PCH or there are pay lots on either side of the pier.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Manuel_S
    Ric does a great job of making you feel welcome and comfortable. He knows how to teach and be patient. Surfing is physically demanding but doable. I only got up on my knees in the time we had. First lesson, but I am 54 and just getting back into shape. So I will be back for more until I get up on my feet! The time in the water is pleasant and Ric does a great job of keeping you entertained while waiting for a wave with all sorts of useful knowledge. I would definitely do it again!

    Reviews

    4.8
    based on 42 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Do not miss. Best teacher in an amazing location

    Henry_S, Apr 2026
    Excellent lesson in a world class spot from a very experienced surf instructor. Had a great time and learned a great deal. Do not miss this opportunity.

    Great Experience

    Manuel_S, Apr 2026
    Ric does a great job of making you feel welcome and comfortable. He knows how to teach and be patient. Surfing is physically demanding but doable. I only got up on my knees in the time we had. First lesson, but I am 54 and just getting back into shape. So I will be back for more until I get up on my feet! The time in the water is pleasant and Ric does a great job of keeping you entertained while waiting for a wave with all sorts of useful knowledge. I would definitely do it again!

    🌊 Balanced & professional

    Braulio_B, Mar 2026
    Had an amazing experience with my surf instructor. Super patient, clear with instructions, and made me feel comfortable in the water from the start. I was able to stand up way faster than I expected. Highly recommend if you want to actually learn, not just waste time.

    The best surf lesson

    Sarah_L, Feb 2026
    We had a fantastic lesson with Ric. He was easy to communicate with, and he was so fun to surf with his lessons are amazing and I was standing on a surfboard in no time riding a wave definitely recommend.

    Ric was a great, patient...

    Rod_S, Oct 2025
    Ric was a great, patient and knowledgeable instructor. What an epic day in the waves. I had previously taken surfing lessons with limited success but Ric gave the ponted, individual instruction that d got me up on the board. What a great experience.

    First time in a surfboard at 52!

    Jim_W, Aug 2025
    Ric was great a great teacher and very easy to learn from. Never been on a surfboard in my life and Ric had me in waves in a 1/2 hour. Lots of fun and would recommend to anyone. Bucket list item checked off, and I will probably have to do it again on my next trip to Malibu!

    Surfing plus!

    BethDelaney_R, Aug 2025
    Ric is a friendly and well known surfer from Malibu. He was full of information and introductions to locals. He was genuinely interested in seeing my teen boys get up on a surf board! What a special experience for my family!

    Great Experience for My Teens

    Victoria_L, Jul 2025
    Great lesson with Ric for my teens who wanted to try out surfing on our west coast trip. Great communication, easy going meet-up, good pointers and some history of area, and lots of time in the water actually practicing. My teens and I were very happy with the whole experience.

    Ric was awesome, would...

    matthew_s, Jul 2025
    Ric was awesome, would recommend to anyone looking to try surfing in Malibu! He was great about finding us a good space in the crowd and providing really good feedback on technique and form.

    Best fun ever!!!

    Amos_V, Jun 2025
    Relax and enjoy the wave. Ric was an outstanding instructor. It’s obvious he knows what he’s doing. It was my first time on a surf board, Ric treated me as if we were surf pals from back in the day. I encourage anyone to set up an appointment with Ric if you want to learn or get better at surfing. I feel I received more than my monies worth with Ric.

    Surfs up!

    Natalie_K, Aug 2024
    Ric is awesome! He made it all worth it!! I wanted to get an introduction to surfing and this was a great instructor for that and at the perfect place in Malibu!

    Best Surf Teacher

    Denise_P, Jul 2024
    Ric is a great teacher. Really mellow and made sure we had a fantastic surf lesson. A wonderful morning.

    Awesome

    Bret_G, Jul 2024
    Ric was a great instructor. He was so patient, as our kids were surfing for the very first time. You could tell that he really enjoyed teaching them. My kids loved the experience, and cannot wait to do it again. He would be a great instructor for all age groups. Highly recommend!

    Awesome experience!

    Jessica_G, Jun 2024
    Ric was a great instructor and helped me ride my first waves with ease. I would 100% recommend this to anyone.

    Do it!

    Robin_H, Apr 2024
    Ric was patient and friendly and never gave up on us. My daughter finally got up on the surfboard. It was amazing and the waves were great. Bucket list item- check!! Totally worth it! Ric made it so easy and no pressure, but fair warning surfing is a workout!

    Amazing experience with Rick

    LOUIS_L, Nov 2023
    I had an amazing time with Rick. He's such a kind, nice and helpful instructor. I couldn't dream of a better instructor to teach me surf in Malibu. He shows that he really cares about you having a great time, be comfortable and learn the proper ways of surfing. I highly recommend booking a session with Rick ! Thank you again that was perfect.

    Outstanding!

    Chad_F, Oct 2023
    Rick was excellent, very professional, great to talk to, easy going! I am from Kansas and got up on the first wave so you know he’s good! Thank you for an EPIC day Rick!!!

    Excellent surf coach in world famous location!!

    qzn4j2krxh, Jul 2023
    Ric was an excellent teacher with perfect equipment to enjoy the first waves on an amazing surf spot. Thank you again for the wonderful experience!!!

    My kids (20 & 17) had the...

    Kari_S, Jul 2023
    My kids (20 & 17) had the best time with Rick! He was kind and patient with them. They were both successful with surfing and described it as the best part of the vacation!

    Rick is GREAT!

    Camille_H, Jul 2023
    We had the BEST time with Rick!!!! None of us had ever surfed before, and everyone in the group got up on waves by the third try! Cannot recommend Rick enough!

    Very enjoyable!

    Amirah_G, Jul 2022
    It was super fun and easy to book! My daughter had lots of fun and caught many waves! Ric was a great teacher and helped her along the way. Overall 10/10 experience, will definitely do it again!

    Excellent Experience. Very fun !

    rocco_C, Jul 2022
    It was a wonderful experience. Lesson was better than expected and I was able to ride some waves very quickly. I’ll take another lesson for sure. Bravo

    Awful!!!

    Dissatisfied, Aug 2021
    We booked surf lessons two months in advance. Ric showed up at the designated time and place. He looked at one member of our group and said he couldn’t teach him to surf because the boards he brought could only be used by people 180 lbs. or less! He also said that he thought he was just too big to surf on any board! Nowhere on his website or in our communication back and forth was there mention of a weight limit! Surf lessons was to have been one of the highlights of our short LA vacation and it never happened. We were able to go to a surf shop and rent appropriately sized surf boards (with no mention of anyone being too big to surf) but had no instruction. Furthermore the way that Ric talked to the gentleman in our party was humiliating and condescending. I am both heartbroken and furious about how he handled this situation. Please look elsewhere for surf lessons! I wish I could have chosen zero stars for this review, but that wasn’t an option.

    Surfs up!

    Nolan_B, Jul 2021
    Ric displayed patience with my novice “surfers”. He made certain all were comfortable. A great experience was had by all!

    Great Experience

    Mark_S, Jun 2021
    Rick was excellent. We loved it. He was patient and by the end we could surf. Thank you for having this great option.

    Riding the Waves with Ric

    Sam_Bright, May 2021
    Ric gave my nephew a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend Ric as an instructor. I have never seen Sam smile so big! I think Ric may have created a Surfing Junkie!

    From $135.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 10 days in advance.

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