Malibu Makos Surf Club

Malibu Makos Surf Club offers Malibu Kids Surf Camp, Premium Surf Sessions, Private Surf Lessons, Surf Saturdays, and Group Surf Lessons. Surfboards and wetsuits are included in the listed offerings, and some options include transportation or extra instructors at additional cost. Surf Saturdays run on Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and year-round group surf lessons are offered.

Programs

• Malibu Kids Surf Camp — 5–17 · Attend any day; any 5, 10, or 15 days · Safety-first surf camp at Zuma Beach. Surfboards and wetsuits included. Transportation available. Make up missed days at no charge.
• Premium Surf Sessions — All ages and skill levels · Extended 4-hour private or semi-private sessions; flexible scheduling · Private surf experience for 1 or more surfers at Zuma Beach. Surfboards and wetsuits included. Certified ocean lifeguards on duty.
• Private Surf Lessons — Kids, adults, families, and groups · 1-hour or 90-minute sessions · Private surf lessons for 1–8 surfers; group surf lessons for 9+ people. Surfboards and wetsuits included.
• Surf Saturdays — All ages · Saturdays, 9:00am–12:00pm · Surf lessons in Malibu for all ages and skill levels at Zuma Beach. All equipment included.
• Group Surf Lessons — Adults and children aged 5+ · Year-round; two-hour private group lessons · For groups of nine people or more. Extra instructors and transportation available at additional cost. Surfboards and wetsuits are included.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round group surf lessons are offered. Surf Saturdays run Saturdays, 9:00am–12:00pm, May 9–September 26.

About the provider

Malibu Makos began in 1991 and says it has been teaching surf lessons for over 35 years. Tom Corliss is identified as the founder. The program says it is Malibu’s Trusted Surf School Since 1991, is the only licensed, permitted, and insured surf operator at Zuma Beach, and is the only surf school licensed and permitted by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors to teach surf lessons in Malibu. Staff are CPR and First Aid certified, and the team includes certified ocean lifeguards, professional surf instructors, and dedicated watermen and women.

Safety-first focus. Ocean safety education is emphasized. Kids Surf Camp allows attendance any day, any 5, 10, or 15 days, and missed days may be made up at no charge. Group lessons have a 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio, which may change depending on the age, height, and weight of the group. The program says all ages and skill levels are welcome for some offerings.

What families say

“Makos instructors are the best! Our staff includes pro surfers, ocean lifeguards and teachers who are experienced, positive and patient. From beginner to advanced levels, our instructors will teach you how to improve your skills and catch epic waves!” — Tom Corliss, Malibu Makos founder

“The best surf camp in town. Our girls have been there since Mini Makos. I trust Tom and his team implicitly with my daughters. Worth every penny and then some.” — Honore K. Venice, CA

“Outstanding experience! Instructors were exceptionally patient, kind, and encouraging to our kids, both first time surfers.” — Mark C. Fayetville, TN

Last updated October 4, 2026.