Malibu Makos Surf Club
Malibu Makos Surf Club at Zuma Beach, Lifeguard Tower #16, 30600 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
About
Malibu Makos Surf Club offers surf camps for kids and adults that include a kids surf/ocean safety camp, a classic surf camp, a Saturday surf camp, and many other water and beach activities. The program also offers private surf lessons, individual and group surf lessons, Family & Friends surf sessions, and private beach parties, corporate events, and private lifeguard services. In addition to surfing, participants can take part in beach soccer, flag football, beach volleyball, spikeball, cornhole, bocce ball, and obstacle courses.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Family & Friends Surf Sessions are weekly with extended 4-hour semi-private sessions
Malibu Makos Surf Club began in 1991 and has been sharing a love and respect for the ocean with surfers of all ages for over 30 years. The program describes itself as a Malibu surf tradition since 1991, setting the surf camp standard for 30+ years, and is widely known as Southern California’s premier kids’ surf camp. It is permitted and licensed by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and is the only surf school licensed and permitted by this department to teach surf lessons in Malibu.
The leadership is headed by founder Tom Corliss, who started Malibu Makos in 1991. Tom has been a Malibu local for most of his life and is a former PE teacher and coach at Point Dume Elementary (now Malibu Elementary School) and Malibu High School. Over the years, Tom’s first surf students have grown up to become doctors, lawyers, lifeguards, and pro surfers.
The staff includes experienced ocean lifeguards, professional surf instructors, and dedicated watermen and women, including pro surfers, ocean lifeguards, and teachers. All instructors are CPR and First Aid certified, and Malibu Makos is fully insured. The program states that safety is always the top priority and that it focuses on ocean safety and environmental respect.
Malibu Makos Surf Club offers Family & Friends sessions for groups of three or more, with a 3:1 or better student-to-instructor ratio. Private lessons are available for one to eight people, and group lessons are available for nine or more, with one-hour or 90-minute private lesson sessions. Surf camps are described as designed for surfers of all abilities, from beginners to more advanced, and camps incorporate many other water and beach activities beyond surfing, including an Active Zone for those who do not want to surf all day, focusing on traditional and new sports.
All equipment is provided for Classic Surf Camp, Family & Friends sessions, and private surf lessons, and Malibu Makos provides all the gear needed so participants can just show up, suit up, and begin their surfing journey. Transportation is available from Encino, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Agoura, and Thousand Oaks. The program’s mission is described as a lifelong mission to inspire the next generation through surfing, ocean safety, and a deep love for the water.
Parent testimonials describe Malibu Makos as “the very best surf camp,” “the best surf camp in town,” and “an outstanding experience,” and mention long-term participation of their children and trust in Tom and his team. One parent notes bringing their kids for over 10 years and comments on the level of fun and professionalism year after year.
Last updated April 4, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Family & Friends Surf Sessions are weekly with extended 4-hour semi-private sessions
Malibu Makos Surf Club began in 1991 and has been sharing a love and respect for the ocean with surfers of all ages for over 30 years. The program describes itself as a Malibu surf tradition since 1991, setting the surf camp standard for 30+ years, and is widely known as Southern California’s premier kids’ surf camp. It is permitted and licensed by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and is the only surf school licensed and permitted by this department to teach surf lessons in Malibu.
The leadership is headed by founder Tom Corliss, who started Malibu Makos in 1991. Tom has been a Malibu local for most of his life and is a former PE teacher and coach at Point Dume Elementary (now Malibu Elementary School) and Malibu High School. Over the years, Tom’s first surf students have grown up to become doctors, lawyers, lifeguards, and pro surfers.
The staff includes experienced ocean lifeguards, professional surf instructors, and dedicated watermen and women, including pro surfers, ocean lifeguards, and teachers. All instructors are CPR and First Aid certified, and Malibu Makos is fully insured. The program states that safety is always the top priority and that it focuses on ocean safety and environmental respect.
Malibu Makos Surf Club offers Family & Friends sessions for groups of three or more, with a 3:1 or better student-to-instructor ratio. Private lessons are available for one to eight people, and group lessons are available for nine or more, with one-hour or 90-minute private lesson sessions. Surf camps are described as designed for surfers of all abilities, from beginners to more advanced, and camps incorporate many other water and beach activities beyond surfing, including an Active Zone for those who do not want to surf all day, focusing on traditional and new sports.
All equipment is provided for Classic Surf Camp, Family & Friends sessions, and private surf lessons, and Malibu Makos provides all the gear needed so participants can just show up, suit up, and begin their surfing journey. Transportation is available from Encino, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Agoura, and Thousand Oaks. The program’s mission is described as a lifelong mission to inspire the next generation through surfing, ocean safety, and a deep love for the water.
Parent testimonials describe Malibu Makos as “the very best surf camp,” “the best surf camp in town,” and “an outstanding experience,” and mention long-term participation of their children and trust in Tom and his team. One parent notes bringing their kids for over 10 years and comments on the level of fun and professionalism year after year.
Last updated April 4, 2026.
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