Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Surf Camp & Lessons Provider in Malibu
Founded in 1991 by lifelong Malibu local Tom Corliss, Malibu Makos has evolved from a passion project into Southern California's premier surf camp. Our team combines professional surf instructors, ocean lifeguards, and educators with decades of collective experience in ocean safety and youth development. We specialize in creating immersive surf experiences for all ages, emphasizing technical skill development, environmental stewardship, and confidence-building. With exclusive LA County permits and a 35-year safety record, we maintain the highest industry standards through CPR-certified staff and comprehensive insurance coverage.Our programs integrate traditional beach sports with surf instruction, offering a unique 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio for personalized attention. Recognized by Pepperdine University and local schools for our educational approach, we've helped thousands of students transition from first-time surfers to ocean advocates. Our commitment to accessibility includes providing all necessary equipment while maintaining prime Zuma Beach access through dedicated parking solutions.
Services
Surf Camps
Private Lessons
Group Lessons
Transportation
Corporate Events
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of Malibu-specific ocean expertise
- Only licensed surf school in Malibu
- 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio for personalized attention
- CPR-certified lifeguard staff with safety-first approach
- Proven track record developing surfers into ocean stewards
Associations and certifications
- LA County Department of Beaches & Harbors
What people say
Best surf camp
Patient instructors
Lifelong friendships
Confidence building
Unmatched safety
Services
Kids Classic Surf Camp
Our flagship summer camp for ages 5-17 combines daily surf instruction with ocean safety education. Students receive personalized coaching while learning environmental stewardship. The program includes equipment, flexible scheduling, and transportation options from West Valley communities.
Private Surf Lessons
Customized lessons for individuals or groups up to eight, available hourly or 90-minute sessions. Instructors adapt techniques for ages 3+ with all equipment provided. Focus areas include technical skill development and ocean safety fundamentals.
Micro Surf Camp
Semi-private surf experience for groups of three or more with 4-hour daily sessions. Features personalized instruction, flexible scheduling, and premium equipment. Ideal for family reunions or friend groups seeking shared ocean experiences.
Transportation Services
Dedicated transportation from Encino, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Agoura, and Thousand Oaks to Zuma Beach. Includes round-trip service with equipment storage solutions for camp participants.
Corporate Events
Custom surf-based team-building experiences for businesses. Includes group instruction, safety workshops, and collaborative beach activities. Available year-round with private event coordination services.
People
Tom Corliss
Founder & Head Instructor
Lifelong Malibu resident with 35+ years of surf instruction experience. Former PE teacher and coach at local schools, specializing in youth development through ocean sports. Holds multiple ocean safety certifications.
Questions
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer programs for children as young as 3 through adult learners, with specialized camps for different age ranges.
Is equipment included in lesson fees?
All necessary surf equipment including boards, wetsuits, and safety gear is provided at no additional charge.
What safety certifications do instructors hold?
Our staff maintains CPR, First Aid certifications, and lifeguard training. We're the only licensed surf school in Malibu.
Do you offer transportation options?
Yes, we provide shuttle service from West Valley communities to our Zuma Beach location during camp seasons.
What's your student-to-instructor ratio?
Our standard ratio is 3:1 for most programs, ensuring personalized attention while maintaining safety standards.
Can we schedule private group lessons?
Groups of 3+ can book Micro Camp sessions, while larger groups up to eight can arrange private lessons at preferred times.
Reviews (6)
Allen F.
Aug 04, 2021
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I cannot praise this camp and surf school enough. My teenage nieces and nephew came from the east coast to visit me this summer. They really wanted to learn how to surf. So I enrolled them for private lessons for one day just to try it their experience was amazing so we booked for the next day to. Daniel and Jerry did such an amazing job with them, the kids felt like they had two new friends. If they were here for the summer I would definitely enroll them in Surf Camp, I was watching the instructors out there with camp kids and I was blown away be how well they were doing also. But if you can
Wolfgang S.
Nov 30, 2020
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We booked a surf lesson for our 11-year-old son on Thanks Giving Friday. Thursday was pretty windy, and we haven't been sure, whether the lesson could take place. But Tom communicated with us multiple times via text about the weather conditions, and this on Thanks Giving day! Eventually, he gave the green light. My son's coach was John, and he did a great job teaching my son the technique, but more importantly to adjust to my son's skill level. He could get up and surf pretty fast and was absolutely pumped about the 90 min he spent with the coach. We can highly recommend the surf
Brandon Faerber
Jan 27, 2020
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First time surfing and had the best time! Super organized, knowledgeable staff, great for all levels and ages! Paired with Kyle, who was really nice and great to work with!
Lilah B.
Dec 30, 2019
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Amazing camp! Would sign up in a heartbeat! Love the instructors. The most safe camp out there. And the most skilled counselors and teachers.
Tori E.
Jul 26, 2019
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We are from Texas and my kids have never touched a surf board. They were hesitant and scared of sharks when we dropped them off, but then they met some instructors during check in and the fun began. Some cool people taught them how to pick out and out on a wetsuit and apparently the highlight was learning how to dive through waves, boogie boarding, and surfing. We are going to make an annual trip to California for this camp because my boys loved it so much! Thank you!
Cynthia H.
Jul 20, 2019
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Love all the instructors and the owner is incredibly attentive, professional and kind. My sons had a blast! Thank you Makos! We'll be back!!
