2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure

The best part of this two-day outing is the mix of real surf instruction and outdoor camping. You spend the first day working on the basics in Malibu, then sleep in a private tent on a large coastal property instead of returning to Los Angeles. The next morning adds a hike and a swim, so this feels like a small outdoor trip rather than a single lesson.

I like two things here. First, up to six hours of surf lessons gives you enough water time to move past a quick tryout. Second, the package includes boards, wetsuits, transport, meals, camping gear, and a private tent, which keeps the planning simple. The main concern is current availability: one recent booking report said the experience no longer existed, so confirm directly with Eat Sleep Surf before making flights or nonrefundable plans.

Key points to know before you book

• Six hours of surf instruction: You get a proper two-day introduction, not just a short beach lesson.
• A secluded Malibu surf spot: The guide drives along Pacific Coast Highway 1 and points out famous surf areas and celebrity homes.
• Private coastal camping: Your tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mat, and campsite reservation are included.
• Meals are built in: Dinner, breakfast, lunch, and snacks are supplied, with wine available for purchase at Malibu Family Wines.
• A second active day: After coffee and oatmeal, you hike in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and can jump into a swimming hole.
• Small-group format: The maximum group size is 12, though the surf camp is described as accommodating up to six people for instruction.

Why this two-day format works for beginners

Learning to surf in one short lesson can be a hit-or-miss affair. You may stand briefly, fall often, and leave before your body understands what happened. This trip gives you far more time in the water, with up to six hours of instruction included across the first day and the wider two-day program.

That extra time matters. You can work through the basic stages without treating one awkward attempt as the whole experience. The exact teaching sequence is not specified, so you should not expect a named instructor or a guaranteed level of progress. Still, the time allocation is generous for a beginner program.

The small-group setup is another plus. The overall maximum is 12 people, while the surf portion is described as a small group of up to six. That should make it easier to hear instructions and get attention than at a large beach school. Ask the operator how the group will be divided if the full 12-person maximum is reached.

You will need to be comfortable with an active weekend. Surfing, camping, hiking, and cliff jumping all feature in the plan. Most people can participate, but you are asked to report medical conditions in advance. Under-18 participants must come with an adult.

The Pacific Coast Highway ride to Malibu

The adventure begins at 4375 Berryman Avenue in Los Angeles. From there, transportation takes you north along Pacific Coast Highway 1 toward Malibu. The road trip is part of the appeal, since the guide points out well-known surf spots and celebrity homes along the coast.

The route gives the day a sense of place before the lesson even starts. You are not being dropped at an anonymous beach. You are following one of Southern California’s famous coastal roads toward a more secluded surf area.

The surf stop lasts about six hours. Admission is included, and surfboards and wetsuits are supplied. That is useful for visitors who do not want to rent bulky equipment, work out beach transport, or guess which board suits a first lesson.

A secluded spot can be pleasant, but it also means the exact setting may vary. The supplied information does not name the beach or promise a particular wave size. Surf conditions change, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, subject to cancellation if conditions are poor enough to make the activity unsuitable.

Bring clothing suited to changing conditions. You should expect to get wet, spend a long period outdoors, and then shift into camping mode. Specific personal gear is not listed, so ask what you should bring beyond the supplied equipment and sleeping kit.

Six hours on the water in Malibu

The central activity is the surf lesson. You receive a board and wetsuit, then work with the guide at the selected Malibu spot. The six-hour allocation is the strongest part of the program for someone who truly wants to learn rather than simply pose on a board.

I like that the instruction is paired with a full outdoor day. You have time to settle into the water and repeat the basic movements. A first attempt may still be tiring, and the tour does not promise that you will become an accomplished surfer in one weekend. Treat become a surfer as an upbeat goal, not a guarantee of independent surfing ability.

The lesson may be the most physically demanding portion of the trip. If you have never surfed, expect to use your arms, legs, and core for much of the day. The provided information says most people can participate, but it does not give a detailed fitness standard. Tell the operator about medical concerns when you book.

Lunch and snacks are included, which matters on a long day beside the water. You do not need to build a separate meal plan into the schedule. Dietary requirements should be provided at booking, giving the operator a chance to plan around them.

Camping at Malibu Family Wines

After surfing, the group heads to Malibu Family Wines, a 1,000-acre property used for the overnight camp. The plan is simple: set up tents, relax, cook a barbecue dinner, and watch the sunset.

This is not a standard hotel alternative. You will be camping in a remote setting, with your own private tent, sleeping bag, and inflatable mat supplied. Camping reservations are included, so the main value is convenience. You get the outdoor setting without having to carry a tent, buy a sleeping bag, or arrange a separate campsite.

The property offers a change of pace after the water time. The day begins with a scenic drive and surfing, then ends outdoors under the stars. That rhythm gives the trip its character. You are not rushing from one city attraction to another.

Wine is available for purchase, but it is not listed as included. Keep that distinction in mind when planning your spending. Dinner is included, and the meal is described as a barbecue, though the exact menu is not provided.

The word remote should guide your expectations. The supplied information does not describe hotel-style facilities, private bathrooms, showers, or electricity at the tent. Ask about those practical matters before you go, especially if you are new to camping or need specific facilities.

Morning coffee, oatmeal, and a slower start

Day two begins at the campsite with coffee or tea, oatmeal, and fresh fruit. Sunrise is recommended, so you can start early if you want the best chance to enjoy the morning view.

The three-hour morning stop includes relaxing, eating, and packing the tents. That is a sensible transition after a demanding first day. You do not have to rush straight from the sleeping bag into another major activity.

Breakfast is light rather than elaborate. Oatmeal and fruit should give you a simple start, but you may want to ask about dietary alternatives if you have allergies or follow a particular diet. The operator specifically requests dietary information at booking.

Packing up your own tent and gear is part of the camping experience. It also means the morning has a practical task before the hike. If you want a polished resort weekend, this may feel basic. If you like an active trip with few frills, it fits well.

Hiking and swimming in the Santa Monica Mountains

The final major stop is a well-known hiking area in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The plan includes a hike to a swimming hole, where you can take a dip and do some cliff jumping into deep water.

This adds a welcome change from the surf lesson. You are not spending the whole weekend repeating one activity. The hiking stop shows you another side of Malibu, with mountain paths and a natural swimming setting.

Cliff jumping is optional in practical terms, even though it is part of the planned activity description. Do not feel pressured to jump if you are not comfortable. The information does not specify the jump height, water depth beyond describing it as deep, or the exact trail, so ask the guide for safety details on the day.

You should also take care on the walk. The tour is designed for most participants, but it does not give a distance, elevation gain, or trail difficulty. Wear footwear that can handle a hike, and remember that you may already be tired from surfing and camping.

The stop lasts about three hours. That allows time for the walk and a swim, but the schedule may feel full if you move slowly. Weather can affect the experience, and the operator notes that the activity requires good weather for cancellation purposes.

What is included, and where the value lies

The package includes transportation from the Los Angeles meeting point, six hours of surf instruction, surfboards, wetsuits, camping reservations, a private tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mat, meals, and snacks. Dinner, lunch, and breakfast are included.

That list gives the trip good practical value even without a stated price. You are paying for more than a lesson. The package combines instruction, gear rental, transport, food, campsite access, and a second-day outing.

The biggest savings in effort come from the equipment and transport. A visitor staying in Los Angeles would otherwise need to find a surf school, rent equipment, drive to Malibu, arrange a campsite, shop for food, and plan a hike. Here, those pieces are joined into one schedule.

The package is not fully all-inclusive. Wine costs extra, and a GoPro video is not included. The listing also does not say that personal clothing, footwear, toiletries, or other camping extras are supplied.

Since no tour price is provided, I cannot judge the exact dollar value. Compare the total cost with a separate surf lesson, board and wetsuit rental, one night of camping, meals, transport, and a guided outdoor outing. If you would need to buy or rent most of that equipment, the bundle may make sense.

Group size, weather, and practical planning

The maximum group size is 12 people. The surf instruction is presented as a smaller group of up to six, but confirm how that works when booking. A smaller water group usually makes the teaching time more useful, especially for a first-timer.

The experience is offered in English, and the guide may be multilingual. That may help if your group has different language needs, but English is the stated operating language.

The meeting point is 4375 Berryman Avenue in Los Angeles, and the activity ends there. The starting point is near public transportation. Since transportation is included during the trip, you do not need to arrange your own ride to Malibu once you reach the meeting point.

The experience operates in all weather conditions, but poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. This is important for a weekend plan because the surf, camping, hiking, and swimming all depend heavily on conditions.

Cancellation terms are strict. Cancel at least six full days before the start for a full refund. Cancellation two to six full days before the start receives a 50 percent refund, while cancellation within two full days receives no refund. Changes are not accepted inside the stated cutoff periods.

One serious practical warning deserves attention. A published one-star account says the experience was no longer operating and that the booking caused major disruption for a family who had flown children to Los Angeles. The overall published score is 4.8 from 26 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it, but that specific availability problem cannot be ignored. Contact Eat Sleep Surf and verify the date, meeting point, and operating status before booking flights or arranging an expensive trip around it.

Who should book this surf camp

I would consider this a good fit if you want a compact outdoor weekend with a clear schedule. It suits a first-time surfer who also likes camping, hiking, swimming, and shared meals. You do not need to organize each part yourself, and the supplied gear removes several common obstacles.

It also works well for friends or families with adult supervision for anyone under 18. The maximum group size keeps the trip from feeling like a huge coach excursion, though you should confirm the actual group size for your date.

I would hesitate if you want luxury, a private hotel room, a carefully graded hike, or a guaranteed surf result. The overnight stay is a real campsite, and the exact beach, trail, facilities, menu, and surf conditions are not specified.

Should you book the two-day adventure?

Book it if the combination of Malibu surfing, private tent camping, included meals, and a mountain swimming stop sounds better than a polished resort weekend. The six hours of instruction and included equipment give beginners a fair chance to make real progress, while the second day keeps the trip varied.

Before paying, verify that Eat Sleep Surf is currently operating the experience. That one step matters more than the attractive schedule. If the date is confirmed and you are happy with basic camping and changing weather, this can be an efficient, active way to experience Malibu beyond the usual beach visit.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately two days.

Where does the activity begin?

It begins at 4375 Berryman Ave, Los Angeles, California 90066.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the meeting point.

How much surf instruction is included?

Up to six hours of surf instruction is included.

Are surfboards and wetsuits provided?

Yes. Surfboards and wetsuits are included.

Is camping equipment included?

Yes. A private tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mat, and camping reservation are included.

Which meals are included?

Dinner, lunch, breakfast, and snacks are included. Coffee or tea, oatmeal, and fresh fruit are specified for the second morning.

Can people under 18 join?

Yes, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.