Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp
Malibu Makos offers classic surf day camps for children aged 5-17 in Malibu, focusing on surf instruction, ocean...
▌ Editor's read The Malibu Makos website loads successfully, presenting a clear focus on surf day camps for ages 5-17. The camp has been operating for over 40 years, founded by Matt Rapf, and emphasizes a 1:5 camper-to-instructor ratio. Google reviews for 'Malibu Makos' show a strong rating of 4.9 stars based on 100 reviews, with parents frequently praising the instructors' patience and the positive impact on their children's surfing skills and confidence. The camp is not accredited by the ACA. While the website mentions instructors are CPR/First Aid certified and lifeguards, it does not explicitly state that staff undergo background checks. The program is exclusively a day camp, offering full-day and half-day options.
Who thrives here Ages 4–17
Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right water sports fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Day camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 1986 (40 years)
- Operator
- Private business
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Published by camp see camp site →
Details
- Category: Water Sports
- Ages: 4–17
- Hours: 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM
- Address: Lifeguard Tower #16, 30600 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
- Phone: (310) 317-1229
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: $825 per week
Runs 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM, 9 sessions (9 one-week), from Jun 15 to Aug 14.
Sessions
Bookable units published by the camp. Each row is a one-week session.
- Session 1 Jun 15 – 19, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 2 Jun 22 – 26, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 3 Jun 29 – Jul 3, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 4 Jul 6 – 10, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 5 Jul 13 – 17, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 6 Jul 20 – 24, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 7 Jul 27 – 31, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 8 Aug 3 – 7, 2026 · 1 week · $749
- Session 9 Aug 10 – 14, 2026 · 1 week · $749
↗ What parents like
- Small surfer-to-instructor ratio
- Flexible scheduling
↘ Watch for
- Higher price point
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: Yes
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: outdoor
Frequently asked about Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp
- What ages does Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp accept?
- Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp is open to children ages 4–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp cost?
- Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp publishes $825/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp's hours?
- Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp runs 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp?
- Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp is operated by a private business, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp provide lunch?
- Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
- Does Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp offer transportation?
- Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp provides transportation. Coverage zones and bus stops vary; ask for the route map for the summer you're enrolling in. Some camps fold bus fees into tuition, others bill separately.
- How does Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp compare to other water sports camps in Los Angeles?
- Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp is one of 49 water sports camps in Los Angeles that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Malibu Makos - Classic Surf Camp with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Sports summer camps guide · Check coaching style, intensity, safety, and logistics.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
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