Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign-up online?

Click on on any CAMP SIGN-UP or REGISTRATION buttons on this website. Or click REGISTRATION!

What are Kids Surf Camp hours?

Camp hours are 9:00AM to 3:00PM.

How flexible is the scheduling of Makos Kids' Summer Surf Program?

Very! Campers can choose any day, any week, any 5 days or any 10 days. Campers may make up ANY missed days during the current season. Days do not apply to any summer but the current.

What if my child or I miss a day of Surf Camp?

No make ups for summer, refunds or credit for day missed.

What if we are late to Surf Camp in the morning?

This is LA and people are fashionably late. So of course you may come to camp if you are late in the morning. Make sure that you check in with our staff at the front sign-in beach desk and let them know your situation. If no one is there, find a staff member and they will direct you in what to do.

Are parents allowed to participate in Kids' Surf Camp with their children?

Yes, in the past, parents have actually done the kids surf camp with their children. Parents participate in all the activities they choose from surfing to dodge ball.

What do I (or my child) need to bring to camp?

Participants should bring a lunch, sunscreen, hat, sandals, bathing suit, sweatshirt, and backpack. Makos provides wetsuits, surfboards, body boards, umbrellas, and other beach equipment. Campers can bring their own lunch or take advantage or our daily healthy lunch option which can be purchased separately during beach check-in each morning for $20. Lunches are delivered fresh daily at lunchtime (12:30PM).

Makos recommends using permanent marker to write your child’s name on all items from home. Parents should check that their kids have all belonging at the end of every day of surf camp. Makos is not responsible for items left at the beach or on transportation vehicles.

Does Makos provide all equipment?

Yes, Makos provides top of the line soft surfboards, body boards, kayaks, and wetsuits, along with the best instruction and staff of any surf day camp in the world.

What is the earlies I can drop my kids off at Surf Camp and what is the latest I can pick them up?

You can drop off you children at the beach after 8:45AM and must pick them up by 3:00PM.

What is the Makos instructor to camper ratio?

The Makos ratio of instructors to campers is usually one instructor/lifeguard for every six or eight campers. Mini Makos ratio is one instructor to four campers. The maximum ratio is 1:10 but is rarely ever reached. Our ratio fluctuates due to the open enrollment that Makos offers. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and enthusiastic learning environment for each participant.** Ratio for summer 2021 is 4 students to 1 instructor.**

Do I have to fill out a release form for each of my children?

Yes, each participant must have their own release form filled out and approved by a Malibu Makos registration employee.

Are there sharks at Zuma Beach?

We are unaware of any reported shark attack at Zuma Beach. You should not be afraid of sharks when coming to Malibu Makos because we do not have a problem with them. In fact, there are dolphins that swim along the beach on a regular basis.

Do I have to go surfing for the entire time I spend at Surf Camp?

No, the Malibu Makos Surf Camp does not force you to surf. We want you to have a great time in the ocean so each participant can go at there own level. If you want to surf, then you can surf, if you want to body board, then you can do so. Makos caters to each participant’s needs and provides a positive and safe learning environment for those who want to surf, bodysurf, swim, or try all the activities that we offer.

How do I become a better surfer?

Have a positive attitude and learn to surf because it is fun.
Know your limits and do not exceed them.
Learn about rip currents and other ocean hazards. Click to learn more about ocean safety.
Use the correct equipment.
Feel comfortable with you instructor.
Get instruction from a qualified surf coach.
Ask questions about surfing.
Ask your surf instructor or a lifeguard about ocean conditions before going into the water.
Protect yourself from the sun – Use good sunscreen and wear a hat.
Practice, practice, practice!!!!!!! It is only going to help.
And please help keep the beach and water clean, do not litter!

How clean is the water at Zuma Beach?

Malibu Makos Surf Club location at Zuma Beach is among the cleanest ocean water in Los Angeles County. It usually receives a water grade “A”. The deep water and strong ocean currents off of Point Dume separate the water at Zuma from the rest of the water in Santa Monica Bay.

Do the waves ever get too big or too small for surfing at Makos Surf Camp?

No, the waves at Zuma Beach are generally perfect for learning to surf. When the waves are big, the sand bottom is shallow enough that you can stand and surf the white water all the way to the shore. When the waves are big, there is too much water moving towards the beach, so parents do worry about their children at camp getting swept out to sea. Our job it to keep all participants safe and we do not let them enter the water if we deem the conditions too dangerous. If the waves are big we do not allow kayaks into the water, but surfers and body boarders are okay to a certain extent. Our staff always watches the water and looks out for every participant. The waves have never been to small to go surf at the Malibu Makos Surf Camp. Kids can surf almost anything so do not worry about the waves getting to small. You can always check the waves at Zuma Beach by calling 310-457-9701. The Los Angeles County Lifeguards at Zuma Beach provide surf and weather conditions twice a day at 7AM and 12PM.

How safe is the Malibu Makos Surf Club and its events?

Our highly trained staff provides a safe environment for each participant. Makos has not had severe problem with any participant getting hurt in the ocean. With the help of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Lifeguards, Makos is the safest ocean camp around. We try to educate all are participants about rip currents and other ocean safety topics before they enter the water. Our water safety is exceptional and our lifeguards are exceptional waterman and women. Do not be surprised to see five or six of our lifeguards watching the water at once. Both the Los Angeles County Lifeguards and Sheriffs frequent the Malibu Makos Surf Camp on a regular basis.

How many Makos lifeguards watch the water at any given time?

Malibu Makos always has lifeguards watching the water. Water safety comes before anything at the beach. We’re proud of our outstanding water supervision. It is not uncommon to see more than four or five Makos lifeguards supervising the water at once. As lifeguards, our job is to keep safe all individuals who enter the ocean and frequent the beaches. All of the Makos’ water staff is CPR certified with an extensive education in water safety. Malibu Makos is the safest surf camp in the world. Just ask any of the LA County Lifeguards at Zuma Beach.

PLEASE READ OCEAN SAFETY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING OCEAN SAFETY.

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Malibu Makos Facts

Started in 1991 by Tom Corliss, Malibu Makos Surf Club is now widely known as Southern California’s premier kids’ surf camp. Makos also offers Saturday surf camp, individual and group surf lessons, private beach parties and corporate events, and private lifeguard services.