2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure

Surf, camp, hike, repeat. This two-day escape combines beginner surf lessons on the Malibu coast, a private tent at Malibu Family Wines, hearty meals, and a mountain swimming stop. I like the small-group format, capped at 12 people, and the fact that boards, wetsuits, sleeping gear, transport, and six hours of instruction are included. I also like the mix of active time and simple outdoor pleasures, from a barbecue at sunset to coffee and oatmeal in the morning.

The main concern is serious: the experience may no longer operate. One recent booking problem described it as nonexistent, with the customer expecting a refund after flying children to Los Angeles. Check directly that the date is confirmed before making flights or other plans. If it is running, this could be a lively weekend introduction to surfing, but the current status matters more than the attractive program.

Key points to know before booking

• Six hours of beginner surf instruction: You get a substantial amount of time in the water, with surfboards and wetsuits supplied.
• A secluded Malibu campsite: You sleep in a private tent on the 1,000-acre Malibu Wines property, with a sleeping bag and inflatable mat included.
• Pacific Coast Highway scenery: The first drive follows Highway 1 through Malibu, with views of famous surf spots and celebrity homes.
• Food is built into the price: Lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks are included, which makes the package easier to budget.
• A second-day swimming stop: The Santa Monica Mountains portion includes a hike, a swimming hole, and cliff jumping into deep water.
• Confirm that it still runs: The booking information carries a major warning about the experience possibly being unavailable.

What this two-day Malibu trip is really about

This is not simply a surf lesson with a hotel attached. It is an active overnight program that joins several pieces of a Southern California weekend: coastal driving, surf coaching, outdoor camping, a barbecue, hiking, and swimming.

That combination is its strongest feature. You do not spend the whole weekend repeating the same lesson on a crowded beach. You get six hours of surf instruction, then trade the shoreline for a rural campsite and return to the mountains the next day.

The schedule is full, though. You need to be comfortable with a long first day, basic camping, changing activities, and outdoor conditions. The program is aimed at beginners, but it is not a soft, resort-style introduction. You will need energy, practical clothing, and a willingness to get wet, sandy, tired, and possibly muddy.

The group limit is 12 people, while the surf camp is described as small-group. That is a useful size for meeting people without joining a huge bus tour. Still, the exact number of instructors is not provided, so you should not assume one-to-one coaching.

Day one: Highway 1 and beginner surf lessons in Malibu

The day begins at 4375 Berryman Avenue in Los Angeles. From there, transportation takes you north on the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu.

The drive is part of the experience, not just a transfer. Your guide points out famous surf spots and celebrity homes as the road follows the coast. Highway 1 is one of the best-known scenic roads in the area, and this route gives you a quick introduction to Malibu before you reach the surf site.

The exact surf location is described as a secluded spot rather than a named public beach. That sounds appealing if you prefer a quieter setting, but it also means you should not expect to choose the beach yourself or arrive independently. Stay alert for meeting instructions and confirm the departure details before the trip.

You receive up to six hours of surf lessons during the first day. That is generous for a beginner program. A short lesson can leave you with barely enough time to understand the board, paddle, stand, and fall. Six hours gives you more room to repeat the basics and improve through practice.

The equipment is included. You receive a surfboard and wetsuit, so you do not need to arrange rentals in Los Angeles. That saves time and removes one of the common headaches of a first surf attempt. You should still dress for changing weather and bring any personal items you need for a full day outdoors.

The program does not specify the instructor names, teaching method, or the exact schedule of breaks. It also does not promise that you will stand on a wave. Surfing depends on conditions, fitness, timing, and comfort in the water. The fair expectation is solid instruction and plenty of practice, not guaranteed movie-style rides.

A six-hour lesson can be tiring. Beginners often use more effort than they realize while paddling and getting back on the board. The included snacks and lunch are useful here, and you should take the breaks seriously rather than trying to prove something to the ocean.

Sunset camping at Malibu Family Wines

After the surf session, the group heads to Malibu Family Wines, a 1,000-acre property used for the overnight camp. The campsite is described as private and remote, with the group setting up tents away from the usual city routine.

Your package includes a private tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mat, and camping reservation. That makes this easier than arriving with a full load of camping equipment. You still need to be ready for a basic night outdoors. Private tent does not mean a hotel room, and the available information does not describe showers, bathrooms, electricity, or other campsite facilities.

The evening includes a barbecue dinner and time to relax while the sun goes down. Wine is available for purchase. That gives the night a distinctly Malibu feel, but wine is an extra expense, not part of the included meals.

This may be the most memorable part of the trip for people who like simple outdoor evenings. After a long day in the water, cooking dinner and watching the sunset can feel more rewarding than rushing back into Los Angeles traffic. It also gives the group time to talk without a guide filling every minute with commentary.

You should bring clothes that work for both the coast and the campsite. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so a warm layer and rain protection are sensible choices. The information does not provide a packing list, and it does not say how much personal luggage you can bring in the vehicle. Ask before arriving with large bags.

Dinner, lunch, and snacks are included, which adds real value to an overnight trip. You are not forced to find a restaurant after surfing or carry two days of food. Tell the provider about dietary requirements when booking, since special meals need advance notice.

Day two: coffee, oatmeal, and a mountain swimming hole

The second morning starts at the campsite with coffee or tea, oatmeal, and fresh fruit. A sunrise wake-up is recommended, and the property should offer a quieter start than a normal Los Angeles morning.

The breakfast is light, not a large cooked meal. That is probably appropriate before hiking and swimming, but you may want to bring extra personal snacks if you normally eat a bigger breakfast. Snacks are included during the trip, though the exact amount and type are not specified.

You then pack up the tents and leave the campsite for the next activity. This part of the morning is practical rather than glamorous. You will need to organize your sleeping bag and personal belongings before heading out, so do not expect a lazy hotel checkout.

The second stop is in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The plan includes a hike to a swimming hole, time for a dip, and cliff jumping into deep water.

This adds a different kind of adventure to the weekend. Surfing teaches you to work with moving water along the coast. The swimming hole offers a more enclosed mountain setting, with a chance to cool off and enjoy the area beyond the beach.

Cliff jumping deserves careful attention. It is an optional-sounding activity in the description, but the wording does not spell out the safety rules, jump height, water conditions, or alternate activity. Do not jump unless the guide gives clear instructions and you feel fully comfortable. A beautiful setting is not a reason to ignore your own limits.

The hiking location is described as one of the area’s most scenic local spots, but no trail length, elevation gain, or difficulty rating is provided. Most people can participate, yet you should still tell the provider about medical conditions before departure. Good shoes matter more here than fashionable beach sandals.

After the mountain stop, transportation returns you to the original meeting point in Los Angeles. The experience ends where it began, at 4375 Berryman Avenue.

What the included meals and gear are worth

No tour price is supplied here, so I cannot give you a fair dollar comparison. I can still assess the package itself.

You receive transportation, six hours of surf instruction, a board, wetsuit, campsite reservation, private tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mat, three meals, and snacks. Buying those pieces separately would take planning and could cost more than expected, especially once you add equipment rental, transport to Malibu, camping supplies, and food.

The package is most valuable if you want a ready-made weekend. You do not need to research a surf school, find a campsite, rent a board, plan a mountain hike, and arrange a ride between each stop.

The tradeoff is control. You do not choose the surf beach, campsite, meal schedule, or hiking route. If you like building your own itinerary or want a more technical surf course, a standalone surf school may suit you better.

Wine is not included, and GoPro video is also excluded. If you want a record of your first surfing weekend, bring your own camera only if the provider permits it and you can keep it secure. Do not assume footage is part of the package.

Group size, fitness, and practical comfort

The maximum group size is 12 people. That is small enough to keep the trip social and manageable, though the surf lesson may still involve different ability levels.

The program is offered in English and may be operated by a multilingual guide. If you need instruction in a particular language, confirm that before booking rather than relying on the possibility of a multilingual guide.

Most people can participate, but the weekend asks more of you than a short sightseeing tour. You will surf for several hours, sleep outdoors, hike, and possibly jump into deep water. Medical conditions should be disclosed at booking, and anyone under 18 must travel with an adult.

The meeting point is near public transportation. The tour provides transportation once the group meets, and it returns to the same location. That is useful if you are staying in Los Angeles without a car, though the information does not state which public transit routes are most convenient.

Dress for all weather. The activity runs in all weather conditions, but the experience requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor. Pack layers, practical footwear, swimwear, sun protection, and something dry for the evening.

The biggest concern: confirm availability first

The strongest positive signals are the high displayed rating of 4.8 from 26 ratings and a 96 percent recommendation rate. Those figures suggest that, when operating as planned, the combination of surfing, camping, food, and hiking has worked well for many people.

But one serious report says the experience was no longer operating and should not have remained available for booking. The customer had flown children to Los Angeles and was seeking a refund after discovering the problem. That is not a minor complaint about a late start or disappointing lunch. It raises a basic question about whether the departure is real.

I would not book nonrefundable flights, hotels, or family plans around this experience until the provider confirms your date directly. Confirmation at the time of booking is listed, but that does not remove the need to verify current operation when the availability record appears uncertain.

The cancellation terms also matter. Cancellation six full days before the start time allows a full refund. Cancellation two to six days before the start time allows a 50 percent refund. Within two days, there is no refund, and changes are not accepted. If poor weather causes the cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this weekend?

I would recommend this experience to an active beginner who wants a social introduction to surfing and likes the idea of sleeping under the stars. It suits someone who values included transport, meals, equipment, and a full schedule more than personal control.

It is also a good fit for friends or older families, provided minors are accompanied by adults and everyone is comfortable with camping, ocean activity, hiking, and deep-water jumping as an option.

I would be cautious about booking it for young children, anyone seeking a polished hotel-style break, or anyone who needs guaranteed accessibility details. The activity information says most people can participate, but it does not provide enough detail about tent access, trail surfaces, bathrooms, or water entry to make stronger promises.

Should you book the 2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure?

The program itself is appealing. Six hours of instruction, a Malibu drive, private camping, meals, and a Santa Monica Mountains swimming stop pack a lot into one weekend. I like that it offers more than a quick lesson and gives you a taste of coastal Southern California beyond the famous beaches.

My recommendation is conditional: book only after confirming that Eat Sleep Surf is actively operating the experience on your chosen dates and that your reservation is accepted. The strong rating and broad range of included services make it good value in principle, but the report that it may no longer exist is too important to ignore.

If the provider confirms the trip, you are comfortable with basic camping, and you want an active weekend rather than a restful one, this is an exciting choice. If confirmation is vague, choose another surf school or day trip and save yourself an expensive family travel problem.

FAQ

Where does the experience begin?

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

Where does the experience end?

Transportation returns you to the original meeting point at 4375 Berryman Avenue.

How long does the experience last?

It lasts approximately two days.

Is surf equipment included?

Yes. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, along with six hours of surf instruction.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Is camping equipment provided?

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

Which meals are included?

Lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks are included. Coffee or tea, oatmeal, and fresh fruit are served in the morning.

Is wine included?

No. Wine is available for purchase at Malibu Family Wines.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but the program includes surfing, camping, hiking, swimming, and possible cliff jumping.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.