Why you should NEVER surf Malibu 

LA traffic meets the ocean

As a novice, I'm incredibly surprised by the lack of awareness and disregard for other people on the wave. The first board I bought was a Wavestorm and it came with actual surf etiquette instructions outlining how to respect the lineup and not drop in. I've been surfing for almost a year now and am still surprised at how crazy Malibu is. We all make mistakes but seeing them look directly at a surfer and still decide to drop in baffles me.

I surfed Malibu one time. It was 1996 or so. I live in San Diego and my kids lived in LA with their mom. So I came up on a Saturday to see them and take them to the beach. They were 9 and 11. There was a small but consistent south swell, I paddled out and had an uneventful hour or so of sitting on my board and not getting any waves due to not being local and not wanting to challenge any of the other 1000 or so surfers out that day. So I moved outside and finally, a good size wave came my way. I looked around and no one was paddling so I grabbed it. As I rode the wave I was amazed that I had it all to myself, it felt like divine intervention. That was one of the longest waves of my life, not the best wave ever, but it was mine. After that I was done for the day, I surfed Malibu.

I'm now 76 years old, and started surfing Malibu in 1963. As I watched this video, I thought to myself "back then some of these clowns would have received a beat-down on the beach - by a few of the local all-time greats". Thank you Brad for posting this video. Rich Muller

I grew up in the south bay and have been surfing since the 1960's and have seen plenty of crowds. But this video is probably the most depressing thing I have ever seen in my life. Please continue making these. Perhaps a few people will learn from these.

Dude on the blue boards gotta go. First almost took that woman’s leg out then did the same thing to the guy who pushed him away. Even after being confronted does the exact same thing. These are the people who get others hurt in the water.

I've been surfing 1st, 2nd and 3rd point Malibu consistently for my entire life and I can attest that getting waves out there is difficult. Over the years I've learned how to find the right waves and how to get a good amount of those waves to myself. It takes a lot of patience to find the right wave, to take off in the right place and negotiate the crowd on your way to the beach. We have had a number of days like this video in recent past where we get a good swell and everyone comes to Malibu. The problem with that is that your taking a world class wave and having kooks paddle out thinking they own the place. There are also a handful of "bad apples" out in the lineup that are always out there on good days and they give zero fux about everyone else. So it's forsure a melting pot of issues. However the wave is incredible and the beach itself means a lot to me so I'll be out there fighting for waves for forever.

I don't even surf, but I feel like I'm learning the most important parts of it first. Seems like this is the kind of stuff that people would teach first before you even step into the water.

Brad,this isn't just a Surfer thing it's society. Lack of moral's and respect towards each other.

this is gold. if more people saw this maybe surf etiquette would improve. the concept of this video might even be compelling enough to build a web series around it.

PLEASE KEEP MAKING THESE! I think it's vital for the sport and especially for education in the area that people are made aware of this chaos. I haven't surfed bu in 3 years bc it's gotten so terrible exacerbated and amplified from greenies during covid who never learned properly. I have had about 6 boards ruined in 2020 alone to make me quite that spot permanently.

I surfed one time in my life, in huntington beach a bit further south. The spot was crowded but not as bad as this. As a new surfer, I thought to myself : "This is pure chaos". It seemed like everyone got on the wave when they wanted to and there was no ''rule'' or "priority" to follow. I feel like to an experienced surfer, the "Code of Conduct" is clear but for someone like me who just rented a wetsuit and a surfboard, I didn't understand what I did right or wrong in regards to that.

Brad this is gold, can we get more videos like this?

The man with the blue board dropped two times creating a very dangerous situation....he should be forced out the spot everytime he comes surfing.

I can feel a trend coming on with these videos. Please don’t stop making them! People will eventually catch on and surf etiquette will hopefully start to improve across the board!! Great watch.

Can confirm this phenomenon is occurring all over Sydney Australia too. The best waves are in the quiet coastal towns with a dozen surfers on one break and heaps of quiet spots everywhere else.

The bigger question is who rolls up to a spot, sees 150 surfers already on it, and still paddles out?!? There are always less crowded options - with Malibu that would be every other option.

PLEASE PLEASE MAKE MORE OF THESE! LOVED IT FROM START TO END! THANK YOU!

That was classic the way you did the breakdown of what was going on, love to see more videos like that,

Great information Brad. Thank you for sharing!

Malibu used to be such a localized spot back in the 80's 90's. If you surfed there you had better hope you dont drop in or even turn for a wave somebody is already on. This looks like the tourists and kooks have fully taken over. Half of them shouldnt even be in the water!

Malibu First Point has been a disaster since before I started surfing nearly 30 years ago. But 2nd and especially 3rd, have far better surfers and far smaller crowds. And the view up the canyon from 2nd at sunrise is one of the best views in Southern California. If you're lucky, just before sunrise, on a mid-sized day, even a barely passable surfer (like me), can connect from 2nd to 1st with a wave all to yourself.

omg ... first off, THANK YOU for making this video and THANK YOU for pointing out with such clarity not just the errors, but what to do to correct them! I can't tell you how many times I've preached exactly what you are saying (and also shamelessly in my own local lineups because I've had several above encounters unfortunately) ... I've said this before, but have been met with some resistance but this is EXACTLY WHY WE NEED TO STOP COACHING BEGINNER SURFERS TO WAIT ON THE SHOULDER ON A POINT BREAK! This is why learning board control and surfing fundamentals needs to come before popup lessons and cut backs. Most of the hazardous surfers featured above likely think that their surfing is "fine" and they are not an issue. I will most certainly be sharing this video ALL over the internet! Animo, Jenn

From an old school retired skateboarder, this was a great education on surf-etiquette. Thank you.

some people just don't belong in the water. smh

This video is an excellent example of why there is basic surf etiquette. This video can be great to show those at rental shops and surf camps. The problem is not only in Malibu, I see it all over California. Looking at the types of likely rental or tourist cheaper foam boards in the water in this video, it is likely these people need to learn surf etiquette. Just like making sure you know how to swim before going surfing. It can save your life and others. I surf this but I also have another surf spot where I can get my own waves. But not often in Malibu, except in early fall, in evenings after sunset is great. But then I should not say this. But that is also the time not for beginners or tourists or those with boards from rentals. I also see surf camps and board rental companies where these are the surfers at risk that have no idea. These companies need to talk about surf etiquette. Thank you for showing in such great detail the results of drop-ins, etc. The following is a great resource on surf etiquette as well [ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XCaiQYVEut4.html].

Brad , this is essential viewing for surf schools in my opinion . Excellent job mate .

Nothing has changed since 1965 when I was surfing Malibu with a 9’6” Weber. This is actually an average number from 11 am on. Better to be in the line up in the early morning. Very early. You might get parking too. Still, I love it. Have since I was 16. And will continue to,go. Actually, things have improved since you don’t have MICKEY DORA coming down from the “point”, who used, to push folks off their boards, despite the rocks that are only two feet below the surface. Also, boards have leashes. We didn’t have leashes. You fall off, you have to step gingerly over the rocks and hope your board washed up on the beach is not covered with new, penetrated “dings”. AND, we didn’t have full wetsuits. You see someone wearing a full wetsuit you’d laugh your ass off. We may have worn neoprene vests, but a full outfit? Didn’t exist. It’s worse down south. You might try Rincon near Santa Barbara but it’s a mess too. Further north, ya gotta worry about nine foot juvenile White Sharks, a new concern. Ah, surfing…gotta love it.

A big thanks to all involved for a thoroughly entertaining spectacle. Wouldn't surf there in a thousand years but enjoyed watching it the way I like a good horror movie.

Please keep making these type of videos and calling these kooks out!!! They ruin a beautiful wave!!!

You definitely convinced me 😂😂!! Thank you for your great and professional commentary... that was really helpful!

I surfed Malibu from early 60’s until 12 years ago when I moved to Utah. Your video is one of the reasons I quit surfing. Topanga is the same. When I joined the MSA ( Malibu Surfing Association) the crowd was a little respectful of us and we of them. The LAPD had the police Olympics and in the mid 80’s, for five years, I coached our surf team and completed to prepare for the police competition. It was great fun. MSA had an invitational and I have a restaurant place mat signed by Donald Takiyama, Hobby, Dewey, Carson, Zuma Jay. Love the memories you brought back. Bob Young

We went to Malibu in 63 but rode the soup (white water now) trying to learn. I knew a girl whose parents had a house at Latigo which we loved even less crowded. I have to say the only time I see any kind of courtesy or even situational awareness is on days that aren't that good and hardly anyone out! We used to go to Mondos & hear leaders of surf classes say "Just take off - they'll get out of your way or miss you"! I've even had people at Doheny wading out right in front of me as I spin and take off then fuss at me for coming close to them. Of course the waves there aren't usually as big so somewhat less dangerous. I used to say and still do think surfers are cool but everyone sure seems pretty dense these days! Agreed! Doesn't look fun to me at Malibu but I bet when conditions aren't that good it could be.....

This is an awesome video and commentary! It's crazy and hilarious at the same time. 🤙🏽

That’s why I gave up on surfing decades ago It was always a giant mess out There was not fun waiting around.

Love the video and your perspective. This echoes the sentiments I have whenever I surf there. Folks should have to watch this video before being allowed to surf anywhere north of Santa Monica 😂

This is a great PSA with very kind narration! Some need enlightenment. New genre...maybe? Different spots...Lowers? Let some advanced level surfers narrate so the point really sinks in! The more comical the better! No pros though because they're binded by contractual obligations. Thanks, Brad!

I grew up surfing San Clemente Pier/T-Street. I took off on a wave that had a left and a right. I thought I would go right and the guy to my left would go left. We both went right, while looking at each other face to face the other guy with both arms shoved me off the wave. I was pissed, I looked back at the guy to tell him off while I saw him do the biggest 360 aerial I've ever seen. I didn't say anything lol

This video should be mandatory watching for anyone surfing in crowded areas. I know I've learned a lot from this video.

Great video analysis. Love the Arrows To point out the absolute selfishness of California surfers. No culture or consideration. I watched a friend of mine that was a shoulder hopper get put in a headlock and face punched out in Newport Beach and I didn’t do anything about it. My selfish, rude and inconsiderate surfing friend deserved every punch he got. I warned him for years. Great coverage Brad. God Bless 🙏🏼

Thank you for making these many points. I haven't always lived in Santa Cruz, but, this sort of thing has caused me to surf less and less at spots that should be super mellow and fun.

Great footage and explanation! I hope some of the surfers you filmed see this!

Grew up surfing Malibu. Learning to navigate crowds was part of the fun.

The last time that I surfed Malibu, I did this snap as a beginner was paddling over the wave, and my tail slammed him in the foot. I looked, and he was on the beach limping back to the parking lot. I should have went in to check on him (*I didn't mean to do it, and my tail slid out of the water and nailed him,) but I had too much ego, I guess? I should have offered to pay his doctor bill, and made friends and took him out. That was nearly 30 years ago. I still feel bad. Us surfers should be watching out for each other. Aloha.

Outstanding video Brad! I had the absolute pleasure of surfing Malibu back in 2007 and the local attitude was ever present. I got a few to myself and they were absolute dreamers! With this video alone showing what it's like now, I wouldn't paddle out there unless I was getting paid and had a license to kill.🤣😂🤣

When I first started surfing years ago, I was so excited for a camping & surfing trip in Malibu. Came out and saw it was way too crowded, waited and waited and it only got worse. Decided not to surf that day because even then I knew better. I did surf the next day and it wasn’t as bad as the first but still way too crowded! Never came back

this is awesome, kudos. would be cool seeing the same analysis at other popular pointbreaks

I quit surfing (you're welcome) years ago after I left CA. Got back on the board a few times in Maui and then in Bali. Had a great time. But in general, I simply don't miss it because of stuff like this. Such a cool sport with a very aggressive and negative element depending upon where you are.

All the arrows pointing at different directions look like a chess GM analyzing and predicting different moves 😂

From all the old surf videos to current ones of Malibu, it’s never changed as far as crowds go. I seen it in person once, it’s a awesome wave no matter what size. I did not have my surfboard with me at the time, I was just hanging out with my ex, just exploring the area and surrounding areas. But when I seen it live and this video, it makes me cringe because its a matter of survival out there. I told myself then, as much as like to surf this wave, I get freaked out with the crowd, and just stick to my local spots I like to surf.

Classic video! Excellent educational video!

Love your content. You should keep filming more “intermediate” surfing content and not only advanced

I surfed there for years and was able to get around a lot of people and get many all the way down but over the decades it just isn't worth it. I am a beach break rat now, no more madness for me.

Yeah, I thought I wanted to surf there sometime..lol. Super cool analysis !

I love the old dudes sitting further out waiting for an outsider, they know.

It would be so cool if you did the vintage surfing at Malibu doing the era of 1964 to 1966 at Malibu

I have never surfed in my life but I’m getting ready to start surfing soon in my life and man even without all the research I’ve done I just would never want to get in the way of anyone on purpose. That’s just how I think with everything don’t be in the way don’t get in peoples ways it’s just the way life is. The fact that I’m seeing so many people who actually go out there and do that is crazy and I’ve never touched a board in my life and it’s just common sense 😂.

Since I moved to NYC from LA, I would give everithng to surf this one wave in Malibu lol! Thank you for the video

Controlled chaos. Reminds me of any situation with a bunch of kids playing in a tight dangerous place like a pool where there are constant close calls but mostly nothing happens.

I'm so blessed that the break across our house is always empty ( I live in New Zealand) so I have the waves all to myself or sharing the entire ocean with 1-2 people

Very good videos man! Cristal clear lessons… thanks!!

The primary issue has been the lack of a water safety patrol. The MSA should be policing their hometurf better. Guys like Bam Bam used to be available - courteous to newbies while keeping them at bay and out of the contest zone. Thanks for sharing the carnage,Brad.

I'm so fortunate to have surfed Sunset, Waimea, Pipe. Laniakea and all the North and South Shore reef breaks for many years. A crowded triple overhead day was 5 guys out. On big days it was not uncommon for 2-3 deaths. No wave runners, just you and mother ocean. What a lucky man I am.

Did a California double back in ‘73. My first and only time to surf Malibu. Waves and crowds weren’t bad. Stayed in water till dark

This is a great depiction of where our society is today and dichotomy of elders vs noobs I grew up in SM in the mid 70s/80s. Did a lot of body and boogie boarding, some surfing. Never considered going to Malibu out of a manner of respect. I always felt you had to earn your way in and pay your dues. Work your way to the special stuff and earn it. Been gone from CA for 30 years. People where I live often ask me about going to Ca on vacation and they want to try surfing. I tell them to get a foamy and go to Venice. I think half the people in this video shouldn’t be there to begin with On a separate note, visited 8 years ago with my kids. Went to the tide pools but couldn’t find any starfish. I asked a lifeguard and he said tourists take them and there are no more

You surf how you drive

Honestly I've been a long time beginner and there was new information for me in here. Of course I would never paddle into this madhouse nor would I be obnoxious enough to get into peoples way like that, but seeing the consequence of not following etiquette from this perspective really teaches me why it's there in the first place. Not just for establishing who gets to ride the wave, but for safety and avoiding total clusterf*cks.

Very informative and very chaotic. Great video!

I used to surf mailbu between 10pm - 3am. the wave is so perfect you barely need to see it, usually theyd be about 5 of us out all catching awesome waves one after another. this was in 2007 so I'm sure there's a grip of people doing it in now.

You should never get mad while surfing this wave. If you’re there, you should know what you’re getting yourself into.

kook central

I visited Malibu about 3 years ago, visiting from Australia where etiquette still exists (at least at our beach). I paddled out on the second day took off on my first wave of the day. I was in great position and got immediately dropped in on by 2 guys, the second one in front of me saw the guy in front of him and bailed throwing his board in the air (no leg rope). As the fin was about to hit me in the forehead I put my hand up (just in time). It almost took my thumb off. A trip to instacare and 30 stitches later. I'm a massage therapist and so there goes my income for several months. I saw him the next day on the beach and he shrugged and said "just a scratch" me with my hand bandaged and on pain meds. It's the most beautiful wave but you take your life in your hands literally. The instacare doc said she had seen horrendous injuries from Malibu. The incredible thing was that it was early and not many surfers in the water yet what the???

Nice vid Brad! We have our fair share of chaos in Hawaii as well

Been surfing Malibu since the 60s off and on and have been out with Dora in the water. It has always been crowded but I think since the pandemic we have an abundance of kooks out in the water who have not been schooled by the earlier generations like we were back in the old days. These pandemic kooks are sadly lacking in smarts and the desire not to remain a kook as everyone gets a trophy nowadays. My generation didn't want to remain as a kook so we got good and the rest fell away and were forgotten or ignored as kooks should be.

I do wonder whether or not some of those drop-ins were intentional or acts of aggression (rather than pure unawareness). Especially with some of the beginners in these clips, I wonder how many were initially following etiquette but being cut off or shown aggression by the other surfers, and got "taught" to be jerks and drop-in if they were going to get a turn that day.

Haha this is hilariously awesome. Thank you for this critique

I love this carnage! ❤ Makes my home break look tame 😂

Dude this is giving me terrible anxiety. Dafuq is wrong with California?

this made me laugh really hard, great camera work, even better commentary

Growing up in Malibu I can tell you, fights break out on the water all the time! Topanga was a locals only break in the 80’s/90’s. Surf riders (Malibu state beach) was open but way over crowded, Zuma to county line could get rough depending on the swell. It was a scene.

I love your commentary and narration...priceless and oh so true! L

PREACH! Brad, every word you said is true. Great video!

Brad thanks a lot!

Thank you for taking the time to share this absolutely hilarious video. Born in LA and growing up from Manhattan to Laguna, riding waves from Manhattan to Del Mar, I chose not to attempt Malibu back in the the late 90’s because I saw this, yet on a less crowded scale. This video is more entertaining than watching any movie because it’s real and full of clueless clowns at an unorganized circus. Please share more like this. Next time, I’m making popcorn before watching these fools

Thank you. I am convinced.

We love going there. We drink five beers before we go out and then we go out there and act like we don't know how to surf and have an absolute blast. Every once in a while cause some hassle and get in a fight. Then we go back to the beach and we drink more beers! Love it.

I came over for the LA Games in 84 to watch my nephew compete, then did a surf trip up the coast to SF. Back then Malibu was crowded but I was lucky enough to get a few waves to myself. Lots of "mals" (long boards) but there seemed to be some basic respect for the guy inside. Nice wave similar to Trestles which I surfed a lot during the games. This is insanity. It probably means that there is some break down the road somewhere uncrowded because everyone is here 🤣🤣

buddy with the hood is an absolute detriment....dayummmmmm

Thank you! I haven't laughed this hard in a while.

Oh snap! Nice footage of East Cliff on any weekend with decent swell. I really miss Santa Cruz.

Wow so glad I live in Scotland, unreliable surf but now crowds lol Had a whole beach break at St Andrews with just the two of us the other morning! Magic 👌

Great video and like just another day with crappy waves in Scheveningen in The Netherlands... The Antheap. Just imagine what a good day looks like!😅

Need a video like this for busy skateparks

This video was fun. Do more! I only surfed Malibu like 4 times. I rather make the trek to Countyline or Staircase instead and take my chances of getting skunked. I did surf Sunset quite a bit tho... which can be a circus of its own.

great job, funny interesting and on point

1:08 I remember that overcrowded "watch out for surfers" vibe when I was a kid, but never saw it THAT bad! 🤣

you just earned a subscriber....such a cool idea for a channel. Hope you got more videos like this. Seeing kooks get slammed is fun to watch but love the breakdowns too

bravo brad--frightening and hilarious!

That's why I ended up living a short walk to surfing Rainbow 's in the early 70's. I paddle out at Malibu late 60's paddle in, enjoyed the pleasures of Maui 😊

I grew up in Agoura surfing Malibu… you can avoid these crowds if you go at the crack of dawn, you go during the work week, and you surf in winter. 🤙🏼