Our Malibu Surf Shack Experience

Posted on Sep 10, 2015 | 0 comments

Stand up paddle boarding has been on our bucket list for a long time.

When we were planning our recent staycation at The Malibu Beach Inn, a SUP lesson was at the top of our list of activities we would like to do.

So I called The Malibu Surf Shack to see if my kids were old enough for a family lesson and how it would all work out.

About The Malibu Surf Shack

The Malibu Surf Shack has been around since the mid 70’s and is family owned and operated by Sean and Leslie Weber. They are located on the PCH across from the Malibu Pier and world famous Surfrider Beach.

Parking is free along the PCH, if you can grab a spot! There is also an hourly parking lot across the street at the Pier. If you have to cross the road, please be sure to ONLY do this on the cross walk, at the stop light, and when it tells you to walk.

The Malibu Surf Shack offers rentals, lessons, tours for surfing, kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, wet suits, life jackets, body boards and they even have a fun shop to go through. They have everything you need for a true Malibu beach experience.

The Malibu Surf Shack has an excellent local reputation, so I was excited to call them.

Booking a Lesson with The Malibu Surf Shack

I spoke with co-owner, Sean, and nervously asked how old kids had to be before they could take a Stand Up Paddle Board lesson with them – I knew my kids would be angry if they were not old enough. He laughed and told me it was never too early to start which immediately put me at ease.

Sean was friendly and knowledgeable. After a short conversation, we had decided to do a family lesson with two boards and an instructor for an hour. One child would ride with my husband, one child with the instructor, I on my own. My family was ecstatic when I told them!

Our Experience with The Malibu Surf Shack

We were staying at the Malibu Beach Inn, which is right across the street. So we walked up to the stop light, crossed the road safely and entered the Malibu Surf Shack.

The store is so authentic Malibu and the staff were all welcoming, pleasant and experienced. We met Troy who was going to give us our lesson. He is totally personable, the kids took right to him. He sent us back across the street and down onto the beach using the stairs in between the parking lot and the Malibu Pier.

Troy and 2 guys came down to assist us getting into the water – which was what I was most nervous about. Remember none of us have ever done this before. My husband was confident, Troy knew what he was doing and I was pretty sure I would be falling in and would not get out past the surf break!

Troy first put a board down on the beach and explained to the kids exactly where to sit and for the adults, where to stand. We decided to take off on our knees, so he showed us right where we needed to be on the board. Then he demonstrated how to use the paddle and it was time to get going.

They tried to reassure me, but the waves looked big and I had my doubts. So they decided I should go first just in case… Personally I think my husband was hoping for a good laugh…!!

Troy watched the waves and when the right time came, he put the board down in the water, told me to hop on and paddle hard then gave the board a big push!

Guess what? I made it – without falling in! I paddled hard and made it through and it was awesome!!

By the time I turned around my husband was not far behind me with my son. Of course he easily stood right up – showoff!! The smile on my sons face was priceless. It was clear these two where having the times of their lives.

Just behind them was Troy with my daughter – who was also wearing a HUGE smile!

We were to the end of the Pier when Troy challenged me to stand up. I was wobbly, but I did it. He gave me clear instruction on how to get up and it worked.

Then he says let’s paddle out to where we can float and do some headstands… The competitive side in me had to try!! Again, he gave easy instructions and did one himself with his cell phone in his mouth. He made it look so easy.

First I had the kids try it! Then I actually did it! I’m not gonna lie – it was more like I got my feet up in the air with no particular form or grace – but I did it and did not fall in! So fun.

We really enjoyed laughing and paddling around for an hour. It was peaceful, it was fun, it was refreshing. We got lots of great footage for our upcoming Mama Loves Family Travel – Our Malibu Staycation webisode. Here is a little extra footage:

Sadly, it was time to head in. I was really nervous until I saw some of the Malibu Surf Shack crew waiting on the beach to guide us. I knew we were all in good hands so I relaxed, and made it safely in to the beach where the guys grabbed the boards for us!

This was a wonderful experience that I know we will all remember forever. Taking a family lesson with Malibu Surf Shack allowed us to step outside of our routine and really play together. And that is what quality family time is all about. SUP is a great family activity and one that has now become our new hobby.

Whether you are visiting or a local, The Malibu Surf Shack will treat you like family and take great care of you. Check them out next time you are on that side of town, I would love to hear about your adventure with their crew!

I know we will be back again soon!!

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

#FamilyTravel