Get Your Surf On Blog
Surfing Lessons 101: Know the Waves
If you head to an LA surf school for surf lessons, you’ll quickly find out that surfing is about more than learning to stand up on a board. You have to learn more about the waves before you can become a pro at surfing them. Each wave is a little different, so you need...
10 Surfing Tips for Beginners
While surfing may look easy, there’s a lot to learn if you’re a beginner. Like any other sport, it takes some hard work and practice. If you’re ready to take surfing lessons in Malibu, here’s a look at some helpful surfing tips for beginners to keep in mind. Find the...
What Causes Ocean Waves?
What causes ocean waves? Ocean waves are created by the transfer of energy from the atmosphere to water. Most water waves are generated by wind moving over the water’s surface that creates fractional drag. The size of the resulting waves is dependent upon the wind...
Four Tips on Surfboard Care
Malibu Makos offers the following tips on surfboard care and how to keep your surfboard in great condition. Have a Surfboard Bag When out of the water, always keep your surfboard on a bag to prevent damage such as punctures or cracks. Store it Safely Long exposure to...
Piers and Jetties
A pier is a platform extending from a shore over water and supported by piles or pillars, used to secure, protect, and provide access to ships or boats. Piers attract thousands of beach goers each year to take walks, fish, and even enjoy fine dining overlooking the...
Red Tide
Red tide is a condition that usually occurs during the summer months in Southern California and is characterized by plumes of brownish-red water that drift up and down the coast with the ocean currents. A red tide is caused by a “bloom” of microscopic, red algae. Red...
Marine Life
The Pacific Ocean is home to thousands of species of different marine life ranging from the microscopic to the gigantic. The Southern California coast houses all kinds of invertebrates, fish, and marine mammals. Even with this vast ecosystem off of our coastline, very...
Longshore Currents, Shoreline, and Beach Drafts
Longshore currents are common at any beach that is exposed to breaking surf. A longshore current is an ocean current that moves parallel to shore. It is caused by large swells sweeping into the shoreline at an angle and pushing water down the length of the beach in...
Learn to Swim!
We cannot stress enough the importance of having strong swimming skills when entering the ocean. The ocean is a dynamic environment, meaning that it changes constantly. Waves and currents can change drastically in a matter of seconds and can turn a relatively harmless...
Flag Conditions
The Los Angeles County Lifeguards use different flags that are posted on the beach and or left flying from the lifeguard towers to designate appropriate and safe areas for swimming, surfing, and other recreational activities. LA County Lifeguards use black ball and...
Water Termperature
The water temperature in Southern California generally varies between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the time of the year. The California Current is a large ocean current, which dives down the coastline of California from the frigid water of the North...
Submerged Rocks and Reef
Submerged rocks in the ocean are rocks that lay beneath the water's surface. Similarly, a reef is a strip or ridge of rocks, sand, or coral that rises to or near the surface of a body of water. Submerged rocks and reefs are common at Southern California beaches such...
Rip Currents
Rip Currents are common at any beach that is exposed to breaking surf and are the number one cause of rescues that lifeguards perform each year along the coast. They can be extremely dangerous by pulling unsuspecting swimmers and surfers into situations where they are...
What is a Turtle Roll and How to Do It?
Paddling Out on a Longboard with the Turtle Roll When you’re beginning to surf, or indeed learning any sport, the basics always need to come first. When surfing, it’s particularly important. Safety on the water is paramount. Whether you’re improving your stamina for...
Facts about Surfing
Did you know surfboards are 95% lighter today compared to wooden ancestors? Our fun infographic provides several interesting facts about surfing that you may not know.
Ocean Safety
The beaches in Southern California are wonderful places to spend a day, whether it is swimming, surfing, exploring tide-pools, or any of the other many activities. By always following a few simple safety tips you can prevent some of the more common accidents and...
