Map
First Point
Today's Surf Conditions at First Point
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Few lineups command as much reverence—or as many surfers—as Malibu’s First Point. This iconic righthand pointbreak unfolds over a mix of boulders and sand, delivering the kind of smooth, sculpted walls that have made it a global benchmark for performance surfing. Despite the perpetual crowds, First Point remains the most consistent of the Malibu waves, offering pristine lines that suit everything from longboards to high-performance shortboards. When conditions align, the wave’s shape approaches perfection—a dream canvas for any style. Just down the lineup, Second Point and Third Point provide separate take-off zones that, under the right swell and tide, fire off faster, more hollow sections for those seeking a more critical ride.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (November - March)
The winter months bring a consistent and powerful pulse of long-period swell to First Point, driven by the North Pacific's relentless storm track. While the dominant swell direction is from the west and west-southwest—not the ideal southern angles—the sheer energy and extended period (averaging 12-13 seconds) allow these waves to wrap into the south-facing beach, offering solid, punchy surf. The real highlight is the wind regime: northerly quadrants (N, NNE, NNW) blow offshore over 55% of the time, grooming the faces and turning even average-sized sets into rippable gems. Expect average heights around 0.8-0.9m, with occasional 1.5-2m pulses when a strong low pressures aligns. This is the prime window for quality surf at First Point.
Fair Surf Season (April - May & September - October)
Transitional months see a shift in both swell and wind patterns. The northern storms begin to wane, and the swell direction becomes more southwesterly. Wind ideal conditions drop to 50-51% in April and September, with lighter onshores (WSW, W) mixing in. The average height holds near 0.8-0.9m, but the period dips slightly, and the increased wind variability means fewer clean windows. Still, there are fun days when a southwest swell meets a northerly breeze—those are the moments to be in the water.
Low Surf Season (June - August)
Summer slumps into First Point with a vengeance. The swell height averages just 0.8m and comes almost exclusively from the west, wrapping weakly. The period remains long (12.5-12.7s) but lacks the power to push through the summer heat. The real killer is the wind: ideal offshore conditions drop to a mere 32-45% as the prevailing trade winds blow from the south-southwest and west, creating bumpy, choppy surfaces. Expect small, groveling waves best suited for a longboard or funboard, with rare clean windows as the sun sets.
Detailed Surf Information for First Point
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for First Point with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.