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Tucked into a bay, Little Malibu is a surf spot that attracts plenty of action, especially when the conditions are right. Known for its fast, right-hand waves, it can sometimes be crowded due to the local bodyboarders who frequent the area. It’s worth noting that this spot is different from its namesake, Malibu, being much more hollow and lively, which can be appealing to experienced surfers. However, the crowd factor can be a challenge, particularly when the surf is firing.
The waves at Little Malibu tend to be on the smaller side, usually running from about chest high (approximately 1.2 meters) to overhead (around 2.4 meters). It breaks primarily on a shallow coral reef that can be hazardous, as coral heads stick up in the faces of some waves. When conditions align, though, such as a northwest swell and northeast to east winds, you can get some fun rides here. The optimal swell direction is northwest, and it handles swell sizes from 4 ft to 8 ft (1.2 m to 2.4 m). The best time to catch Little Malibu is during mid to high tides, although it’s known to be inconsistent and can require some patience to get the good ones.
It’s important to keep in mind that this spot is popular among expert surfers, so if you’re not comfortable navigating through a busy lineup, you might find it challenging. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions, especially for tropical cyclone swells. For board types, shortboards and bodyboards are the way to go here. If you’re planning a trip, be ready for some get-up-and-go maneuvering to snag your wave amid a lineup of locals.