Zero/Nicholas Canyon County Beach is located just across the Pacific Coast Highway from the Malibu Riding and Tennis Club. This spot, while once a more hidden gem, is now pretty well-known among local surfers. It's worth checking out if you're looking for a mid to low tide surf experience, especially when there’s a good swell coming in.
The surf here can be hit or miss. When it’s on, you can find a decent hollow lefthand point wave that works best with a southwest swell but also likes the south and west swells. It can handle swell sizes around 2 feet (approximately 0.6 meters), so keep an eye on the conditions. The wave typically breaks over boulders and has a leftward direction, which can be fun for regular footers. Expect some challenges, though, as it doesn’t break very often, and when it does, you have to watch out for some heavy shorepound.
The best wind for Zero/Nicholas Canyon is from the north, which helps the surf clean up. If you're planning to hit this spot, aim for those mid tide times to catch the waves at their best. Just remember, it can get crowded when it's firing, so get there early to snag a good spot.