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GhostFingers · Los Angeles County · Malibu

Malibu, 3rd Point

Cobblestone right point at the upcoast end of the Malibu pier zone. The first section to break when south energy fills in, and the steepest takeoff of the point.

Malibu Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

Same Surfrider lot off PCH as 1st Point, plus PCH shoulder parking upcoast. Car break-ins are regular.

Crowd

Thick. Shortboard-leaning compared to the inside. The lineup tightens before the afternoon sea breeze comes up.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Steeper takeoff than the inside sections, contested priority, and a rock-and-cobblestone bottom. Not a beginner wave.

Famous for

Third Point Malibu. The outermost of Malibu's three sections, holding the largest swell of the cove and turning over big-day sets that connect through Second to First.

Lineup etiquette

Priority on a point goes to the deepest rider. Shoulder-hopping a wave already taken from the peak is the standard call-out.

When it's on

South or southwest groundswell with light offshore from the north or side-offshore from the northwest. Mid-tide window.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
34.0287, -118.6846
Shore faces
SSW
Region
Malibu, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Malibu, 3rd Point?
Malibu, 3rd Point works best on a S to SW swell.
How big does Malibu, 3rd Point need to be?
Malibu, 3rd Point is best in the 3-7ft range on a 12-18s period.
What are the best conditions at Malibu, 3rd Point?
Light or offshore wind under about 6 knots, with the tide around 2-4ft.
Where is Malibu, 3rd Point?
Malibu, 3rd Point is a faster outside right in Malibu, California. The beach faces SSW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Malibu, 3rd Point?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Malibu, 3rd Point with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

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Launching summer 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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