ACA @ Pepperdine University
Malibu Surf Camp
Partnered with Malibu Makos
Welcome to Malibu - Hang Ten!
Catch some epic waves off Malibu’s sunny shores on Zuma Beach. Malibu is famous for its warm sandy beaches, the perfect setting for your ultimate summer experience! Dynamic, culturally diverse and breathtakingly beautiful, Malibu combines the finest the California coast has to offer.
ACA partners with Malibu Makos, Southern California’s premier surf club. We are committed to spreading the love of surfing. Our students always enjoy an exciting, fun, and safe experience emphasizing respect for the environment and ocean safety.
Whether you’re new to the water or an experienced boarder, this camp will take you to the next level. Our instructors will work with you in small groups which provides students with more individual attention and a safer environment in which to learn surfing. Improve your balance, style and skill as you soak up some California sun and prepare to become the next Courtney Conlogue, Nat Young or Kolohe Andino.
- Instruction from Malibu Makos -Southern California’s Premier Surf Club
- Exciting Afternoon & Evening Activities
- Weekend Adventures to Santa Barbara, Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica & Manhattan Beach
- Optional Excursions to Universal Studios & Disneyland
- Optional Hawaii or San Francisco Extensions
- Upscale Residence Halls @ Pepperdine Complete with En Suite Bathrooms
- 10:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio for High School Program
- 8:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio for Middle School Program
- Local Private Transportation for ACA Students and Staff Only
2025 Dates & Tuition
- June 29 – July 18 $7995
3 Weeks
- July 6 – July 18 $5995
2 Weeks
Add a Travel Extension
- July 18 - July 25 $2995
Hawaii Extension
- July 18 - July 23 $2495
San Francisco Extension
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Breakfast -
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Surf -
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch -
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Surf -
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Activities -
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Dinner -
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Evening Activities -
11:00 pm - 12:00 am
Residence Hall (Social Time) -
12:00 am
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Safety & Supervision
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, and accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.
Pepperdine’s campus adds an additional element of security, as well. The campus is a gated community with a guard booth and is patrolled 24/7.
Travel to Malibu*
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Los Angeles (LAX) International Airport. We will have designated times that you should fly into LA where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the brief drive to Pepperdine’s campus.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
Students will return home from Los Angeles international Airport (LAX). We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
If you are attending the San Francisco Extension, you will return home from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). If you are attending the Hawaii Extension, you will return home from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
Surfing with Malibu Makos
Catch a wave with expert instruction for surfers of all levels! We combine the thrill of surfing with comprehensive ocean safety and fitness education. Our high-energy program is designed to teach students not only how to surf but also to excel in ocean safety. In addition to surfing, enjoy bodyboarding, swimming, and bodysurfing.
Student-to-Instructor Ratio: Malibu Makos maintains an exceptional 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio to provide personalized attention and supervision.
Experienced Staff: The team includes ocean lifeguards, professional surfers, and credentialed instructors, all trained in:
- Rescue Techniques
- Ocean Safety Education
- First Aid and CPR
- Problem Solving and People Skills
All equipment is provided including surfboards and wetsuits during your California adventure. Surfers can bring their own surfboards if they would like. Rash guards are recommended.
Accommodations & Meals in Malibu
A striking coastal town just in Los Angeles, Malibu is home to countless celebrities, and now you can call it home, too! You’ll live at Pepperdine with an amazing group of like-minded creative students and staff in dorm-style housing. We pride ourselves on the fact that our residential amenities, top-quality food service and fitness facilities offer our students the very best. You’ll kick back in comfort at Pepperdine, enjoying safe, clean and comfortable suite-style dorms with in-suite bathrooms, internet access and are for ACA only. The standard is two to a room and up to six in a suite with a private bath and living room. These rooms definitely serve up cool California style!
Breakfast, and select dinners at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. You’ll enjoy lunch on the beach that gives you a variety of options. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
Around Town & Beyond
Afternoons & Evening activities include:
- Soak up the sun at Zuma Beach and jump the truly gnarly waves
- Hoop it up at the ACA 3-on-3 basketball tournament and find out who rules the court
- Get to know California at its best during ACA’s welcome scavenger hunt – our mad dash around Malibu!
- You have some big shoes to fill as you walk among the stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
- See how your hands and feet compare to Hollywood elites like Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, and Robert Downey Jr. in front of Mann Chinese Theater
- Take a campus tour at Pepperdine, UCLA, and USC
- LA comes to life at the Universal City Walk. Grab a bite at one of the famous restaurants and then hit the trendy shops, all set under the beautiful California stars.
- See the gods at the Greek and Roman collections of the Getty Museum
- Gaze up at the Hollywood sign as you browse the fashionable boutiques on Melrose Street
- Spike, serve, and dive into summer on the beach volleyball courts
- Devour a hot dog while watching one of the most storied teams in MLB history
- Pump some iron and get big on Muscle Beach
- Have your caricature drawn on the Venice Boardwalk and pick up a pair of hip new shades
- Catch a sunset at El Matador State Beach; it doesn’t get much more iconic LA than this
- Savor a latte while exploring the scene on the famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard
- Ride the dazzling Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier
- Hit all the fashionable boutiques and watch out for the paparazzi on the energetic Rodeo Drive
- Sunset hikes, karaoke nights, bowling, mini golf, ultimate Frisbee, bonfires and more exciting activities and events are all part of your summer with ACA!
Weekend Adventures
Complete your Malibu experience with exciting weekend adventures with ACA!
July 5 & 6 Weekend:
Santa Barbara
East Beach– There’s no better place to swim, chill, and soak up those endless coastal vibes!
Serious Shopping in Santa Barbara– Get a Mediterranean experience on the fabled “American Riviera.” This is one of Cali’s favorite shopping areas. Wander the cobblestone walkways of State Street and sunny expanses of open-air plazas and promenades in search of “must-have” fashions. Take a break for a gourmet treat, then get right back in the hunt!
University of California, Santa Barbara– Tour the breathtaking campus located on cliffs directly above the Pacific Ocean (optional).
Disneyland*
Watch Dreams Come True at the Happiest Place on Earth… Be sure to check out Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Critter Country.
*Please Note: Disneyland replaces the day trip to Hollywood for students who select this excursion (Supplemental fee)
Hollywood
Hollywood’s Walk of Fame– You have some big shoes to fill as you walk among the stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. See how your hands and feet compare to Hollywood elites like Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, and Robert Downey Jr. in front of Mann Chinese Theater.
Hollywood Sign– The Hollywood Sign is more than just nine white letters spelling out a city’s name. It’s one of the world’s most famous monuments and a universal metaphor for ambition, success, glamour!
The Grove– LA’s favorite shopping, dining and lifestyle destination is home to celebrity shopping sprees and special events!
Runyon Canyon– Lace up your sneakers and hit the trails at Runyon Canyon! With sweeping city views, a perfect glimpse of the Hollywood Sign, and plenty of sunshine, it’s the perfect summer escape to get moving, snap Insta-worthy pics, and explore one of L.A.’s most iconic hiking spots.
July 12 & 13 Weekend:
Santa monica & venice
Venice Beach– LA’s most iconic beach known for its bohemian spirit, Venice is a buzzing beach town. Free-spirited Venice Boardwalk is the site of funky shops, street performers and colorful murals. There’s also a skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym
Abbot Kinney– Abbot Kinney Boulevard features foodie hot spots, stylish boutiques and coffee bars.
Santa Monica Pier– A favorite for Hollywood movie scenes, this California icon comes alive at night. Take a ride on the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel or stop by the famed aquarium to get nose-to-nose with the ocean’s most fearsome predators!
Third Street Promenade– The world-famous strip features designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, all in the heart of Santa Monica. The outdoor mall is full of colorful street entertainers and dancers enjoying perfect California weather.
Universal Studios*
Go Behind-The-Scenes Of The Largest and Busiest Motion Picture and TV Studio In The World. Get Ready For The Ultimate Hollywood Experience!
*Please Note: Universal Studios replaces the day trip to Manhattan Beach for students who select this excursion (Supplemental fee)
Manhattan beach
Known as “The Pearl of L.A.’s South Bay” Manhattan Beach is home to over 100 locally owned, boutique, and specialty retailers and lots of trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Stroll down the boardwalk and soak up the sun on this pristine beach!
ACA SoCal Extensions
Add 7 days to your Californian Adventure on our Hawaii Extension or 5 days to your Californian Adventure on our San Francisco Extension
You’ll remain in the secure company of trusted ACA staff members, as well as many of the friends you’ve made on your ACA program. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the comfortable accommodations and superior guidance you’ve come to expect from ACA.
Supplemental tuition required.
Please note: transportation on the Hawaii Extension is not included in tuition.
Hawaii Extension
Add to your SoCal experience and explore the wonders of Hawaii!
ACA will have staffed flights for the trip from LAX to Maui, Maui to Honolulu, and the return from Honolulu to LAX. Upon the conclusion of the program, students will fly home from LAX.
Maui, Hawaii
Welcome to Island Life! We will fly to the land of Tropical Paradise – Hawaii! Our first stop, is to the stunning “Valley Isle,” which is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island is beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, stunning views, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. Visit Lahaina, a Maui Hotspot, and explore this historic whaling village which boasts top-notch art galleries, shops, eateries, and live entertainment. All aboard our double-deck catamaran to snorkel amongst more than 250 species of colorful tropical fish and giant Sea Turtles off the coast at Coral Gardens, one of Maui’s premier snorkeling destinations. Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau at sunset! Settle down under the stars while you listen to live music and watch skilled performances of the hula.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Our stay near Waikiki Beach is located on the south shore of Honolulu. The world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty and is famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue, you’ll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and activities. Hike Diamond Head, a crater formed from the eruptions of the Ko’olau Volcano many years ago, and marvel at the panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore. Catch the waves at Waikiki Beach during our thrilling surf lessons. Tour the Dole Pineapple Plantation, Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience”, and sample the famous pineapple-flavored Dole Whip! Visit the USS Arizona Memorial Center to learn the historical lessons of Pearl Harbor through the exhibitions and pay tribute to those lives lost at the Remembrance Circle.
Hawaiian Island Adventures include:
- Waikiki Beach – Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
- Dole Plantation Tour – Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s "Pineapple Experience" in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
- Diamond Head – The iconic silhouette of Diamond Head State Monument sits along the Honolulu skyline just beyond Waikiki. Known as Leahi (brow of the tuna) in Hawaiian. Formed more than 100,000 years ago, the crater was used as a strategic military lookout beginning in the early 1900's. Today, Diamond Head is a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu's south shore.
- Pearl Harbor & The USS Arizona – Pearl Harbor, named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii, a World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. The devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor honors this history-changing event with the many Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
- A Traditional Hawaiian Luau – Sunset is the perfect time for a traditional Hawaiian luau. Settle down under the stars while you listen to live music and watch skilled performances of the hula.
- Iolani Palace – The only official state residence of royalty in the United States, Downtown Honolulu’s Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs from 1882 to 1893: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.
- Maui – Known as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, stunning views, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.
San Francisco Extension
Add to your SoCal experience and explore the wonders San Francisco and the Bay area!
From the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge to the natural beauty of Muir Woods, the City by the Bay is no doubt one of the prettiest on the Pacific, if not all of America! And for things to do, San Francisco is second to none.
- Fisherman's Wharf – Set overlooking beautiful San Francisco Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf features great shopping, some of the freshest seafood in the country, and amazing street performers of incredible variety. Fisherman’s Wharf has been THE place to be in San Francisco since 1946!
- Pier 39 – Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 packs a serious punch! You can see the sea lions, take a whale-watching tour, find your way through the incredible Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, thrill to the ride of your life on RocketBoat, or ride the movies (you heard us!) at the Turbo Ride 4-D Experience. This place is FUN!
- Alcatraz – Formerly the home of America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz Island also has astonishing marine life, rare flowers and plants, and buildings dating back to the Civil War. There’s no end to what you can learn and see.
- Japanese Tea Garden – Take a trip that feels like you’ve gone across the ocean and back in time. The five-acre Japanese Tea Garden is an enchanting and fascinating experience – not to be missed!
- Golden Gate Bridge – Completed way back in 1937, this fantastic bridge remains a technical marvel and the most recognizable symbol of San Francisco. Put on some comfortable shoes and walk the 1.7 miles across for a view you won’t believe!
- Union Square – San Francisco’s shopping paradise! Be it in fashion, food or anything else, you’ll find all the very best names. A great place for serious shoppers or to just walk around and take in the sights.
- Chinatown – Breathtaking in its scope of history, beauty, art, architecture (and food!), spending part of your day in San Francisco’s Chinatown is an exotic vacation in and of itself.
- Muir Woods to Stinson Beach Hike – Take an unforgettable hike through the majestic Redwood forest to the stunning views of the California Coast. Along the way you’ll see eye-popping ravines, lush and diverse plants, and wildlife of every sort. An absolute must for the hiker or nature lover!
- Ghirardelli Square – Shops, restaurants and – of course – chocolate! One of San Fran's historic sites, it’s an ideal place for people-watching, putting a dent in your credit cards, and noshing on decadent desserts.
- Cable Car – Originally an alternative to horses on the slippery San Fran slopes, the cable car system is a must for anyone wanting a timeless tour of this beautiful city. It’s Frisco's favorite way to get around!
- Stanford University – Set in the tech capital of the world, Palo Alto, Stanford is noted as one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
- University of California, Berkeley – The oldest campus of the University of California system, UC Berkeley is one of the nation's top public universities. Be sure to check out the cafes, shops and music stores on Telegraph Avenue.
Program Specifics
Program start: Fly to Los Angeles, CA
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). We will have designated times that you should fly into LAX where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the drive to campus.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly.
Please contact the ACA office for further information on any of these travel options.
Return Flight from LAX (On the 2 & 3 Week Programs)
Students will return home on July 18 from Los Angeles international Airport (LAX). We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
Return Flight Home from the Hawaii Extension
Students attending the Hawaii Extension will fly back to Los Angeles with the group. Students will return home on July 25 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
Return Flight Home from the San Francisco Extension
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and select dinner at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
With many options each day, we are able to accommodate most special dietary requests along with picky eaters. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you prior to program departure.
Roommates & Accommodations
Your home in Malibu is on-campus in the residence halls at Pepperdine featuring en suite bathrooms. There are two students to a room and four or six students to a suite. All students fill out a detailed roommate questionnaire. Roommates are matched based on age and common interests. Of course, if you are traveling with a friend, you are able to room with each other.
Laundry
Each week, you will have the option to do self-service laundry at the residence hall or to utilize our laundry service.
What's Included
Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, breakfast and dinner on the weekend and activities as listed. Not included is lunches on the weekend, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the program. Transportation on the Hawaii Extension is not included in tuition.
We also offer travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
We allow students to bring their cell phones. Please contact your cell carrier to set up an international plan which will enable calling and data plans when not on WiFi. The use of cellphones and other messaging devices are not allowed during classes.
All of our directors and counselors are at least 21 years of age. Having worked extensively with high school and middle school students in the past, they genuinely look forward to their summers with ACA. All staff go through in-depth training on ACA’s philosophy, policies, safety protocols, and procedures.
Each member of our team works tirelessly throughout the program, serving as a mentor, advisor and friend to all of our students. We work hard to create a warm, supportive family atmosphere, one in which ACA students are treated as young adults whose opinions and concerns truly matter.
Highlights
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