Overview
Playa Malibú is a river mouth break near the small oceanside community of Gorgona, peeling over black sand shaped by the Chame River. It runs both left and right, and when the river current and tidal action line up it can throw fast, tubular waves.
When It Works
The break draws swell from south through southwest, and south swell is the best match. Sitting at the rivermouth, it tends to pick up a little more swell than other spots in the area, so it can be surfable when neighboring breaks are quieter. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind. Playa Malibú is surfable through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The wave is approachable enough to suit beginners.
Access
Park on the beach when you can, as rip-offs are common back at the parking lot. Keep an eye out for underwater trees, one of the hazards that comes with surfing a river mouth.
