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Education and Resources

Student making a heart sign above the sunset

 

Education

Throughout each year multiple outdoor educational programs are offered with the objective of empowering students to engage in outdoor activities by giving them the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to safely participate in outdoor recreation. Such educational programs include “how to” clinics on various components of setting up campsites and essential gear, planning backpacking and camping trips, and how to leave as minimal an impact as possible when recreating outside. Additionally, presentations from wilderness experts have included topics such as personal inspirational stories, wilderness first aid and survival training, astronomy, sustainability, and botany. 

Stay tuned on when some of these educational workshops are happening through following us on Instagram and signing up to receive our newsletter.

Resources

Explore a range of helpful resources to support and enhance your outdoor adventures and education!

  • Camping & Backpacking: Looking to book campsites in California for your own adventure? Check out Reserve California for CA State Park campsite availability or Recreation.Gov if you plan camping in a National Park or National Forest. Recreation.Gov is also helpful when looking to book backpacking permits in certain National Parks/Forests and is also where you can apply for permits to hike notorious trails such as Mt. Whitney, Half Dome, and Angel’s Landing! Plan and prepare in advance since most State and National Park campgrounds can be booked out up to 5 months in advance!
  • Mountain Biking: The Santa Monica Mountains offer incredible mountain biking trails. If you're interested in e-bikes, check out Malibu MTB, which provides a variety of rentals and guided tours around Malibu.
  • Fishing: Love to fish but not sure where to start? Head to the Malibu Pier! You can rent rods, bait, and tackle directly from their website—no permit is required to fish right off the pier.
  • Horseback Riding: If riding horses by the ocean has always been a dream of yours, Malibu is the perfect place! Malibu Riders offers a variety of riding packages, whether you're a first-timer or an experienced rider.
  • Surfing & Water Sports: For surf lessons, paddleboarding, kite surfing, or even a boat tour, Malibu Coastal Adventures is a great option. Another excellent choice is Sea N Soul Surf, which offers surfboard rentals, lessons, and more to get you ready to hit the waves and make the most of Malibu's famous surf spots.
  • Outdoor Gear, Rentals, & Classes: If you're looking for a one-stop shop for all of your outdoor needs, REI has you covered! They offer sales and rentals of everything from backpacks to climbing gear, as well as equipment for water sports and beyond. In addition, REI hosts exciting classes and events on outdoor activities, including hiking trips, wilderness first aid certification courses, and more. Their expert staff are always on hand to provide advice and recommendations, ensuring you’re prepared for your next adventure.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Point Dume offers excellent coastal climbing with beautiful ocean views however, you’ll have to bring your own gear. You can also check out indoor rock climbing gyms in nearby areas like Boulderdash in Thousand Oaks for training or rainy days.
  • Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater beauty of Malibu's coastline with Malibu Divers. They offer snorkeling gear rentals, guided tours, and even scuba certification for those wanting to dive deeper. It's a great way to discover marine life in the pristine waters off Malibu.
  • Island Trips & Whale Watching Tours: Island Packers, located in Ventura, has regular ferry rides to and from the Channel Islands National Park for day trips and camping! They also offer a variety of boat tours such as whale watching, bird trips, and shoreline cruises!


DIY Hikes

We’re excited to share some of our favorite hikes that we’ve enjoyed in the past both locally here in Malibu as well as in the many amazing State and National Parks we’ve hosted trips in or visited on our own! These curated lists showcase the best trails we’ve explored and loved. Click on the link below to explore these hikes on AllTrails, where you can sort by distance, difficulty, and more to find the perfect trail for your next adventure. As you explore, we encourage you to follow The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to minimize your impact on the environment and help preserve these beautiful places for future generations:

Ikon Pass Student Discount Program

As a participant in the Ikon Pass College Club Program, current Pepperdine students have access to special discount pricing for the Ikon Pass!

In order to qualify, you must be currently enrolled in and attending college classes at Pepperdine. Click on the link below to fill out the form and follow the instructions on how to request a single-use promo code. Upon approval, you will receive a unique promo code that is to be used for yourself only as it is registered to your name.

2025/26 Ikon Pass Form