Hot heir! Paris Hilton cools off in Malibu surf

If you're going to take up surfing, it's generally a good idea to find some waves. But try telling that to Paris Hilton.

The 26-year-old, sporting a one piece star-covered number, took to the calm water for lessons on a long board with Australian pro-surfer Koby Aberton.

Free to be me: a rather proud Paris takes a stand

Unsteady as she goes: the heiress was all smiles during the lesson, despite struggling to keep upright

It's proved to be a popular past time for Paris, who first showed off her surfing prowess during her post-prison holiday in Hawaii.

This time, she soaked up a brief moment of glory as she successfully managed to stand upright, before quickly crashing down again with a spectacular splash.

Calm blue ocean: Paris took to the almost wave-free water in a skimpy one piece suit

She eventually admitted defeat, and instead lay on the board and sunbathed.

A day earlier, Paris relaxed on the beach with a group of male pals, and showed off her latest purchase, a Yorkshire terrier.

The Simple Life star has become a regular attraction outside her Malibu beach house, where she has enjoyed back to back days of parties and frolicking.

Wipe out: Paris makes a splash, but still manages to keep a tight grip on her designer shades

While serving jail time for a driving violation last month, the starlet promised to committ herself to charity and her career, but so far she appears to have instead working on her tan.

Nicky Hilton recently defended her sister's reputation, telling OK! Magazine: "I think there are so many heiress and socialites, and a lot of them don't really do anything. I think it kind of shocks people that Paris and I don't really have to work, but we do."

License to chill: Paris opts for a spot of sunbathing

"She has fragrances, books movies and jewellery lines. I have a bag line and a clothing line. We're working girls and we're so young, too."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department last week opened an investigation into allegations that Paris received special treatment during her prision stay.

Shore thing: Paris heads back to her beach front home

The internal probe will examine whether she was given free access to a cordless phone instead of being forced to wait in line to use a pay phone at certain hours, sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.

Also under scrutiny are claims Hilton received a new jail uniform instead of the recycled ones given to many inmates and that her mail was delivered by a captain instead of inmate trusties.