Local New York City Surf Schools To Try This Summer

Surfing may not top your list of things to do in and around New York City this summer, but as the home to several premier surf schools, it should. Students of all skill levels can enjoy expert instruction from certified teachers at popular New York beaches, such as Long Beach and Rockaway Beach. We’ve rounded up the top five must-try surf schools for those looking to take their very first lesson, an advanced excursion, or hone their skill on the board in a group lesson with friends and family.

1. New York Surf School

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Frank Cullen’s New York Surf School is a one-stop shop offering group and private lessons, as well as week-long camps for kids and adults of all skill levels. Classes and camps are hosted at the beautiful Rockaway Beach – less than an hour train ride from Manhattan, and an ideal option for anyone living in or around New York City. Group lessons are two hours long and begin at $80 per lesson; private lessons ranging from one to two hours start at $140 per lesson; and full and half-day camps start at $100 per three-hour day.

2. Locals Surf School

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Rockaway Beach is also home to the Locals Surf School, a school accredited with the National Surf Schools and Instructors Association. Founded by Rockaway natives Michael Kololyan and Mike Reinhardt, the school is committed to providing high-quality surf lessons through professional and fun instruction. Lessons offered range from private to camps to group and party lessons, and start at $80 per person for a two-hour lesson.

3. Surf2Live

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Founded by certified master instructor and surf coach Elliot Zuckerman, and known for its renowned teaching technique, Surf2Live is a premier surf school in the greater New York City area. Classes welcome beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers starting at $65 per person for 90 minutes of intense instruction, and the surf camp for kids and adults is a popular family summer activity that starts at $100 per day.

Conatus Surf Club

The Conatus Surf Club’s approach to teaching is focused on ‘wave judgment and developing a relationship to the ocean’. The club is known for its philosophical and holistic lessons, where students become acquainted with the ocean and learn about waves – why and when they come, paddling, board control, and surfing etiquette basics. Dion Mattison, founder and head instructor, offers a variety of private and semi-private lessons starting at $150 per lesson, and for experienced surfers, CSC offers excursions to Long Island, New Jersey, and other places along the Eastern seaboard. Conatus Surf Club hosts classes on both Long Beach and Rockaway Beach, and summer classes are also offered in Montauk, New York. They also offer retreats to Costa Rica hosted at their property, Rancho Diandrew.

4. Skudin Surf

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Skudin Surf is a family owned and operated company that has been teaching surfing in New York for over 30 years; today, it’s managed by two of the Skudin sons, Cliff and Will. A range of private and group lessons, immersion camps, corporate group lessons and birthday party lessons for children and adults are offered. Lessons start at $65 per person and are hosted at Long Beach, Lido Beach, Rockaway Beach, and Atlantic Beach.