How we rank: Google rating, weighted so a 5.0 from six reviews doesn't outrank a 4.9 from a thousand. Schools can't pay to move up this list; a paid placement is labelled as one. Listings that share a phone number or website are marked as the same team.
// Packing list
Most schools provide the board and wetsuit, so you can arrive with very little. These are the small things worth packing.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Rash guard (UV surf shirt)
Stops the wetsuit and board rubbing your chest raw, and covers your shoulders if the water is warm enough to skip the wetsuit.
See options on Amazon →Mineral (zinc) sunscreen
You will spend a couple of hours on open water. Zinc stays on your face better than spray and is easier on the reef.
See options on Amazon →Changing poncho or hooded towel
Gets you out of a wet wetsuit in a beach parking lot without the towel dance.
See options on Amazon →Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys and car fob dry and sand-free while you are in the water.
See options on Amazon →Reef booties or water shoes
Only where the entry is rocky or reefy. Sandy beaches rarely need them, so ask the school first.
See options on Amazon →Surf hat with a chin strap
Shades your face during the beach briefing and in the water; the strap keeps it on when you fall off.
See options on Amazon →Full checklist, including what to leave at home: What to bring to surf lessons
Seasonal averages for New York — not a live surf report for this beach. New York surf seasons in full
// 1 Surf school listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
// Free Surf Guide
The Beginner's Surf Guide
Wave basics, gear checklist, lesson tips — all free, delivered instantly.
// The price check
Based on prices published by 1 of 1 school · checked October 2026
The other 0 don't list prices on their websites, so they are not in these figures. Rates change with season, group size and what's included. Confirm with the school before you book.
// Know before you book
Group lessons are the usual starting point: they cost less per person, and you share an instructor with typically 4 to 8 other students. Private lessons give you one-on-one attention and a faster start, which suits nervous beginners, anyone short on time, or surfers working on a specific skill, at a higher price per person. Semi-private sits in between, for two to three people who want to learn together. Class size and what is included vary by school, so confirm when you book.
You share an instructor with other students, typically 4 to 8 per instructor, for around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Best for: First-timers on a budget and anyone who likes learning alongside others.
A small group of two to three people with one instructor, often friends or family booking together.
Best for: Couples, friends and families who want more attention than a group without the private price.
One instructor, one student (or one family). The pace and focus are yours to set.
Best for: Nervous beginners, short trips, and surfers working on a specific skill.
Published by Camp Maritime: “All lessons include up to 6 people, for kids and adults. First lesson is 75 minutes. 15% discount to all present and past campers.”
Lessons run for younger surfers, usually in smaller groups with a lower instructor-to-student ratio. Minimum ages vary by school.
Best for: Children and teens. Ask the school about age limits and whether parents can stay on the beach.
Multi-day programs, from a few days to a week or more, mixing lessons, practice sessions and surf theory.
Best for: Visitors staying a while and anyone who wants to progress past the first stand-up.
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools.
// The Local Report
While New York City might not be the first place you think of for surfing, Brooklyn's Rockaway Beach holds a special secret: it's where countless urban dwellers first discover their connection to the ocean. There's something magical about catching waves with the Manhattan skyline in the distance—a reminder that adventure exists right in our backyard. The local surf community here is uniquely welcoming, blending city hustle with laid-back beach vibes. You'll find a diverse mix of professionals, artists, and locals who've turned this urban beach into a thriving surf culture. It's where concrete jungle meets ocean waves, creating an unexpected but perfect sanctuary for beginning your surf journey.
We don't label specific breaks in Brooklyn as beginner spots. Whether a spot suits a first lesson depends on the day's waves, tide and wind, and what's under the water varies from spot to spot. Let your school choose, and ask them what the bottom is like before you paddle out.
Late summer (August-September) offers the warmest conditions with water temperatures around 70°F. You'll need a 4/3mm wetsuit in spring/fall, and a 5/4mm in winter. Hurricane season (August-October) often brings the most consistent waves, but check conditions carefully.
Morning sessions offer cleaner waves and fewer crowds. The vibe is surprisingly relaxed for a city beach, with patient locals who remember their own learning days. Most schools provide boards, wetsuits, and comprehensive instruction. The water quality is regularly tested and generally good, though wait 48 hours after rain. Subway access makes this one of the world's most accessible surf spots. The National Weather Service's advice applies here: only swim at a beach with lifeguards, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard before going in, and remember that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days. If one catches you, don't fight it: relax and float, wave and yell for help, or swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Camp Maritime for its fun and educational water sports activities, attentive counselors, and overall positive summer camp experience for children of all ages.
Private lessons from
$300/hr
