Verified Surf Schools
Surf Lessons in Rockaway Beach
Your guide to catching the best waves in Rockaway Beach, New York. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Your guide to catching the best waves in Rockaway Beach, New York. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Rockaway Beach isn't just New York City's surf spot—it's where urban dwellers discover their unexpected connection to the ocean. There's something magical about catching your first wave with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. This is where stressed-out city folks transform into laid-back surfers, where concrete jungle meets ocean waves. The tight-knit local surf community welcomes beginners with open arms, creating a unique blend of city energy and beach culture. Learning here means joining a diverse group of surfers who've found their escape from city life, making every session feel like a mini-vacation just a subway ride away.
Beach 90th Street is perfect for beginners, offering consistent waves that break slowly over a sandy bottom. Beach 67th Street provides a wider beach with plenty of room to practice and multiple surf schools. Beach 92nd Street offers a slightly more sheltered area when conditions are stronger elsewhere.
Late July through September offers the warmest conditions with water temperatures reaching 70°F. Full wetsuits (3/2mm) required in spring/fall, 4/3mm in winter. Summer mornings typically provide clean, gentle waves perfect for learning. Hurricane season (August-September) can bring larger swells—check forecasts carefully.
You'll find a surprising mix of friendly locals and fellow beginners. Morning sessions are best, before the crowds arrive. Most schools provide boards, wetsuits, and thorough beach instruction. The waves are generally forgiving, though they can get choppy with afternoon winds. The water quality is consistently monitored and much cleaner than most expect for NYC waters.
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