NYC Surf Lessons: Learn to Surf at Rockaway Beach

Summary

Surfing Classes in New York City for Beginners

You’ll learn to surf right here in NYC with friendly local instructors at Rockaway Beach. All gear’s included and lessons are tailored for beginners—no experience needed.

What’s the experience like?

The subway rattled overhead as I walked down to Rockaway Beach, wetsuit slung over my shoulder. It’s wild how you can leave the city noise behind and, in less than an hour, be standing barefoot on cool sand. Our instructor, Mateo—a local who’s surfed these waves since he was a kid—greeted us with a grin and handed out boards. The salt air mixed with the smell of sunscreen and coffee from the boardwalk café nearby.

We started off with some light stretching and a bit of yoga right there on the beach. Mateo switched easily between English and Spanish for everyone in our group. He showed us how to “pop up” on the board—honestly, it looked easier than it felt! We practiced a few times on the sand while gulls squabbled over someone’s leftover bagel. Then came the water safety talk: where to paddle out, what to watch for, and how to respect other surfers (he called it “surf etiquette”).

The first time I tried catching a wave, I wiped out hard—came up laughing with saltwater in my nose. But after a few tries, I managed to stand up for a second or two. The water was chilly but not bad with the wetsuit on. You could see folks jogging along the shore and hear music drifting from one of those portable speakers someone always brings. By the end of our 90 minutes, everyone had caught at least one wave—even if it was just for a moment.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Surf Lesson in Queens

• Warm ups, yoga, and stretching
• Water safety and surf etiquette
• Practice pop up technique
• Read and catch waves to surf

Top questions

Do I need any prior surfing experience?

Nope! These lessons are designed for beginners—you’ll get step-by-step guidance from certified instructors.

Is equipment provided?

Yes, both wetsuits and surfboards are included in your lesson fee.

Are lessons available in languages other than English?

Absolutely! Instructors can teach in several languages—just let us know your preference when booking.

How do I get to Rockaway Beach from Manhattan?

You can take the A train or ferry; it’s about 45 minutes from Midtown by subway.

Is this suitable if I have health concerns?

If you’re pregnant or have spinal/cardiovascular issues, we recommend checking with your doctor first.

What’s included

Your surf lesson includes use of a wetsuit and surfboard—everything you need is covered. Just bring yourself (and maybe some dry clothes for after)!