THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Try your first wave with coached, in-water instruction on Queens’ urban beaches. This 90-minute group class (ages 16+) provides gear, safety training, and hands-on practice—perfect for visitors and locals who want a fast, focused introduction to surfing.
Try your first wave with coached, in-water instruction on Queens’ urban beaches. This 90-minute group class (ages 16+) provides gear, safety training, and hands-on practice—perfect for visitors and locals who want a fast, focused introduction to surfing.
Book with Surfs Up NY
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Operated by Surfs Up NY · Queens, New York
Queens, New York sits at the eastern edge of New York City, where broad beaches and Atlantic swell create an unexpected urban surf scene. The 90-Minute Beginner Group Surf Class offers newcomers aged 16+ a compact, focused introduction to standing up on a foam board and reading small, shore-breaking waves. Taught by certified instructors in small groups, the session begins with five minutes of beach-side technique and ocean-safety instruction before moving into guided water time catching waves. All required gear—a board and a wetsuit—is provided, and classes run seasonally from May 31 through October 26.
What makes this offering special is the way it condenses essential skills into a single, hands-on session tailored to first-timers. Rather than a long lecture or crowded lesson, groups of three to ten get direct, in-the-water coaching that emphasizes timing, pop-up mechanics, and safe wave selection for shore break conditions common along Queens’ beaches. Because the class operates where urban transit meets open ocean, it’s an accessible option for travelers and locals who want to test the surf without the travel time of classic East Coast trips.
Expect modest waves—ideal for grooving your first rides—but also a dynamic shoreline where sandbars and changing currents teach quick observation. The instructors stress basic ocean awareness: checking the flag system, identifying rip currents, and paddling technique. Participants should be comfortable in the water and able to carry a roughly 10-pound board to the surf zone. The operator recommends arriving 10 minutes early and planning extra time for public-transport delays.
This surf class also plays a role in the local outdoor recreation fabric. It introduces more people to responsible ocean use in a densely populated coastal zone, and the instructors often point newcomers toward nearby mid-length rides at Rockaway and quieter stretches like Fort Tilden for follow-up practice. For many visitors, this session becomes the gateway to exploring Queens’ shoreline trails, birding spots, and seasonal beach events.
The experience is practical and playful: you’ll leave with a clear sense of how to read whitewater, how to pop up reliably, and where to go next to keep progressing. It’s not a substitute for a full coaching program, but it’s a high-value first step—fast, focused, and anchored in local knowledge. Bring enthusiasm, a swimsuit under your wetsuit, and leave with the kind of small victories that turn into regular morning surf runs.
Students who want more can book a private lesson or a multi-session package to refine stance, trim and timing under personalized feedback. Instructors recommend short, frequent practice sessions to build muscle memory and comfort in variable conditions. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and cash for parking meters when applicable; lockers and changing rooms vary by beach. Plan for tide changes.
Adult group classes are for ages 16 and up.
No—boards and wetsuits are provided for the class.
All participants should know how to swim; those who aren’t strong swimmers should book a private lesson instead.
Groups run between three and ten participants to keep instructor attention high.
Yes—payment is required in advance to secure your spot.
This class is offered seasonally from May 31 through October 26.
Surfs Up NY is a Queens, New York surf school offering a range of beach-based lessons and programs for all ages and skill levels. Located near Rockaway Beach, the business provides beginner group classes, intermediate sessions, private one-on-one lessons, semi-private options, surf-and-yoga combinations, skateboard/surfskate instruction, and dedicated kids programs. Instruction includes personalized coaching and expert guidance: private lessons and one-on-one coaching tailor technique to each student, while small-group beginner classes teach surf basics and ocean safety. The 90-minute and 45-minute beginner group classes include in-water time and safety instruction, with gear provided for beginner sessions. Intermediate offerings focus on wave reading, turning, and safety in small groups. Semi-private two-person lessons and two-hour sessions supply more focused, in-water coaching. The two-hour Surf & Yoga program blends beginner surf instruction with beachside yoga at Rockaway Beach. Kids programs include a one-day pass and week passes for summer use, with shaded breaks and sunscreen reapplication included in day sessions. A skateboard/surfskate lesson introduces sidewalk surfing fundamentals in a quiet, beginner-friendly spot with a provided board. Surfs Up NY is featured on The Adventure Collective, where trip listings and booking details are available. Clear program descriptions, varied session lengths, and options for private or group learning make the school a practical choice for families and individuals seeking surf instruction in Queens. Some programs run on a weekly schedule during summer, and parents can choose single-day or multi-day passes for kids camps. Instruction emphasizes ocean safety and supervised, age-appropriate activities. Sessions welcome beginners and intermediates.
Book with Surfs Up NY