By Dan Mathers
Even if you’ve never surfed, you’ve probably imagined what it would be like. How could you not? There’s sun, sand, ocean views, and the flow state experience of gliding along a rolling wave. Activities don’t get more appealing.
If you think surfing only happens in Hawaii, California, or Florida, think again. From Maine to Long Island Sound, New England is home to a surprisingly vibrant surf culture. And even if you’re not a teenager anymore — or you’re even well beyond your 30s — you can still do it. Surfing is for everyone. Here’s where to find surfing lessons near you.
Maine
Surf Camp [Scarborough] – Located on Scarborough Beach, Surf Camp is Maine’s only dedicated surf school and summer camp. It offers everything from day camps to adult programs and surf lessons.
Wheels N Waves [Wells] – They have instructors on staff to accommodate all ability levels from beginner to advanced surfers. Lessons are two hours, with the majority of time in the water catching waves.
Corner’s Surf Co. [Old Orchard Beach] – All surf lessons here are free when you rent the equipment.
Aquaholics Surf Shop [Kennebunk] – Located in a renovated old church, Aquaholics provides everything surf, SUP, and skate, including surfboard rentals and lessons.
New Hampshire
Summer Sessions [Rye & Portsmouth] – They offer private and semi-private lessons, with coaches who help students learn the mechanics and timing of the waves, and the skills to enjoy them.
Cinnamon Rainbows [North Hampton] – Work with an experienced surf instructor to learn the safety, etiquette, and fundamental surfing skills during a one-hour session.
E Street Surf School [Rye] – Experienced instructors offer guidance and techniques for those beginning their surfing journey as well as for those looking to take their surfing to the next level.
Zapstix Surf Shop [Seabrook] – Zapstix provides one-on-one surfing instruction for all ages and abilities. Instructors work individually with students to get them up and riding waves right away.
Massachusetts
Northeast Surfing [Hull] – Lessons by coaches who are not only experienced surfers but trained professionals who prioritize safety, fun, and personalized learning.
Sugar Surf [Wellfleet] – Offering private, 2-person, and group lessons at Marconi Beach on Cape Cod.
Nantucket Island Surf School [Nantucket] – They’ve been teaching surfing at Cisco Beach on Nantucket to students of all ages and abilities since 1999. They offer private and group lessons and all equipment is provided, including surfboards and wetsuits.
Cape Ann SUP and Surf [Essex] – They offer group and private surf lessons, SUP surf classes, ladies surf nights, kids surf nights, and more.
Rhode Island
Rhody Surf [Newport] – Voted one of the best beginner surf spots in the U.S., Rhody’s friendly crew is dedicated to spreading the stoke and helping locals and tourists alike learn the basics of surfing. They offer a wide selection of surf and SUP rentals.
Paddle Surf RI [Westerly] – Practice, develop, or refine your surf skills and techniques on Misquamicut Beach.
Peter Pan Surfing Academy [Narragansett] – They’ve been offering surf lessons in Rhode Island since 1978.
Matunuck Surf Shop [Matunuck] – Lessons are available seven days a week.
Warm Winds [Narragansett] – Warm Winds has been offering surf instruction for over 20 years. They welcome people of all ages and surfing abilities to join them for a lesson or camp at Narragansett Town Beach.
Diamond Blue Surf Shop [Block Island] – Surf lessons are an hour and a half and include a board and wetsuit. Lessons start with beach training and cover surfing etiquette, technique, balance, and prepare surfers for over an hour on the water.
Elemental Surf Camp [Middletown] – This Aquidneck Island surf camp has been around since 1996. Instructions are individualized to the needs of beginner students, as well as more advanced surfers.
Long Island
Legend Surf Co. [East Hampton & Montauk] – Legend Surf Co. is a Hamptons surf school founded by professional big wave surfer, Andrew Karr. It’s more than a surf school, it’s a community for water people. They offer surf lessons for all ages and skill levels.
East End Surf Club [Montauk] – They work to create the ideal surf environment for anyone, whether it’s someone just starting out, looking to level up, or seeking a fresh challenge.
Engstrom Surf [Montauk] – The Engstrom surf team includes world class surfers, coaches, and Montauk locals who live and breathe the ocean. They have over 10 years of surf coaching experience and a lifetime of surfing experience.
