Locals Surf School

This place ROCKS!!!!! My daughter starts school a week from now and I wanted her to end her summer with a bang and I decided to have her take a surf lesson today at Locals Wow! The experience was super cool. My daughter never surfed a day in her life and today she was surfing the Atlantic. I was so amazed to see my Princess RIDE THOSE WAVES that I came home and ordered her a new board The staff were so encouraging and supportive she spent the entire drive home telling me she wants to surf for the rest of her life..... SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND GUYS KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

Perfect conditions for a surf lesson on May 20 9 am. Booking experience was seamless and so accommodating to my requested time. Easy to follow instructions to meet up with Adam and suit up. The spot is meant for beginners, and perfect for a first lesson in East Coast surfing. Great guidance, coaching, and wave selection from Adam. Equipment was in good condition, especially the fresh-smelling wetsuit. (Much appreciated) Took A train from the Lower East Side to my lesson and took the ferry back. Had a coffee and rest at the Locals coffee shop after the lesson. What a wonderful morning in the Rockaways!

My son had the best time surfing for the 1st time! His instructor was awesome, booking was easy, and I'm confident that my son is off to a great start with surfing! He even caught a few waves in his 1st session! We'll be back, for sure!

As a total, total beginner, I really appreciated the approach Locals takes. They are super thorough and provide everything you need. The 3:1 instructor ratio was amazing; it felt almost like a private lesson. Our instructor, Guillermo, was super knowledgeable, fun, and easily adapted to our group's different needs. We also had the chance to interact with a few other Locals staff, who were friendly and on top of things. For sure will take another lesson here.

I’ve had a few lessons with Locals and the instructors are all amazing. Super friendly, chill and most importantly they love to share their love of surfing. Yesterday was looking mostly flat but they made sure we caught a bunch of waves and had fun with it. They give you all the safety tips and insight. Really can’t recommend them enough if you’re looking for a lesson!

I’ve taken private and group lessons with Locals and loved both experiences, even in cold water days (and I’m not a cold water person). The instructors - I’ve learned from Adam and Pat — are knowledgeable and attentive, and they’ll personalize the instruction based on what you want to develop. I got some great tips from both that have helped me with wave selection. The vibe is fun and supportive, and scheduling is super easy,

Great skateboard school . We came with a large group for and the girls absolutely love it. The instructors were great and positive. It was very organized and the girls felt so accomplished! We will def be back

Awesome experience! Easy to park and easy to find! Instructor was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. 2 hour course included board and wet suit rental, only three people in a class. By the time you dismounted your board and paddled back to the instructor, the other two in the class went already, so it was your turn again. Would love to come again!

I really wanted to like this school but after thinking on everything that's happened, it's really not great. My first session, we did basic stance on sand then we were in the water with an instructor who was pushing me onto waves. He just kept talking with other instructors and wasn't really teaching me anything. When I asked questions on form or technique he'd give me short answers in an agro tone. During one of the wave rides I fell off the board and it hit me in the throat and I was under water for a little. No one noticed lol not one instructor. Maybe because they were too busy talking about the surf spots like to go to. Second time my session ended up being on a day of a storm and the waves were insanely big. They still got us out into the water - I was scared since it was my second timer ever. I think it was stupid for them to hold the session instead of offering to come back another time. I could barely get over the waves and was flipped over multiple times. When I come out to Rockaways I always see that instructor I had my first session with and he acts super agro still. Maybe he doesn't like women bc he seems to get on with the guys. Don't know what the deal is but I'd recommend doing a session with a private instructor in the area instead of this school.

Surfing is the source. It will change your life! Locals is the source of surfing! They will change your life! Good people at a great spot. Throw on a 5mm and go year round!

I had great experience surfing and i really enjoyed my first lesson and i would recommend it if you are a beginner.

IG: Eringilbertmd_derm Locals Surf School Awesome school. Just do it! And they're FAB with kids. ‍

Lesson was good. The instructors we had were helpful and friendly - Vinny, Ellington and Adam. I took a lesson with my two boys and returned the following weekend for the three of us again. My older son wasn't feeling well in the morning the second time and he wasn't able to make the lesson. I understand the 24 hour cancellation policy, but I booked the lesson within 24 hours and I also didn't know that my son wouldn't be feeling well until that morning. I tried to get a credit for a future lesson, likely for the three of us again, but James refused. I wasn't asking for a refund. It's not an extravagant amount, but for a family it's a bit of a luxury to take these lessons on an ongoing basis. Instead of keeping a happy, ongoing customer for $100, Locals Surf School lost a customer. I'll look elsewhere when looking for a surf lesson.

First impression: They seemed a bit fast--curt. NEGATIVE: That Mike dude double charged me, which made me have to do my diligence in continuing to check my fucking bank account to see if it was double charged, and then reach out to his ass to get it rectified. Other than that, it was okay. Guy, the instructor at 1:30 PM gave us $90 lessons which included pushing you onto a wave or two or giving you a boost. It definitely got me confident in going out on my own after just one lesson. Note: I use to skateboard.

Took a private lesson with Adam on a Monday morning Their tents are really easy to spot on the beach - checking in and getting situated with a wetsuit was real easy. Everyone was super nice and really friendly. The lesson with Adam was awesome! Great attitude and very encouraging. He didn't overcomplicate the process and got me up on a wave in no time. You really can't get a better experience than Locals. You'll see me back on a board soon!

The instructor didn't help me very much. The waves were too big for a complete beginner andf I was being completely pummelled. It wasn't until the very end when he held the board to help me get on. I signed up for a small group lession for 2 hours for $100. They got in touch and said they didn't have that available anymore and would give me an upgrade to a 1 hour private lesson for $125. My instructor accidentally handed me a water bottle that looked exactly like mine and I didn't notice. Another instructor help circling around me saying "where'd you get that?" Just a bad vibe.

This place is great! I've always wanted to learn to surf. So I finally signed up for group lessons. They supply the gear and the expertise. So all I had to do was show up. At Locals, they made me feel so welcome as soon as I got there. Everyone is knowledgeable, positive & passionate! On my first lesson, I was able to stand up on the board & on the second lesson I rode my first wave in. I'm hooked & can't wait to be back for more! If you've ever wanted to try surfing, Locals is the place! Get in there and give it a try! you'll leave a happier (and cooler) person because, lets face it, surfing is downright cool!

Father/Son lesson with Vinny was an awesome experience. Great surfer to teach what needs to be done to improve, which my son absolutely did...and great to chat with between waves. Loved it!

I've now taken 3 group lessons at Locals, starting as a total beginner. All three lessons were in different conditions (some really rough and cold) but every lesson I felt the instructors went above and beyond to make sure I had a fulfilling experience. Even though the lessons are for "groups" the instructor to student ratio is so great that it often feels like a private lesson, especially if you come in with a bit more experience. They let you skip the basics and maximize your time in the water. My most recent lesson was with one of the Mikes (non-owner mike) and he was SO attentive and helpful in his instruction. He's clearly a natural teacher. He watched every wave I attempted to catch and helped me work out ways to improve. He also went into the details of how to pick and time your wave, something I totally struggle with. I am definitely going to take another lesson to hone my skills and try to request him again. But really every instructor is great!

If you're thinking about booking a lesson, do it!! My wife (25yrs) and I (26yrs) took a semi-private lesson with John and had an amazing time! Neither of us had ever surfed before and we both left feeling very excited and exhausted (it's a great workout!). Additionally, they wore masks, took our temperatures, and ensured they could maintain a safe distance. The lesson was about 2hrs and we learned the basics of surfing and even caught a few waves. John was patient, knowledgable, and encouraging with us. We really appreciated his help and instruction. For those people coming from Manhattan, it's well worth the trip. You need only take the ferry from Wall St. or take the subway. When you map it, it may seem like it will take a while but it really flies by and isn't that bad. They will supply a surfboard and wetsuit. Bring water, towel, sunscreen (albeit, I'm sure they'd help out if you forgot one of these items).

Cannot recommend Locals enough! Started taking lessons with them earlier this summer and plan to keep going through the fall. Have had a great experience so far (have been doing group lessons) - each teacher imparts different wisdom and has a different approach to surfing and catching waves. Have been able to build on my basic skills as well as learn valuable wisdom and surf etiquette from them.

This surf school is great My 9 did one camp week here and loved. The staff is amazing . I felt my son was safe and in great hands and he already learned how to surf. I wish I had known about this camp sooner because I would have sent my son the entire summer.

Best surf school! Everyone is so nice. I've taken a handful of lessons with Locals with different instructors and not one has pushed me too hard and all have been super attentive. And FUN! There's no one else I'd surf with at Rockaway.

Had a great time party of 3, Eric our instructor was super helpful and made sure we caught lots of waves. will be coming back and renting a board rock away is a great spot.

Had such an epic and positive experience using Locals. Signing up for a lesson was extremely easy using the website and my instructor, Erick, was such a joy and amazing. Erick explained how to read the waves, how to paddle, and just relax when on the water with waves crashing around you. I caught pretty much every wave he pushed me into and I couldn't of had a better first experience surfing! Would highly recommend.

Highly recommended. Our 11 year old son just completed a one week summer camp session. He's never surfed before and was a bit hesitant before we arrived on the first day. All the instructors and fellow surfers were warm and welcoming. He ended up having a blast. They had the kids standing up surfing on the very first day which I found impressive. High instructor to student ratio. All around great experience that we plan on repeating. There's a few other surf camps nearby, but Locals appears to be the most organized/structured. They even have a Locals coffee shop a block away.

I had a 1:1 surf lesson with Adam. Everyone was so friendly and greeted me when I arrived, and the instructor was so patient. Finally got me standing on the board! Would highly recommend taking lessons through them.

A+++ surf school - owned by natives with great instructors and they make learning fun for beginners to advanced students.

I've taken lots of lessons with Locals, and have never been disappointed. But at times some instructors exceed expectations. John P. was one of those instructors that exceeds expectations. He was great. Totally recommend Locals, and totally recommend John.

Perfect place to start surfing. I had no experience when I showed up, but felt safe and like my instructor had my back the entire time. Also just extremely fun!

My daughter and I took our first surf lesson ever here and it was AMAZING! Our instructor was so nice and accommodating. He really kept an eye on us and where we were in the water so we always felt safe. The location was beautiful and the cost was super reasonable. I'm already planning when we can come back for our next lesson!

My son took his first surfing lesson when we were in Hawaii and got the bug ever since. We live in NYC so I di thought the chance of him taking another surfing lessons here close by would be slim. My hubby bike to the Rockaway quite often and he spotted this school and we googled it and it seems pretty organized and experienced. We signed up ny 15 yo for the surfing camp for 3 weeks and boy did he loved it!!! First he was able to take the ferry with his bike on it for $3.75 and then bike from the ferry stop to the site on the beach. It was easy and convenient. The teachers are all wonderful and I can't believe how many little ones are there too! I think it is great way for the parents to chill on the beach and watch their kids getting tire and learning something fun lol. I am glad this is close by and also the Rockaway is really making a come back after Hurricane Sandy in a big way so there are many eateries there for food after the camp. The camps runs from 9-1 pm I will sign my 7yo up next year!

We surf with these guys! We love them!! And want to be them!! They are amazing people and instructors! And that's founders Mike R., Mike K., and all of the instructors we've encountered since beginning to surf with them in the summer of 2015. I've waited a little more than 20 years to begin surfing again. My first experience was disastrous. As a 22 year-old living in Southern California I bought a cool looking wetsuit and a used board that was barely taller than me, but had "thick rails" according to my sister's boyfriend at the time. I looked like a pro on land, but got my ass kicked in the spring Malibu surf! I mean KICKED!!! One Malibu local snorted, "are you from New Jersey?" I responded rather enthusiastically, "yeah, exit 4! Which exit are you?" The look on his face said it all. I needed to leave. But first I had to find my way off of the rocks where I landed with my first effort to flee. Fast forward 22 years, and after years of living in foreign countries with zero surf, I was finally back in the NY/CT area and learned about Locals Surf School. Once my son was comfortable in the water I called Locals. My wife was a bit nervous as our son had just turned 6 and had limited ocean experience, but the two Mikes assured me that they'd taught kids his age and experience before. "Bring a towel" wetsuits and surfboards were provided. Arriving on the beach that first day we were immediately impressed when we met the two Mikes and the Locals instructors. We were welcomed like old friends. Their openness, friendliness and professionalism was clearly evident. I went off with one instructor and my son with another. My wife watched our son from a distance for a little while, but mostly out of pride as he took to surfing immediately. She was more than confident with him being in the water with a Local's instructor; another Mike. Mike taught to my son's level, and didn't put him in any situations that were above him. Me on the other hand finally had success!! We all had an awesome first experience!! Since that first day we have surfed with Locals as much as we can, and love surfing with them more and more after each session!! Sadly I've continued alone this winter without my son as I can't find a proper 5/4 wetsuit for him anywhere; he's too small. But he'll be back with Locals in the spring, and will attend their summer camp after getting a taste last summer. And he can't wait! He had such an amazing experience with Locals last summer, it ranks high in his camper experience. As parents we were so happy to experience his joy and love for the camp and camp counselors/instructors. With 3 small children ages 6.5 and below, and living in Connecticut, I sadly don't have the hours to spend in the water learning the ocean. Fortunately I've been able to surf regularly with Locals own Jedi instructor Dillon. My time with him in the water is better than spending hours figuring it out alone; I'm progressing faster. I dream of shredding and getting barreled one day. And Locals is getting me there step-by step. Surfing seems easy once you get up on a board. But surfing is so much more than standing on a board. Right now for me its wave selection, position, paddle technique and speed to name a few. And that's just catching a wave!! Then its turning and trimming, which is an addiction after you're able to do it for the first time. Without Dillion, or a Locals instructor in the water with me I'd surely not be where I currently am skill wise. Even when the waves are few and far between we've worked on so much, minus the bad habits you're bound to learn on your own. And then there's the swell and wind direction, coastline, etc. So much that we talk about and I learn from. Its endless. The ocean is powerful! I was handed a fitness reality check the first time I surfed with Locals. Since then I'm getting in the best shape of my life, and they're helping. They're all lifeguards, amazing swimmers and swim instructors. We've discussed specific training techniques, and the love I've developed for surfing has pushed me to be stronger and fitter. I recently bought another wetsuit and surfboard. This time I consulted with Locals, and not a love interest of my sister's. The time they've given me out of the water as unpaid surf consultants is amazing. They are always a simple text message away, and very responsive. They have canceled lessons due to declining surf, and rough weather conditions. And never put making a dollar $$ before my fun and learning experience. We've been treated exceptionally well by Locals. Not to mention how accommodating and flexible they've been on scheduling very early morning surf sessions with me. The entire Locals crew are genuine "Good People". The best you'd ever want to know! We're apart of their extended family now. A family who surfs together! Many businesses should study them and follow their example. These guys are true Locals, but are also the Pros, and the Real Deal!!

An experience everyone should try at least once. Great team - patient, nonjudgmental, helpful and fun, especially for first-timers. Christina was our instructor and we couldn't have had better. A great half-day in the Rockaways!

Locals Skate + Surf Camp at Rockaway Beach was the highlight of summer for my son 2 years in a row! Highly recommend!

If you are looking for surf lessons in NYC, hit the Local's up. I have had a couple instructors throughout the course but all of them are super nice and genuinely happy when they finally see you riding a wave (shoutout to Pablo, Alexandra, Pat and Erick). Honestly, if you have any questions about everything surfing-related (from actually surfing, surfboards and wet suits and equipments, to the beach and sea), just ask them. Also, they clean up the beach they surf in so that is a triple brownie point for me. If you have seen trash when you are in the water, you will know how disgusting that is and how important it is for us to keep the beach clean. (btw, Pat and Erick are like Big Z and Joe from Surf's Up and I freaking love them.)

Most people don't wake up on a rainy day in April and decide to go surfing.... unless you're me. I contacted Locals and immediately got a response. Where other schools in NY and NJ refused to teach beginners in cold water conditions, the guys at locals encouraged it. It was an amazing experience and I've been hooked ever since. If you're truly interested in learning, buy a package, it's well worth it! Every instructor is great. Mike and Mike always make sure their students are safe, having fun and comfortable in the water even on the worst days or unfavorable conditions. Great people, great vibe and great instructors.

These guys are the best! I bought a 15 pack of lessons in June and never looked back. I caught my first wave on the first day. Now I've got the bug. If you are looking for lessons at the Rockaways these guys are the best. Super friendly instructors who know their stuff. Thanks Mike, Mike, Greg, Eric, and Will for a great summer. Looking forward to catch many more waves with the Locals crew!

First time surfing and it was a memorable experience! Mike greeted me and welcomed us (my brother and I) to the Locals Surf School with great enthusiasm. My brother and I took the 11:15am class and it started right on time. We got a lesson and then went in the water for practice. Our instructor Joey was helpful, patient, engaging, supportive and friendly! Highly recommend the school and its staff!

Had an awesome 1:1 lesson with Kevin. Super helpful insight and got me reading waves more confidently and even turning a bit.

The Locals are a solid 10! I was totally new to surfing and had the best summer learning from all their instructors. I felt supported the whole time; Mike, Mike and crew are really good at meeting you at the level you are at, while encouraging you to push yourself in a respectful and thoughtful manner. I would recommend The Locals in a heartbeat.

This guys are Amazing! All the instructors are very friendly and professional. They will help you as much as they can and will teach you everything you need to know. Can't wait for my next session with you guys!

I headed out here with some buddies on a cold grey and dirty day, fully expecting to freeze my ass off and wait for them in the car. WRONG. THE DIFFERENCE between misery and joy, Is the perspective offered by a good instructor. Afterwards ... I was so fu*king high from the experience that I left without my Bag . These guys helped me find a way to get my shit together long after the adrenaline faded. Thanks Mike

I've taken the occasional holiday surf lesson, but learning to surf independently and safely has always been on my bucket list. During the pandemic, I decided it was the perfect time to go for it -- I thought it would be a wonderful way to safely get outside and challenge my body and mind in new ways. It was the BEST decision, and my favorite gift I have given myself. The entire staff is so welcoming and committed to making the most of your time out in the water. I was lucky to surf with many different instructors (special thanks to Danny, Mike, Greg, Erick, Jacques), and each would pick up right where the last lesson left off, so the lessons never felt repetitive. It also never feels like you are being forced into a set curriculum; they are 100% committed to helping you achieve your personal goals. My goal was to be able to paddle out on my own whenever I was near an ocean, without putting myself or others at risk. So they've helped me understand how to assess conditions and waves, paddle out safely and efficiently, and navigate a crowded lineup. And I've had so much fun learning how to do more than just ride straight toward the beach. By the end of the summer, I had the confidence to catch a few waves on my own while on vacation at another beach. Much to my surprise, I was so hooked that I kept taking lessons through chilly November (they have provide all the gear to keep you warm!) I can't say enough great things about Locals. I've since moved to NJ and still drive ~2 hours to take lessons with them. Highly highly recommend giving it a try with them!

Locals Surf School is the real deal! Mike and Mike have been awesome and it's been very rewarding to go surfing on weekends this summer. It is a great activity to do, you get to workout, meet cool people, get some sun, and have fun at the same time. The instruction level at Locals is unparalleled. Every instructor knows what they're doing, they're very insightful, patient, and will work with you to take your skills to the next level. Thanks Local Surf School!

Mike and Mike totally got me hooked on surfing. I never thought that I would have learned to surf after moving to NYC but that's exactly what happened. Surfing with Locals has been an awesome experience. I started with group lessons then moved to private lessons which took the surfing experience to the next level. I've had a bunch of different instructors and they've all been great teachers. Highly recommended... get out there and experience the Rockaway surf scene with Locals!

We had a great semi private surfing lesson with Elliot, Richie and Amin. Our first experience was fun, memorable and successful. Our instructors had incredible patience with all of us. Their encouragement, energy and clear feedback will get us back out there again soon. Highly recommend Locals!

I took an hour-long private lesson the other day, and it was totally wonderful. I had been surfing a handful of times before, but never with an actual instructions. Just a few tips from my instructor and caught more waves in 1 hour than I previously could in 10. The instructors are kind, relaxed, attentive, and excited to be in the water with you. Was so worth it.

Today was awesome! I took the two girls I kid sit for to Locals for a two hour surf lesson. The instructor, Greg from Costa Rica was amazing. So upbeat, encouraging, supportive and engaged. He even waived me over for picture time. The only caution I have for folks w/ small kids is that they might have to share the surf with several other kid surfers of varying levels. It's totally fun, but your little one may not be ready for that. Greg knew that the girls (10 & 11) were, since they are great swimmers and have had a couple lessons before today. It was a fantastic day. All smiles with a HIGH recommendation.

Locals is 100% the way to go for surfing in NYC. I was introduced both to surfing and Locals last spring on a weekend staff outing and, thanks to the stellar lesson we had, immediately fell in love with the sport. Locals was able to accommodate our group of nine, having three instructors work with us in smaller groups. Our instructors were outstanding, ensuring we stayed safe while having a ridiculously fun time. We had such a great experience that three of my coworkers and I went back the very next weekend! I would recommend Locals to anyone looking to surf in the NYC area.

Never got on a surfboard until I found these guys. I booked one lesson to try it out and got hooked. I have now been 4 times in the last 2 weeks and booked a package. The coolest group of guys that know everything there is about surfing. Patient guys as well as they understand most of their clients have probably never been on a surfboard. There is a reason all their reviews are 5 stars. Can't go wrong with locals.

My 8 and 6 years old daughters loved their 2 weeks of surf camp! They have never surfed before, and really had an amazing 2 weeks. They learned not just about how to surf, but how to be safe, and about the beach/waves/ocean life. Locals is well run, the instructors are on top of it, and it's a load of fun for kids.

So I've taken surfing lessons in Bali, San Diego, and here in New York - and I was pretty surprised by how amazing Locals Surf School is in every respect - quality of instruction, friendly vibe, awesome people. All the Locals instructors (and, of course, Mike + Mike) are people who are really passionate about surfing, and who really care about making you better. Really tailored instruction for each wave, telling you what you did right, what you could do better. They sneak theory and technical info in there while you're out in the water, cuz sitting in a circle classroom style learning about swells and tides and waves is kinda boring. And every instructor (I've had like 6?) has been charming and friendly and adorable each in his own way. Aside from the instructors, also met some great fellow aspiring surfers! I've had plenty of surf lessons (ahem, San Diego Surf School), where the instructor randomly pushes you into the whitewater (at the wrong time, at the wrong angle, with the wrong amount of force) and proceeds to look effing bored as hell all at the same time. It's made me appreciate Locals so much more. SO MUCH MORE. Heart. Locals is also a real part of the Arverne/Rockaway/surf community out in the Rockaways; I feel like you can always tell when a business cares about and is cared about by the community it's part of. It's a pretty warm and fuzzy feeling, and it makes the vibe/environment out there that much cooler. Anyone who's looking for surf instruction in NY or is curious about trying it out should definitely go to Locals. I save my 5-star reviews for places that are really, really special (lots of 4s, very few 5s), but I just can't recommend Locals enough! As an added bonus, I recently moved to Brooklyn from the UWS and am stoked that I cut an hour off the A-train commute to the Rockaways. :)

I had my best surf class experience in Rockaway with Gabe on this July 4th morning, the wave was great and with the coach's help as a beginner surfer I managed to stand up more than half times. The group class has 1 coach for each 3 people for 2 hours.

Took my 12 year old nephew for a lesson. The instructor was patient and got him standing his first time out. Had a great time.

My husband and I are here for the summer, and Pablo provided not only an excellent surf lesson for the two of us, but also plenty of really helpful info on his favorite places to dine and otherwise make our way in this lively community. Everyone at Locals is friendly and knowledgeable, and communication is always quick and accurate.

just took my first surf lesson at Locals and it was great! small group sizes it make it easy to learn, ask questions, and get time on the waves. instructor Pat was excellent - got all the land basics in and got us out in the water quickly. he gave great adjustment recommendations to help improve and made the day very. very excited to get back out for my next lesson.