Surfing Lessons at the Jersey Shore
Learn to ride waves with expert instructors. Surf schools up and down the coast welcome beginners of all ages.
$60-150
Per lesson
1.5-2 hrs
Lesson length
All Ages
5+ typically
90%+
Stand first lesson
Types of Lessons
Group Lessons
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Price: $60-80
Size: 4-8 students per instructor
Most affordable option. Learn alongside others. Social and fun atmosphere.
Best for: Beginners, budget-conscious, social learners
Private Lessons
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Price: $100-150
Size: 1-on-1 instruction
Personalized attention, faster progression. Instructor focuses entirely on you.
Best for: Nervous beginners, fast learners, specific goals
Semi-Private
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $80-100/person
Size: 2-3 students
Share with friends or family. More attention than group, shared cost.
Best for: Couples, friends, small families
Surf Camps
Duration: Week-long (half or full day)
Price: $300-600/week
Size: 8-12 kids
Multi-day programs for kids. Daily surfing plus beach activities.
Best for: Kids 7-15, summer activity, building skills
Surf Schools & Shops
7th Wave Surf Shop
Long Branch
Established surf school at 7 Presidents Park. Group and private lessons, summer camps, and board rentals.
Price: $75-150/lesson
Best For: Beginners, summer camps, families
Heritage Surf & Sport
Long Branch
Full-service surf school with lessons, rentals, and retail. Known for patient instruction.
Price: $70-125/lesson
Best For: All ages, first-timers, nervous beginners
Inlet Surf Shop
Manasquan
Lessons near the famous Manasquan Inlet. Beginner lessons on mellow beach breaks.
Price: $80-150/lesson
Best For: Intermediate progression, local knowledge
ESA Surf School
Belmar
Eastern Surfing Association chapter offering lessons and competition coaching.
Price: $65-100/lesson
Best For: Kids, competition-minded, community connection
Surfers Supplies
Seaside Heights
Affordable lessons near the boardwalk. Good waves for beginners, rentals available.
Price: $60-100/lesson
Best For: Budget-friendly, families, casual learners
South End Surf Shop
Ocean City
Family-owned shop with lessons on gentler south jersey waves. Great for kids.
Price: $70-120/lesson
Best For: Families, kids, mellow waves
What to Expect in Your First Lesson
Beach Introduction
Meet your instructor, get fitted with wetsuit and board. Learn safety, ocean reading, and basic technique on the beach.
Water Practice
Start in shallow water. Practice popping up on whitewash (small broken waves). Instructor helps you catch waves.
Standing Up
With instructor guidance, catch a wave and stand up. Most first-timers stand by the end of the lesson!
Progression
Repeat and refine. Each wave builds muscle memory. By the end, you should catch waves independently.
Beginner Tips
What to Bring
- Swimsuit (wear under wetsuit)
- Towel and change of clothes
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Water bottle
- Enthusiasm!
What's Provided
- Surfboard (soft-top for beginners)
- Wetsuit (if needed)
- Rash guard (sometimes)
- All instruction
- Encouragement!
Best Conditions
Small waves (1-3 feet) are ideal for learning. Summer has the warmest water but flattest waves. Fall has better surf but cooler water.
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability required. Surfing is physical but beginners don't need to be athletes. Kids often learn fastest!
After Your Lesson
Loved it? Here's how to keep progressing:
Rent & Practice
Most shops rent boards by the hour. Practice what you learned while it's fresh.
Take More Lessons
A few lessons will get you comfortable catching waves on your own. Worth the investment.
Buy a Board
Once you're hooked, talk to the shop about beginner-friendly boards. Soft-tops are great starters.
Explore More Water Sports
Check out our guides to other water activities.