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.
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.
How to Prepare for Your Lesson
Light cardio (swimming ideal), stretching, and core exercises. Get your shoulders loose.
Paddling is 80% of surfing. Prepared shoulders mean more time catching waves.
Light stretching only. Good sleep. Hydrate well. Avoid heavy drinking.
You want to be fresh and hydrated. Hangovers and ocean don't mix.
Light breakfast 1-2 hours before. Nothing greasy. Banana and toast is perfect.
Saltwater and physical exertion can upset stomachs. Eat light but have energy.
Arrive 15 min early. Light jog on beach, arm circles, hip stretches.
Cold muscles lead to injury. Warm up before hitting cold water.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Looking down at your feet while standing
Instant wipeout. Looking down shifts your weight forward and nose-dives the board.
✓ Look at the beach, not your feet. Your body follows your eyes. Head up, chest up.
Trying to stand too early in the wave
Board hasn't caught the wave yet. You pop up and immediately fall backward.
✓ Wait for the push. Feel the wave catch you, THEN pop up. Patience is key.
Paddling with only your arms
Exhaustion after 10 minutes. Can't catch waves because you're too tired to paddle fast.
✓ Engage your back muscles. Long, deep strokes from the shoulder. Conserve energy.
Giving up after first wipeout
Missing out on the breakthrough. Most people stand on waves 3-5 in their first lesson.
✓ Expect to fall! Wipeouts are part of learning. The ocean is forgiving - just get back on.
Not falling correctly
Hitting the board or bottom. Injuries from stiff-arm falls or diving headfirst.
✓ Fall flat like a starfish, cover your head, and fall away from your board.
What If Conditions Are Bad?
Flat Waves (under 1 foot)
Lesson may be rescheduled or moved to different beach with more swell.
Accept reschedule, try paddleboard lesson instead, or practice pop-ups on beach.
Common in summer, especially July-August.
Big Waves (over 4 feet)
Too dangerous for beginners. Lesson rescheduled or moved to protected cove.
Accept reschedule. Watch the pros - good learning even without surfing.
Rare in summer. More common spring/fall storms.
Thunderstorms
Immediate cancellation. Lightning and water don't mix.
Full reschedule. No questions asked - safety first.
Afternoon summer storms. Morning lessons safer bet.
Strong Currents/Rips
Lesson relocated to safer beach or shallow area. Instructor judgment.
Trust your instructor. They know safe spots.
Varies by tide and beach. Instructors monitor daily.
What It Costs to Get Started
| Item | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Group Lesson (first time) | $60-80 | Best value for absolute beginners |
| Private Lesson (accelerated) | $100-150 | Worth it if nervous or limited time |
| Board Rental (2 hours post-lesson) | $20-30 | Practice what you learned |
| Wetsuit Rental (if separate) | $15-25 | Often included in lesson |
| GoPro Footage (optional) | $30-50 | Some schools offer video package |
| Tips (optional but appreciated) | $10-20 | If instructor was great |
Total first-day cost: $60-100 for group lesson + practice rental. Great value for a new experience!
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!
Book Surf Lessons Online
Reserve your lesson in advance for guaranteed availability
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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.
Wavestorm Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)($180-250)Beginner Surfing Gear
Ready to buy your own gear? Here's what we recommend for beginners.
Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)
Forgiving, stable, catches small waves. Perfect for beginners.
Wetsuit (3/2mm)
Summer suit for June-September. 3mm body, 2mm arms.
Wetsuit (4/3mm)
Fall suit for October-November and late spring. 4mm body, 3mm arms.
Wetsuit (5/4mm)
Winter suit for December-March. 5mm body, 4mm arms for cold NJ water.
Surf Booties
Keep feet warm in cold water. 5mm-7mm for winter surfing.
Surf Gloves
Essential for winter surfing. 3mm-5mm keeps hands functional.
Surf Hood
Keep your head warm in winter. Works with non-hooded wetsuits.
Surf Leash
Matches your board length. Don't cheap out - safety first.
Rash Guard
Sun protection and prevents board rash.
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