I had the opportunity this summer to finally take a local surf lesson and Will and his guys…read morecouldn't have made it easier for me. They had all the gear and board already to go on the beach for me, which was relief as I've always been awkward trying to carry a heavy and large surfboard across the sand. We started off with a walk-through of the board, the stance, the mechanics and what to be looking for in the water. I was feeling really stiff that day so I appreciated that our instructor was super patient with me and really encouraged me the entire way through. On my 4th attempt I finally caught a decent wave and nearly rode it all the way back to the beach.. that is until I fell off and took a little tumble in the shallows lol. But once I got the hang of it, they were just as excited for me as I was, which really felt great! I'll for sure be back and maybe I'll even recruit some friends to join me next time, so we can all form our own little surf crew.

This camp and the people who run it are the best, most professional and most experienced you can…read morefind! Day two of surf camp and besides just teaching the fundamentals to beginning kiddos, they also instill sportsmanship and water safety, explaining and teaching to kids water safety and how to check your conditions before heading out to the water. I could not be more impressed with them. Also, they don't just throw their kids into rough conditions, they really know the ocean and you can tell they only hire the most experienced surfers. I've been watching some of the other surf camps down here and I would be kind of nervous to let my 5 year old attend. You can see the staff at Skudin not only love what they do but they truly care about their campers . Really just so happy our daughter goes to camp here, and will be happily recommending them to any parent looking for a surf camp here in Rockaway.

I had a great experience with Scuba Network! When I got a last minute invitation to join an old…read morefriend on a scuba diving trip, I didn't want to pass up the opportunity. Unfortunately, I hadn't been diving in 30 years! I called the folks at Scuba Network and everyone I engaged with was extremely accommodating. They helped me sign up for an eLearning refresher course and encouraged me to grab the last spot in an upcoming beginner's, in-person, 2-day pool dive to reacquaint myself with the gear and familiarize myself with some new technology since I last dove (goodbye dive tables, hello dive computers!). They equipped me with all the regular gear and even helped me pick out a scuba mask with reading bifocals when I told them after the first day that I couldn't read my gauges. (Yes, bifocal masks are a thing!) Ryan Hoffman, my dive instructor, was fantastic. He was patient, easy-to-understand, thorough, and kept things moving well. He also didn't miss a thing. If someone seemed nervous during an underwater exercise, he was right there to put them at ease and help them master it. If someone didn't clear their mask of water fully, he had them try again until they crushed it. At every step he was enabling us to know how to do for ourselves because in Scuba, though it's a buddy sport, you don't want to leave the details to anyone else -- you're safest when you are self-sufficient. Within days, I felt as confident about scuba diving as I did 30 years ago when I got certified -- no, actually, I felt more confident! I can't wait to get back in the open water now, and I'm even considering getting my kids to take up this past time so we can go as a family. If so, I'll take them to Scuba Network to learn!

Great lads at this local dive shop. Came in as I wanted to finally invest in my own mask + snorkel…read moreset for SCUBA and freedive. Staff members were super friendly with a love of the game, and were so helpful in giving me the right metrics by which to evaluate fit for my gear. Left with what I needed and will be back soon for a set of fins no doubt. Prices match those online so definitely strong value in coming in-person to try on difficult to fit gear like masks and fins. They also do courses and dive charters here, which I'd love to take advantage of soon.

I had an amazing experience with Nicole, Robbie, and the rest of the Superdive team obtaining my…read moreNAUI Scuba Diver certification. They were great at explaining all the techniques and emphasized safety while still having fun. They also have a number of events such as a community pool (which includes scuba, free diving, and mermaiding), diving trips, and monthly beach clean-ups which are great for building a community. I highly recommend Superdive for anyone interested in getting their feet with scuba, freediving or mermaiding!

I had an incredible experience starting my Open Water Diver certification with SuperDive Scuba…read more I reached out to the owner Nicole to get some guidance on certification. From the beginning she was helpful, informative, professional, and set me up with everything I needed to get started. After finishing my exam through PADI, I scheduled my pool sessions with Nicole. I knew from the jump that I was in great hands. Her and her team took the time to go over everything I needed to know, and then some. They answered every question I had with great detail. There wasn't a single moment I felt uncomfortable. Superdive Scuba creates a seriously awesome learning environment. I chose to do the open water dive part of my certification in the Bahamas, but I can't stress enough how prepared I felt going into these dives. The instructors at the dive shop were impressed by how much I already knew as a beginner, thank you Nicole and team! Nicole has also helped me navigate the (very confusing to a beginner) world of SCUBA gear. When you're starting out you definitely want an instructor who will remain a resource to you as you progress. I found that with Superdive. Looking forward to joining some dive trips and ocean clean ups with this group!

This review is for the Plumb Beach location and the instructors names are Nina, Olga and Natasha. I…read morehave taken 7 lessons so far over the course of two months. Warning, kiteboarding is addicting. I have tried to get kiteboarding instructions with other (lol..companies) previously either while on vacation or while living abroad to no avail. One time in Hong Kong I showed up and there was no wind. I was still charged. The other two times while in Bali and while in Maui. Either they didn't answer my phone calls or they flaked out. I have literally called them and asked, "Don't you like making money? Aren't you a business?" I bring this up because for some reason unbeknownst to me, it is very difficult to find a reliable, qualified, motivated, and (dare I require) passionate instructor in this sport. So, you can imagine how surprised and elated I was when I found three great instructors. My initial and primary instructor is Nina, but they always come together and I have seen the other two doing tricks and coaching other riders. They also ride by and grab your board when it floats away or they will give you pointers whenever they are in ear shot distance. They are really nice and really know how to kite. What my experience has taught me/ why I still take lessons. - Kiteboarding is completely dependent on wind and weather conditions, So, planning ahead is almost impossible. To help with this reality, I give Nina my available days and she txts me the day before or sometimes day of to meet on the beach. - A simple google search will tell you just how expensive this sport can be. The harness, the bar with lines, the board, the kites; They all cost a lot of money. Never mind the fact that you need multiple kites and boards for different wind conditions. Nina brings all this! The only thing you need to bring is a wet suit and some booties. - The kiteboarding community as a whole is really inviting, helpful and the kiters come from a very wide range of professions and cultures. They seem to have a respect for the other kiters who are just learning and are generally polite. I have fallen in love with the sport and the types of people who practice it. I mention this, again because I cant say the same for golf, tennis, surfing, wake boarding, or skiing. It's hit or miss with those. -The instruction is top notch. I have nothing to compare it to...but I'm riding...so, I'm happy. - Finally, Nina and her crew did the little things that made me learn faster and more importantly enjoyed my time while learning. The first day I forgot water, they brought some. The second time I forgot my wet suit, somehow they had one for me. And on several occasions I was helped by Natasha and Olga who were not even my instructors. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW -Be patient -Buy surfer booties, specifically those types. Not the cheap water shoes you see in stores. They get filled with shells and sand and it sucks -You are strapped to a thin board and harnessed to a powerful kite. You will attempt to hydroplane on an uneven surface (waves, swells) while controlling lol...this giant kite. It sounds crazy and in many ways it is. The reality is you will fall on your face and get dragged through the water over and over. You have to get back up and try again.... -Eventually you will learn. Like riding a bike. **********RANTS************* --This is a highly niche, very technical sport. You want fun without thought, go ride a roller-coaster. --A LOT CAN GO WRONG. You want safe, go play video games. --For some reason, there aren't a lot of instructors, it's really hard to teach. Education is expensive. For these reasons it's expensive. If you want a cheap sport,....go play basketball. Lawyers are more expensive per hour than hiring an instructor for this sport and I can name 20 of them I know personally. Name some kite boarders. Exactly. It's relatively expensive to other sport lessons, but most sports are boring as hell compared to this. The closest one I have done with many hours is wakeboarding and you need a boat. It has to come back to get you when you fall. It's exhausting. Thats life. You want to learn something really awesome, it costs money. Honestly, I would pay twice as much to learn what I can do now. In closing, it's really fun. It's seasonal. It's worth it.

Total ripoff that left me with a bitter taste. After an…read moreOK-ish lesson (they don't have jetskis or any other motorized equipment - neither on land nor water - so you'll spend quite some time walking with your kite), I ended up having to bargain for an hour about the price... they were actually trying to charge me more hours than the total time that we had spend together. I ended up paying the $200/hr rate for every single minute spend with the instructor, be it me carrying the gear on the way to the spot or waiting on the parking lot... Hopefully my mistake will save you some time... and money.

I was dying to get myself active again, especially on the waters during the summer season! Coming…read morefrom Northern California I was actively into the Polynesian Sport called Outrigger Canoeing. This sport consist of several categories from size of team and the distance you race. My core areas was around sprint races which is 500-2000 meters. Other races can go as long as 40+ miles with water changes (changing crews in the water during a race). And teams from single to 6 man/woman canoes As you can see I have a passion for the sport :) I've heard from friends that the sport exist out in the East. Did a little Googling one day and found NYO, THANK GOD! The nice thing is its FREE if you're just trying the sport out. More info on their website. NYO is located on the gorgeous West side, Chelsea Piers - Pier 66 to be exact (12th Ave. and W. 26th Street). Right across from the Frying Pan! My experience with NYO has been superb! They are very organized and ensures the safety of everyone. Reservations are required as seats are limited! With that said, words can't explain the experience. You got to try it! Mahalo!

NYO gives you three free sessions. After than, you can join for the season. NYO members are, by…read morefar, the friendliest and most patient people I've met in an extremely long time in New York. You sign up for a session; show up, preferably early because they might fill your spot; sign a waiver; take a 15-minute class; and get on the water. Absolutely no experience is needed and you don't have to know how to swim. Life vests are available, if wanted. The water is calm and experienced folks will be in the vessel with you. The scariest part of this was when Hudson River water splashed in my eye and mouth. All I could think about was that the Gowanus has gonorrhea. But I had to let it go because it's really hard to paddle with your eyes closed and holding your breath. An NYO paddler reassured me, "Hey, the Hudson is better than it used to be." It's also great for the core and isn't too strenuous. I had an absolute blast! I might just be back to try their stand-up paddling.

Outstanding Teacher! I purchased a 30 foot boat & hired him…read morefor 1 on 1 private instruction. Capt. Rick is wonderful. He is patient & very positive. Capt. Rick gets you out on the water immediately. You will have fun practicing what you need to know. Honestly, in two 3 hour sessions he taught me to undock, maneuver around the marina & dock my 30 foot boat in high winds. Capt. Rick did not waste any time. He just smiled, he inspected the boat & he had steer the boat out to get on with the business of piloting. We went all over the marina doing all kinds of manuveers. He just stood next to me, smiled, and he calmly told me what to do while waving at the people watching us. We practiced until I could do it all with confidence. He is an outstanding boating instructor. Thank you Capt. Rick Mendez !

Arthur was a solid guide that got me onto a beautiful fish... on the first cast. It turned out to…read morebe a challenging day, but he kept the options open and we added to our total while exploring waters with NYC skyline in the distance. Will be back on the water with him again soon.

Capt Cortes is a great guide. I booked a trip last minute and he got me on the fish. The boat is…read moreclean. The gear is solid. Capt Cortes ties his own flies - and they work. He has been fishing locally since childhood and knows where to find em and how to land em. I highly recommend fishing with Cortes.

I've booked this amazing new charter company twice now and I must say, there is no better way to…read morespend a day in New York City than on board this luxury sailboat! Nate, the extremely chill (and totally handsome) captain will take you anywhere you want to go while you sip rosé and admire the unparalleled views of the skyline. You feel like you've left the city and gone on vacation. The boat is beautiful and spotlessly clean with more than enough room for 6 people. Perfect to do with a group of friends or couples. There are all kinds of charters which is really cool: meditation sails, girlfriend getaways, romantic dinner sails, even a Fourth of July fireworks viewing from the water! If it's just a regular day, or if it's a special occasion True Sailing will be your favorite thing you've ever done in New York! For those scorcher summer days, being out on the water with the breeze is incredible! I've sailed with a few charters and this one is the absolute best! Can't recommend Nate and Elizabeth enough.

Honestly the best way to experience NYC. This is an absolute must do and worth every dime. Whether…read moreyou're visiting nyc on holiday or you have lived in the city your whole life - this seriously is the best way to experience and see the city hands down. Nate is extremely knowledgeable and professional and goes above and beyond in making your trip truly unique and special! Sailed twice already with Nate and I'm from LA. If you are contemplating booking with True Sailing - book your trip already I promise you won't regret it! :)