Deciding to take lessons with Locals was one of the best decisions I made all year! For years I have been dreaming about learning how to surf but was always nervous about actually getting out there. I signed up for one group lesson to try it out and had a blast! Mike had me riding waves by the end of my first lesson! And now I am addicted. I ended up signing up for 3 more lessons. After 4 lessons I felt confident to go out surfing with my friends! The best thing about Locals are their positive vibes and constructive feedback. I have taught people how to ski and am an art teacher so I am pretty sensitive to how teachers teach whether it's in a classroom, on a mountain, or in the ocean. All of the instructors at Locals are patient and very positive. They keep the group lessons to 3 students per instructor so that each student gets individualized attention. Mike and Mike are the head instructors (and are wonderful people!) but they also have many other instructors who work with them and who are all very talented. I ended up have 4 different instructors and each one taught me something new! Finally, these guys prepare you by teaching you all of the safety and surf etiquette you need to know so that you feel confident and comfortable to go out on your own (I would recommend taking a few lessons first!). My first time going out with friends I was nervous but once I got in the water it was so great to realize that I knew exactly what I was doing! Next summer I plan on taking 1 or 2 individual lessons so that I can keep improving. In short, if you want to surf, surf with Locals! read more

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! read more

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

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. read more

Locals Surf School is awesome! I booked my first ever surfing excursion with them last weekend and now I definitely want to go back. They're informative while not being condescending- teaching with smiles and easy-going personalities. They definitely didn't mind (or at least didn't show it) when I was constantly falling, struggling to get my board back to the right area, or making bad puns, but I couldn't help the last one! They just kept coming in waves.... [I'll see myself out.] In the end, I rode a few waves (that they carefully selected), learned a few techniques, and laughed A LOT. Nick and Dylan were our instructors and they were amazing- if you guys are reading this, thanks again! Highly recommended. :) read more

Every instructor here is cool, knowledgeable, and friendly. After one lesson, I was hooked. I came home and bought the five-lesson package. I burned through that in less than a month -- that's how much fun I had with Locals. Sure surfing is a sport that lends itself to addiction, but the kind of instruction they give goes beyond just standing up on the board. You'll get lessons on etiquette (super important), wave selection, and general adjustments as they observe your technique. I surfed all summer with them. Then all of fall with them. Then I went to Costa Rica, rented a car, and surfed the Pacific Coast and felt confident in doing so thanks to their tutelage. I even bought myself a 5.4mm suit and continue to go out with them in the winter (when I have the courage). I came to them in the spring of 2015 with the intention of taking one or two lessons; I haven't stopped since. Locals didn't just teach me how to surf. I learned just how much I really love surfing. read more

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. :) read more

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! read more

You will be hard-pressed to find a better surf school in New York. These guys are hardworking, professional and super fun. They have the patience, expertise and knowledge to make sure that your day at the beach learning to surf is gonna be a banger. The attitude is one of the best I have seen, they are actually having fun too. If you are beginning to surf, make sure your first class is with these guys. read more

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! read more

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I've been wanting to learn to surf forever, and when this was offered up as a groupon I couldn't pass it up. The two Mikes who run the place are great instructors and the classes were informative. More importantly, I was up riding waves on my first try, and stood up on about 12 that day. As a bonus, it's only about 45min to an hour from midtown. On the weekends it can take a bit longer due to train schedule changes, thanks MTA, for nothing. Nonetheless, its kind of cool to be able to hit the beach and catch some waves with nothing more than a metro card. Also, the 67th street break is not nearly as crowded as the 90th/89th break, so its a little more approachable for newcomers. And when all is said and done, hit up Rockaway Taco for some after session eats. read more

Super friendly, laid back, and professional. These guys are great at instructing. It's one thing to be a good surfer and explain how to surf and it's another to actually get people to stand up and surf on their own. These guys point out the little things that help you stand and ride that wave to the shore. read more

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. read more

Mike Kololyan & Mike Reinhardt (and Josh Steinberg in Nicaragua) have literally enhanced the quality of my life through their ability to teach me how to surf. Mike Kololyan gave me my first lesson in Rockaway and during it, I rode several waves... my first lesson! Went back for lesson #2 where I then met Mike Reinhardt and rode even more waves, and there you have it- I was hooked. I just got back from Locals' surf camp in Nicaragua a couple of weeks ago, and it is now my mission to keep surfing for as long as I possibly can during my life. It's one thing to be an amazing surfer (which these guys are!!!), but it's quite another to have the ability to teach. Mike R., Mike K., and the other instructors they have working with them, truly have a gift for breaking things down for us beginners (or anyone for that matter). Each wave you catch (and the many more you don't), gets you a pointer from any of these guys that makes you better and better. Seriously, every single piece of advice, lesson, comment, tip, etc. is so helpful, necessary, and most important: effective! I feel completely confident and secure when I'm in the water with these guys. They're all certified lifeguards, who have actually saved people from drowning (I've heard some stories)- could it get any better? Believe it or not, it can... in addition to talent and skill- they are all some of the nicest (and most patient!) human beings I've had the privilege of meeting and consider myself extremely fortunate to be one of their students. I also want to add that they never make me feel self-conscious when I make all my mistakes or ask all my questions- in fact, questions are encouraged and nosedives/wipe-outs are part of the journey. It's all very chill and stress-free, which may sound surprising until you experience a lesson and/or meet any of these guys yourself. I can go on and on and still, words are not enough. Just trust me when I say- GET OUT THERE WITH LOCALS AND SURF!! (I also have to shout out John Reinhardt & Mike Dier for their pointers while in Nicaragua as well!) Thank you Mike(s) and crew for everything and more!! I'll see you in the water soon :) read more

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I progressed rather quickly for a beginner surfer but after a few months I really didn't seem to be getting any better. I heard about Locals through a Sandy Fundraiser in NYC and decided to start taking lessons from them. Honestly, the best decision I've made in regards to my surfing! Mike and Mike are both excellent teachers and have helped me advance in all aspects of the sport. What really puts Locals apart from other surf schools I've taken lessons at is the way they give all of their students the individual attention they need based on their skill level. They do a great job with teaching absolute beginners as well as intermediate and advanced surfers. I recommend anyone interested in surfing or improving to take lessons from the Mikes! Not only are these guys excellent surfers in their own right but they're great teachers who are extremely patient, respectful, and super motivating. Also, it's a straight shot to Locals on the A train. A to 67th street and a 4 minute walk to their tent on the beach. Can't get any easier if you're coming from Manhattan. read more

By far my favorite surf instructors in the Rockaways, New York City, and the entire world!!! Locals Surf School has great surf instructors, who are also trained in life guarding and water rescue techniques. They make you feel extremely safe in the water and have a super positive approach to teaching. For those who aren't necessarily comfortable in the ocean, Locals Surf School instructors are right there with you in the water for the entire lesson, and so you can forget about any fear or hesitancy you have about waves or the ocean conditions, and focus on learning to surf and have fun! I was first exposed to surfing in Hawaii, and fell in the love with the sport there. However, I have never lived in a place where I had access to surfing, and until I came out to the Rockaways this year, I didn't know you could surf when living in New York City. I took my first lesson with the Locals Surf School and was hooked! I took more lessons with them and rented soft-top surfboards and wetsuits from them on a number of occasions, and they always had an extra tip or words of positive encouragement for me. Everyone at Locals is professional, passionate, helpful, and all about good surfing technique. Locals Surf School has helped me to realize my lifelong dream of having surfing as part of my daily life and of becoming a surfer. Discovering surfing in New York City and in the Rockaways with the Locals has been such a wonderful experience, and I have recommended their school to many of my friends who were interested in trying out the sport. Mike R. & Mike K. of Locals Surf School always advocate for surfing smart and safe. Learning their approach and overall philosophy to surfing has helped me a lot in my growth as a surfer. They are very talented individuals and easy going guys, a lesson with Locals Surf School is not to be missed! Locals Surf School Rocks!!!!!!! read more

Locals Surf School - Discussing the finer points of good surfing technique and safety with Head Surf Instructor Mike K. of Locals Surf School. - Surf Schools Near Me - Arverne, New York

I think it's amazing that I can be in Manhattan and a few hours later up on a surfboard ridding a wave. Locals Surf school made that possible. They have great instructors, they keep you safe, they help you get up. They teach private and group lessons and unlike their name you can meet people from all over. It's a great place to meet people as you're sorta stuck in the ocean. You could meet your wife or husband or both out there. The other surfers are cool and it's a lot of fun. Prices are great. It's an incredible experience. Thank you locals. read more

The day I went to a lesson with mike and mike it was the best choices I ever made, ever surf instructor I worked with were really laid back and was very detailed in teaching me what I know now. I think everyone should learn to surf from these guys they are hands down the best and I know so much now because of there knowledge, they will get you standing up on any kind of waves you'll even learn more about the ocean and it's actions of why the swells are big that day or high tide and low hide. I started in the beginning of May I'm 8th lessons in and I'm already turning! So deff try these guys out they are the bros. read more

Locals Surf School - Surfing with the locals :D - Surf Schools Near Me - Arverne, New York

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. read more

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. read more

Yup 5 stars for being cool, friendly, warm and courteous staff and easy-no-pressure sale over the phone. We got there on time and yes Dylan is the nicest instructor. His style of instructions is very positive and constructive and that's exactly what I was looking for. Will be returning for further lessons for sure! read more

I've been surfing with Locals since last summer and I have greatly benefited from their expertise. These guys know the break so well and can teach you everything you need to know about wave reading, the influence of the tides, wind direction, safety and surf etiquette, as well as workout tips. All of the instructors seem very dedicated to helping their students achieve their personal goals. I've had great experiences with private lessons from both Mikes and Caleb. If you want to improve your surf skills fast then I definitely recommend taking lessons with Locals. read more

I'd always wanted to try surfing. I'd looked into lessons before various tropical vacations, but never actually took the plunge. When a friend mentioned she'd heard great things about a surf school in the Rockaways (the Rockaways??!), I was intrigued. I called the Locals, spoke to "Mike", and made a reservation. They had the boards, rash guards, and the skillz. I needed to show up in my swimsuit with water, sunscreen, and a towel. Anything else?  "Do your homework," Mike said.  "What?" I mildly panicked.  "Just kidding," he said, "See you soon." This was the perfect first interaction to have with the Locals. A casual confidence, a joking ease. They love what they do and it's infectious.  I showed up for my first group lesson and was greeted by the Mike Kololyan and Mike Reinhardt like a friend. Not knowing if I was "regular" or "goofy", having never surfed before, I was quite nervous. After our land lesson (an unexpected shove to the back determined I was "regular") we were ready to go, and jumped in with Locals instructor, David. The top two barriers (expressed to me) most often associated with learning how to surf are: 1- "I have no sense of balance." 2- "I'm afraid of sharks." For number one, I can guarantee you will have a good share of balanced rides on your FIRST LESSON. They truly want to "share the stoke" and will select waves you can manage, give your board a shove, and you'll be off! You'll have a blast!  This brings me to number two. Sometimes there are creatures, but I've found your biggest friend AND foe is the ocean itself. The ocean is boss and you need to pay attention to it. You aren't likely to encounter sharks, but you'll probably agitate some jellyfish and get yanked around by the water. Don't worry it's worth it (and admittedly, prior to surfing I was more of a land shark). After quelling the original concerns, you will begin to learn how complicated surfing is. I'm thankful for the knowledge and enthusiasm of Mike Kololyan and Mike Reinhardt. They have a fantastic batterie of instructors that all have their own style and manner; David "the guru", Dillon "the dam", Aaron "the professor", Greg "the water plow", Will, John, Pete... I am sure I am forgetting some folks, but the point is these guys are confident, jovial gents who make even the most choppy days safe and victorious. The Locals apply good judgement and will cancel class if it's too rough or too flat. The instructors provide practical advice to expedite your evolution from kook-to-surfer e.g., why you "ate it" on your last wave and how to address the error, or they'll acknowledge good things you are instinctively picking up. They also inadvertently offer up surfing truisms like "Stay positive for your commitment to the water", "Wherever you're looking, is where you're going", "Approaching [the ocean] with a negative mindset will likely yield negative result", that will make you a solid convert. After starting lessons with the Locals last summer I took my first surfing vacation to Puerto Escondido in January. I never would have thought I'd be so into surfing and I owe my enthusiasm to these guys. Make no mistake though- surfing is hard. Really hard. Now that I've got the basics, I'm looking forward to "leveling up" with the Locals. They'll have you wishing they were around when you were a kid, to groom you into a proper "grom". To that point, any kid who participates in their surf camp will have a blast. The Locals love the water and love surfing. They care about their community, the Rockaways, and they care about their clients. read more

Locals Surf School - Thanks to the expert tutelage of the Locals, I was inspired to take surf trip to Puerto Escondido. Many more to come! - Surf Schools Near Me - Arverne, New York

TL;DR: these guys are great, look no further! My husband and I went from booking a surf lesson on a whim, to coming back for more almost every weekend since. The Mikes and their instructors are warm, knowledgeable, professional, and excited to share their love of the sport. We've been out with a range of their teachers, and while they each have their own style, we've always left the beach ready to plan our next lesson. Could not recommend Locals enough. The stoke is infectious, be prepared! read more

Hands down the BEST experience!!! I couldn't recommend the guys at Locals more highly. My girlfriends and I have taken lessons all summer with Locals, usually a different instructor every time and each and everyone one of them were so knowledgeable, helpful, encouraging, and all around wonderful. Mike and Mike make it so easy to get in touch, schedule classes and they really go out of their way to be accommodating! It's been such a blast surfing and getting to know these guys! read more

My husband and me took a surf lesson at Locals Surf School. Teachers are more than great: dedicated, friendly, very good at explaining techniques and positioning yourself on the board. We had Pavel as a teacher. He is SUUUPER COOL. He made me feel comfortable with the water, which I found very important, because usually I am very afraid even to swim. My husband managed to catch the wave and ride it, although a couple of years ago when taking a lesson at a different school, he could not even pop up. And I saw other students, who had a different teacher were coming and saying "Thank you" after the lesson. We will definitely take more lessons with Pavel at Locals Surf School. Thank you for such an awesome lesson. read more

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. read more

Sam is a great private surfing teacher! I learned a lot from him. The group lesson is great if you haven't done it before or if you want to surf with a few friends together. read more

Locals Surf School - Group lesson - Surf Schools Near Me - Arverne, New York

I've been doing lessons with Locals for over a year now. I've progressed from never having surfed to spotting and catching my own waves. Mike & Mike are awesome and always go above and beyond to make sure everyone has a great time. Their passion for surfing and people really comes through in how they run their business. From day one, I've always felt like they really care about my safety and pushing me to progress each time I go out. I've never felt like I'm just filling up a spot in a class so they can make a buck. Always worth the money each time I go out no matter how crappy the conditions might be! I've been coached by at least 5 different instructors, all of whom have been great. HIGHLY recommended for anyone looking to pickup surfing! read more

Locals is a really nice professional school with amazing instructors. Mike is great, and so is Mike. I always stop by to say hi when I'm in Rockaway. The prices are very reasonable and they give you great individual attention. Just be sure to book at least a week in advance because they fill up fast, but they don't cram a million people into a class either so it's worth having to plan ahead. read more

Had a great first session yesterday! The water was rough but I always felt safe - and had a lot of fun! Can't wait to come back. Thanks guys! read more

I had a great first lesson but my second lesson, and the customer service, is why I will never surf with them again! I had an amazing first lesson and decided to book again! When I got to the beach for my second lesson I saw there was a big event going on. This meant a huge section of the beach was closed off. Because of this, all the students were in a tiny section. Because of most people being inexperienced, students were coming back in the path of surfers, I almost got hit by a surfer, it was just a congested unsafe situation. After less than an hour I decided to come in because I didn't want to get hurt. When I asked if I could come back another time seeing as I would not have booked if I knew there was an event taking over half the beach, Mike played phone tag with me for two weeks and ultimately told me I should have just stayed out there and he wasn't going to have me come back for a do-over. Why he couldn't have just emailed me that is beyond me?! Overall, as a business owner and general good person, I would want my students to feel safe and comfortable. Obviously, he just wants the cash. So, I'll go to another local shop next time instead! read more

I had a blast!!!!!!!! I live in NY and ever since going to Hawaii in 2010 I have decided that I want to live there. Part of that vision, includes me learning how to surf. So imagine my delight when I find that I dont have to wait tillI move to learn!!! I met up with Mike & Mike for my 11am group lesson, and it was a great time!!! They were super patient, easy to learn from, and just had really good energy all around. Even before I got there, in the subsequent weeks, I had called with questions quite a few times, and they were always quick and willing to answer them! These guys are awesome on a level that exceeds my expectations. I totally recommend them to everyone!!! I may not have been able to stand up this time, but I did get to paddle out and ride back in on a board. The section of beach where they teach is way better than the overly crowded beach further down where most of the other people hang out. Can't wait to go back out and try again! I recommend this for anyone who wants to learn how to surf, whether or not you're a beginner or a pro looking for new tips and tricks, and for all sizes & ages! read more

If you're considering taking surf lessons in NYC, and you googled around, you probably came up with a short list of schools to pick from. And although I started surfing with a different school at Rockaway Beach, I am here to tell you why you should not make that mistake and instead take all your lessons at Locals Surf School. First things first: learning to surf is not cheap, and you will not want to feel like you spent the cost of a monthly gym membership on a lesson for which the school had no record that you signed up (a sassy lady tells you so) and during which you have the impression that the instructor does not even know your name. That's bogus. With Locals, the guys await your arrival on the beach, and when you get there they will probably already know who you are. Then, when you come back for another lesson (which you will), they will still remember you and greet you with even more enthusiasm. Second, you also do not want to spend the cost of ten ballet classes on one surf lesson during which you feel like you aren't really learning anything or the conditions (waves, wind, tide, weather) just aren't worth it. At Locals, 1) the instructors are truly exceptional teachers (as a teacher myself, I am particularly judge-y in this respect) and 2) they cancel lessons when the conditions are not cooperating. (This is important. Recently, I observed as a different surf school tried to hold lessons on a really big day when Locals had cancelled theirs. No one was hurt, but I don't think anyone learned much, either.) Allow me to illustrate Locals' superiority by sharing examples of my experience with various instructors. First, we have Dillon, who is the most zen but rigorous guy. He gives you feedback on each and every wave. It is impossible to finish a lesson with "Daddy" and not feel like you improved your surf game physically and mentally. Plus, he should go into standup. Then, there is "LeBaron" Aaron, an old-school ass-kicker. He is kind of the opposite of Dillon, but you need that sometimes. He screamed at me once until I started paddling like I meant it. We have a love-hate relationship, and he's totally irreplaceable. I've also worked with Joe, who was there the day my friend and I spent two hours in the water in great conditions and caught all our own waves. He knew when to let us do our thing and what to say to help us do it even better. Owner number one, Mike Reinhart, is also very zen, with a steely manner that gives you confidence you will be able to read the ocean and as well as he does. Then, if you're lucky and the waves slow down, he might loosen up and give you his cowboy impression, transform Bob Seger hits into inspirational paddling songs, or teach you the reverse takeoff 360. Last but never least, owner number two, Mike "King Kook" Kololyan is a bit of everyone rolled into one - it's no wonder he runs the show. Best of all, the Locals instructors, more than any school on the beach, constitute a true community of surfers who communicate with and care for each other and their students. No matter who you get, they've heard your story, they've been paying attention, and when you get out there, they know how to put you to work. You don't waste time, you don't waste money, and your surf stoke can't help but grow. With Locals, I feel like I am a part of something bigger, definitely more than just some girl who needs a lesson at 11am. They give you that essential piece of taking part in the surf world: Locals brings the Aloha to New York City. Why are you researching surf lessons if you don't want more of that in your urban rat race of a life? You'll soon be wishing you could paddle out with the Locals everyday. read more

Always a good time and super-solid experience that will leaves you a more confident surfer and wanting to ride another wave!

I had my first three lessons with the locals last year and they remembered me when I came back this summer! These guys are awesome and all of them really take their time to make sure you learn. It feels easy and natural with them and the atmosphere they create is more like friends hanging out than a place where you are just a number. I totally recommend going - you'll have a fun time!! read more

These guys are AWESOME!!! I'm a local and saw their deal on Groupon... I jumped on it because I've always wanted to learn to surf. Mike and Mike (LOL) were my instructors and because the other person in my class didn't show up, I ended up with a private lesson. They were so patient as I got on my knee time after time before finally successfully standing up... I can't say enough good about them! I would recommend them to any and everyone who wants to learn how to surf, or just brush up on their skills!!! read more

These guys are true professionals. They really care about the sport and etiquette of surfing and it shows. I've been snowboarding for 14 years and I have the proficiency of someone who's been doing it for maybe ONE year. That's how terrible at board sports I am. Mike and Mike (yep!), had me riding waves within the first half hour with their insightful evaluation of my faults and teaching me how to correct them. The major trick for me was to be calm as you're getting up onto the board. The deal simply cannot be beat. There's a max 3 people to instructor but it ends up way more personalized than that. It's pretty much a private lesson at a group lesson rate. If you're hankering to learn how to surf, get out there, it's completely worth it. read more

I've always promised myself i would learn how to surf. Didn't expect this to happen in NYC of all places. Also didn't expect to start learning and get hooked to surfing. That's all thanks to the two owners of locals surf school and their team! From great instruction, to phenomenal customer service these guys make it all happen. To add to that they will take your call regarding any questions you might have and give you advice on how to improve your skill and passion for surfing! So for those of you who have talked up a big game about learning, stop reading about it and go do it. Sign up for a class, bring a towel and a big smile! Surfsup! read more

Locals Surf School - Surfsup!!! Best surf school in NYC - Surf Schools Near Me - Arverne, New York

These guys are absolutely the BEST. Like, Tina Turner wrote a song about these guys, Simply THE best. I came all the way from Canada to surf with my girls from NY, and was really glad that this was the school we went with. We came into the lesson absolutely exhausted from our morning drive, and neither of us had really slept the night before either, but the second we got there, Mike was so incredibly charming and wonderful that we were sooooo in the mood to surf. Our teacher was Nick (Checko something something? there are apprently 19 Nicks who work there and 30 Mikes), he was a really sweet guy and we all learned a lot. We tried surfing on our own a few days later and failed miserably, so we will definitely be going back for more lessons soon! I was only in NY for a few days, and looked into a bunch of different schools, these guys were the best reviewed out of everyone else for a reason!!! Thanks again guys!!!! read more