Surfs up, and if your kids are all about catching waves, signing them up for surf lessons in New Jersey is a sure way to hang ten at the shore. Whether it’s a weekly surf camp, private lesson, all-girls experience, or adaptive lessons for special needs, kids (and their parents) can learn how to ride the waves safely and build skills that last for a lifetime. Scroll down for the top places for lessons at the shore, and for more beachy things to do, check out our guide to the best beaches in NJ. (featured photo credit: Istock/Bicho_raro)
Here’s Where You Can Sign Up For Surf Lessons In New Jersey
Surf lessons in North Jersey
Skudin Surf American Dream
Skudin Surf is not your typical surf school. Thanks to the indoor wave pool, you can take a beginner lesson, an intermediate lesson, or a private dream session, even when it’s snowing outside. The gentle, controlled waves are great for beginners looking to build confidence and work on the basics, like balance, before heading out to the open sea.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Surf Lessons in Central Jersey
Coastline Adventures Surfing School
This surfing school offers 1-, 1.5, or 2-hour private, semi-private, and group lessons, as well as adaptive lessons. For a class atmosphere, sign your kiddos up for the Kids’ Surf Adventure Camps or Bodyboarding Camps. And mamas, you can join in—the Women’s Surf Retreat starts with stress-relieving yoga and meditation, then helps you build a strong surfing foundation.
Mantoloking, NJ 08738
Eastern Lines Surf Shop
Beginner surfers learn water safety, paddling, and wave selection, while intermediate surfers can start bottom turns and barrel riding. All surf lessons are on soft surfboards and run seven days a week from May through September. Choose from private lessons or surfing groups of 2 or 3.
Belmar, NJ 07719
Hammer Surf School
Founded by New Jersey professional surfer Sam Hammer, this surf school has classes for kids (7-11) and teens (12-15) of all skill levels, as well as Advanced Kid & Teen Group Surf for kiddos who have the basics down but want to be challenged and improve their craft. For one-on-one training, they offer beginner private lessons and exclusive coaching with Hammer for a competitive edge. And for kids who’ve mastered the waves, encourage them to try out for the Hammer Surf Team. They also offer 75-minute private Surf Therapy for Special Needs lessons.
Locations in Bay Head, Lavallette, Seaside Park, and Spring Lake
LBI Surfing
LBI resident and surfer Jeff Santoloci runs this popular surf school with his Intro to Surfing Camp and Junior Surf Camp. If your vacation is short and your kids just want to learn the basics, book a Semi-Private Surf Lesson or Private Surf Lesson. And for your kiddos who love everything ocean, sign them up for Step Into Liquid Skim and Bodyboard Camp, where they’ll learn how to skimboard and bodyboard.
Locations in Beach Haven and Surf City
LBI Surf Guru
With a focus on building character development through surfing, this surf school is all about confidence, surf skills, and making new friends. Choose from their Surf and Sport Camp or take a 60, 90, or 120-minute lesson privately or with friends.
Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Lucky Dog Surf School
Lucky Dog’s mission centers on four key areas: surfing, ocean conservation, healthy living, and environmental stewardship. Sign your crew up for Kids Surf Camp (ages 8-15), where beginners will learn the basics while more advanced surfers will learn specific techniques and skills. They also offer Lucky Pup Camp for the younger ones (ages 5-7). Private lessons and adult classes are available, too.
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Matador Surf School
This laid-back surfing school has been around for over 35 years and is all about welcoming beginners. Lessons include boards and beach badges, and you can catch them up and down LBI at different spots. And don’t miss out on their program for kids with special needs.
Locations in Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, and Southern LBI
Pink Pineapple Surf
At this all-girls surf school, they emphasize empowerment through surfing. In addition to the Surf Camp (ages 8-14), there are also several Mermaid Days sprinkled throughout the summer where girls create surf art, have their hair braided with pink extensions, and even get glowing with some holographic glitter. If your daughter loves surfing and has experience on the waves, have her try out for the Summer Grom Team. They practice twice a week for eight weeks during the summer, developing their craft and building their confidence.
Manasquan, NJ 08736 (Look for a shed and tent in the middle of the beach)
Randazzo Surf School
Have your fam learn from a pro—world-famous professional surfer Dean Randazzo (nicknamed “The Jersey Devil”). Sign them up for a one-day, three-day, or five-day Kids Surf Camp in North Wildwood or the Margate Pier, where they’ll learn surfing basics, ocean safety, and more. The school also offers a private one-on-one lesson with Dean.
Locations in Margate Pier and North Wildwood
South End Surf N’ Paddle
Beach Haven’s local surf shop offers lessons, camps, and rentals. Private lessons and private group lessons are available. Kids ages 6-10 can try the Lil’ Grom Surf & Paddle Camp to learn about surfing and paddleboarding. Bigger kids (ages 11-16) can try Big Grom Surf Camp for fun and foundational surf training.
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Summa Love Surf Camp
Conquer your dreams and learn how to surf at Summa Love Surf Camp. Taught by a group of seasoned instructors, this program offers something for everyone. There are camps throughout the summer and mini-camps available, too. Looking for just one lesson? You can choose from a semi-private class or a private lesson, and for ages 5-6, Grom Camp is a great option.
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Summertime Surf
At this northern shore spot with four locations, kids ages 4-14 will want to participate in either the Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced camps, where they’ll learn ocean, surf, and life skills. Younger kids (ages 4-6) can learn about surfing, ocean safety, and wildlife—while building their confidence—during the weeklong Keiki Surf Classes. For a more customized class, sign up for a 1.25-hour private lesson.
Locations in Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, and Point Pleasant Beach
Surf N’ Spark
After you shop for surf gear and apparel, sign up for lessons at this surf shop. There are options for private lessons, group lessons, or try an advanced class if you are ready for a challenge.
Avon, NJ 07717
The Sandy Avocado Surf Camp
The entire fam can take these surfing lessons—each lesson starts with a yoga warm-up and safety instructions, then pivots to catching waves along the shore, tailored to each skill level. If not everyone is game, book a private lesson for your grom or gather their best buds for a semi-private lesson where they can learn and laugh together. Have a daughter interested in surfing? Sign them up for Island Girls, a program for riders of all skill levels.
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Surf Lessons in South Jersey
Avalon Surf Camp
Campers age 7 and older can sign up for surf camp and learn safety and surfing skills at a variety of levels. Private and group lesson options are also available.
Avalon, NJ 08202
EcoVentures Surf School
Kids ages 8 and up can sign up for a private or group surf lesson—whether they’ve never surfed before or have their board and are looking to improve. The school purposefully chooses beaches with gently rolling waves and gradual shorelines, allowing kids to learn at a comfortable pace.
Cape May, NJ 08204
Jason Reagan Surf School
As a former professional surfer, Jason Reagan shares his wisdom and enthusiasm for surfing with his students. Lessons focus on water safety, the fundamentals of surfing, and ocean awareness. Group classes and private lessons are available for all ages and abilities.
Cape May, NJ 08204
Ocean City NJ Surf School
This surf school aims to have you appreciate the beauty of the ocean while learning to ride the waves. With surf lessons and surf camps for kids and adults, there is a chance for everyone to get on the water and surf.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Ocean Outfitters Surf
Ages 7 and up will learn everything from surf etiquette to information about rip tides and currents while learning to surf at camp. Private, semi-private, and wave party lessons (for 3 or more people) are available. There is also a Saturday Kids Surf Club, where kids ages 4-8 can participate in a surfing program.
Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Primal Surf
Primal Surf values fun and convenience, so the focus is on surfing, not worrying about schedules. They don’t lock you into a weeklong program; instead, they let you pick the best dates for your schedule. Group lessons and semi-private lessons are for ages 9 to 60, and private lessons are recommended for younger kids starting at age 5.
Brigantine, NJ 08203
Sammy’s Surf School
Sam Olivia, a former competitive surfer and Ocean City native, has a passion for teaching others to surf. Private and group lessons are available, typically at the north end of Ocean City, but participants are encouraged to choose the beach closest to them.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Stacey’s Surf & Paddle
This surf school offers camps and private lessons for all ages and abilities, with a focus on having a great time and overcoming fears. Sign your fam up for the Little Rippers Camp, Beginner/Intermediate Surf Camp (ages 8-17), Teen Surf Camp (ages 13-18), or Advanced Surf Camp (for surfers with a little more experience). And for mom, you can join the Women’s Wednesday class.
Margate City, NJ 08402
SurfTopia
Kids will be stoked to take a surf lesson here, which brings Aloha vibes to Wildwood and is run by a local who has surfed around the world. They’ll learn about safety and surfing on land first, then head into the water for an hour to catch waves. Watch them learn alone in a private lesson or join them in the water for a group lesson. Surfers must be at least 5 years old.
Wildwood, NJ 08260
Ventor Surf School
Ages 8-17 can join the surf camp at this South Jersey surf school. Learn in a camp setting, or take a group or private lesson. They also offer classes for students with special needs.
Ventor, NJ 08406
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