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 Monmouth County
Lucky Dog Surf School
Lucky Dog’s mission focuses on four things: surfing, ocean awareness, healthy living, and environmentalism. Sign your kiddos 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
Pink Pineapple Surf
At this all-girls surf school, empowerment is emphasized 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 (ages 9-14). 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)
Summa Love Surf Camp
Conquer your dreams and learn how to surf at Summa Love Surf Camp. Taught by a group of seasoned instructors, there is something for everyone here. 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 7-14 will want to participate in either the Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Performance 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 Lessons in Ocean County
Coastline Adventures Surfing School
This surfing school offers 1, 1.5, or 2-hour private, semi-private, and private group surf 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
Hammer Surf School
Founded by New Jersey professional surfer Sam Hammer, this surf school has three-hour 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, they offer beginner private lessons and exclusive coaching with Hammer for a more 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 Lavallette, Spring Lake, Seaside Park, Bay Head
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 The School of Skim, Boogie-board, and Fun Camp, where they’ll learn how to surf, skimboard, bodyboard, and more.
Locations in Long Beach Island North and South
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 Sports Camp or take a 60, 90, or 120-minute lesson privately or with friends.
Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Matador Surf School
This laid-back surfing school is all about welcoming beginners and has been doing it for over 35 years. 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
Randazzo Surf School
Have your fam learn from a pro—this surf school is run by 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 an hour-long private lesson with Dean.
North Wildwood and Margate Pier
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 to have fun and get foundational surf training.
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
The Sandy Avocado Surf Camp
The entire fam can do these surfing lessons—each lesson starts with a yoga warm-up and safety instructions, then pivots to catching waves along the shore, depending on 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 beginner and intermediate riders.
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Surf Lessons in Atlantic County
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 but instead let you pick the best dates for your schedule. Group lessons with a 3-to-1 ratio 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
Stacey’s Surf & Paddle
This surf school has camps and private lessons for all ages and abilities, focusing on having a good 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
Surf Lessons in Cape May County
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 so kids 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. The school offers private surf and group lessons for all skill levels, but you must be at least 6 years old to sign up.
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 (3 or more people) lessons 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
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 pick the most convenient beach closest to them.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
SurfTopia
Kids will be stoked to take a surf lesson here, which brings Aloha vibes to Wildwood and is run by a local who spent time surfing worldwide. They’ll learn about safety and surfing on land first, then head into the water and have an hour to catch the 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
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