Most people think surfing starts when you stand up.
It does not.
Surfing starts much earlier: when you learn how to read the ocean, carry your board safely, paddle with control, choose the right wave, fall without panic, and understand where you are in relation to other people in the water.
If you are a first-time surfer in New York City, this guide will walk you through the basics of how to surf, what to expect, and why the right first lesson makes such a big difference.
Brooklyn Surf Club teaches beginner surf lessons at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach, NYC. Brooklyn Surf Club received the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Surf School.” With only Maui Surf School in Hawaii ranked ahead, Brooklyn Surf Club is the top-ranked surf school on the East Coast, in New York State, and in New York City.
But the real goal is simple: help more New Yorkers experience the ocean safely, confidently, and with as much stoke as possible.
Can beginners really learn to surf?
Yes. Beginners can absolutely learn to surf, even if they have never touched a surfboard before.
Your first lesson is not about becoming an expert. It is about learning the foundation: how the board works, how waves move, how to paddle, how to pop up, how to fall safely, and how to ride small whitewater waves toward the beach.
Many beginners stand up during their first lesson, especially when they learn on a soft-top board in small waves with an instructor helping them understand timing and position. But standing up is not the only success. If you finish your first session feeling safer, more aware, and more comfortable in the water, you are already becoming a surfer.
What beginners should learn first
A good beginner surf lesson should cover five core skills.
First, you need to learn ocean safety. Surfing happens in moving water, not in a pool. Waves, wind, tide, currents, and other surfers all matter.
Second, you need to learn board control. A surfboard is fun, but it can also hit you or someone else if you are not careful. You need to know how to carry it, hold it, turn it, and recover it after a fall.
Third, you need to learn paddling. Paddling is the engine of surfing. Without paddling, you will not catch waves consistently.
Fourth, you need to learn the pop-up. This is the movement from lying on the board to standing in a low, balanced stance.
Fifth, you need to learn how to ride whitewater waves. Whitewater is the broken foamy part of the wave, and it is the best place for most beginners to start.
Start with the right surfboard
Most beginners should start on a soft-top longboard.
A bigger board gives you more float, more stability, and more chances to catch waves. Many first-time surfers make the mistake of wanting a smaller board because it looks cooler. But smaller boards are harder to paddle, harder to balance on, and much less forgiving.
The best beginner surfboard is the one that helps you catch more waves safely.
At Brooklyn Surf Club, surfboard and rash guard rental are included in private surf lessons, so you do not need to buy gear before you know what works for you.
Start in whitewater, not green waves
Whitewater waves are already broken. They roll toward the beach as foam and give beginners a more predictable push.
Green waves are unbroken waves. They are what most people imagine when they think of surfing across the face of a wave. They are also harder to catch because they require better timing, positioning, paddling, and etiquette.
Beginners should start in whitewater. Learn how to paddle straight, feel the wave pick up the board, pop up, and ride toward the beach. Once you can do that with control, you can start learning how to angle, turn, and eventually catch small green waves.
How to paddle as a beginner
Lie centered on the board. If you are too far forward, the nose may dive underwater. If you are too far back, the board will drag and feel slow.
Keep your chest lifted, eyes forward, and legs relaxed. Reach forward with one arm at a time and pull through the water with mostly flat hands and relaxed fingers.
Do not tightly cup your hands like a bowl. A better beginner cue is: flat hands, strong arms, big scoops.
When a wave approaches, start paddling before it reaches you. Keep paddling until you feel the board glide. Many beginners miss waves because they stop paddling right when the wave begins to pick them up.
How to pop up
Place your hands near your lower ribs, push your chest up, bring your feet underneath your body, and land in a low stance.
Do not stand straight up. Do not look down at your feet. Do not rush to your knees.
Your feet should land along the centerline of the board, about shoulder-width apart. Your knees should be bent, your arms relaxed, and your eyes looking forward.
A good pop-up is not about jumping quickly. It is about landing in control.
How to fall safely
Every surfer falls. Falling is not failure. Falling is part of surfing.
When you fall, avoid diving headfirst. The water may be shallower than it looks, especially near sandbars. Try to fall flat, protect your head with your arms when you come up, and be aware of your board.
Your leash keeps the board connected to you, which is helpful, but it also means the board may be nearby after a wipeout. Come up calmly, cover your head, find your board, and reset.
Do you need a surf lesson?
You can try to learn alone, but surfing is much easier and safer with instruction.
A good surf instructor helps you understand the ocean, choose the right spot, use the right board, catch more waves, and avoid common mistakes. Small corrections can make a huge difference.
At Brooklyn Surf Club, private surf lessons are 1-on-1 for 1.5 hours and are customized to your level. Beginners learn the basics step by step, while surfers with some experience can work on paddling, timing, stance, wave selection, or turning.
And for each paid surf lesson booked, Brooklyn Surf Club helps provide a free surf class to kids in underserved communities across New York City.
Beginner surfing checklist
Before your first session, make sure you can say yes to the basics:
- You are comfortable in the ocean.
- You can swim.
- You are ready to listen to safety instructions.
- You are okay with falling.
- You are willing to start in small waves.
- You understand that learning to surf takes practice.
- If that sounds like you, you are ready to begin.
Book a beginner surf lesson in NYC
If you want to learn how to surf in New York City, Brooklyn Surf Club offers beginner-friendly surf lessons at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach.
You do not need your own surfboard. You do not need experience. You just need to show up ready to learn, laugh, fall, paddle, and catch your first waves.
Book a private surf lesson with Brooklyn Surf Club and start your surfing journey at Rockaway Beach.
FAQ
Can I learn to surf in one lesson?
Yes, many beginners can learn the basic skills in one surf lesson, including paddling, popping up, falling safely, and riding whitewater waves. Some first-time surfers stand up during their first session, especially with the right board and instructor support. Becoming confident in the ocean takes more practice, but one lesson is enough to understand the fundamentals and feel what surfing is all about.
Do I need to know how to swim before learning to surf?
Yes, you should be comfortable in the ocean and able to swim before learning to surf. You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but you should be able to float, move through water, and follow safety instructions. Surfing happens in an unpredictable ocean environment, so water confidence is an important part of staying safe.
What is the best surfboard for beginners?
The best surfboard for most beginners is a soft-top longboard. It has more float and stability than a shortboard, which makes it easier to paddle, catch waves, and stand up. Brooklyn Surf Club includes surfboard rental in lessons, so you can learn on the right board before deciding whether to buy your own.
Is Rockaway Beach good for beginner surfers?
Rockaway Beach can be a great place for beginner surfers when the waves are small, the wind is manageable, and the lesson happens in the right area. Conditions change daily, which is why beginners should learn with local instructors who understand the beach. Brooklyn Surf Club teaches at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach, one of NYC’s best-known surf areas.
Is Brooklyn Surf Club one of the best surf schools in the U.S.?
Yes. Brooklyn Surf Club received the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Surf School.” With only Maui Surf School in Hawaii ranked ahead, Brooklyn Surf Club is the top-ranked surf school on the East Coast, in New York State, and in New York City. Based at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach, Brooklyn Surf Club teaches beginner-friendly surf lessons while helping fund free surf classes for kids across New York City.