What should you wear to surf in New York City?
The answer changes throughout the year.
Rockaway can feel warm and inviting during summer, while the water becomes significantly colder through fall, winter, and spring. Air temperature can also be misleading. A sunny spring day may feel comfortable on the boardwalk while the ocean remains cold enough to require serious thermal protection.
The most important rule is to dress for the water, not simply for the weather on land.
This guide explains swimsuits, rash guards, wetsuits, boots, gloves, hoods, sunscreen, and what beginners should bring to a surf lesson at Rockaway Beach.
What should a beginner wear during summer?
During the warmest part of summer, many surfers wear a swimsuit or board shorts with a rash guard.
A secure swimsuit allows you to move freely and is less likely to shift during a wipeout.
A rash guard helps reduce friction between your skin and the surfboard. It also provides some sun coverage and makes students easier for instructors to identify.
However, a rash guard does not provide meaningful insulation in cold water and is not a replacement for sunscreen.
Always check the current water temperature and lesson guidance before deciding that a wetsuit is unnecessary.
What is a rash guard?
A rash guard is a lightweight, close-fitting shirt designed for water sports.
It can help protect the chest, stomach, and arms from rubbing against the waxed or foam-covered deck of a surfboard.
Rash guards are available with short or long sleeves. A long-sleeve version offers additional sun coverage but should still be combined with sunscreen on exposed areas.
Brooklyn Surf Club provides rash guards as part of its surf lesson equipment.
When do you need a wetsuit?
You need a wetsuit when the water is too cold for comfortable and safe exposure in regular swimwear.
The correct suit depends on:
- Water temperature.
- Air temperature.
- Wind.
- Cloud cover.
- Length of the session.
- Your personal tolerance for cold.
- The amount of time you expect to spend waiting rather than actively paddling.
Do not choose your wetsuit based only on the calendar. Check the actual conditions.
What does a wetsuit do?
A wetsuit allows a thin layer of water to enter between the suit and your skin. Your body warms that layer, while the neoprene helps slow further heat loss.
A wetsuit needs to fit closely to work effectively.
A suit that is too loose allows cold water to flush through repeatedly. A suit that is too tight can restrict paddling, breathing, and movement.
The neck, wrists, and ankles should sit securely without causing pain or numbness.
Do wetsuits keep you completely dry?
No.
A standard wetsuit is designed to keep you warmer, not completely dry.
Water usually enters through openings and seams. The suit works by reducing how quickly your body loses heat.
A drysuit works differently, but drysuits are not standard beginner surfing equipment and require their own knowledge and safety considerations.
For most NYC surfers, a properly fitted surf wetsuit is the normal cold-water choice.
How thick should a wetsuit be?
Wetsuit thickness is commonly described using millimeters.
A suit marked with two numbers has thicker neoprene around the torso and thinner neoprene around the arms and legs to support mobility.
There is no perfect thickness chart that works for every person and every session. Manufacturers also use different materials and construction methods.
As a general seasonal approach:
- Warm conditions may require only a swimsuit and rash guard.
- Cooler conditions may call for a thinner full suit.
- Cold conditions require a thicker full suit and may also require boots, gloves, and a hood.
Ask your surf school or a local surf shop what is appropriate for the current water temperature.
Why spring can feel colder than expected
Spring air temperatures in New York may warm faster than the ocean.
A sunny day can make the beach feel like summer while the water remains cold.
This mismatch creates risk because people dress for the air temperature and underestimate the effect of cold immersion.
Before surfing, check both air and water temperatures. Wind can make the session feel colder, especially after you leave the water.
Bring warm, dry clothing for afterward.
What should you wear in fall?
Early fall can offer warm water and comfortable air, but conditions cool as the season progresses.
A swimsuit may still work during warmer periods, while later sessions may require a full wetsuit.
Fall storms can also create larger surf and stronger currents. The correct clothing does not make difficult conditions suitable for a beginner.
Wear the appropriate thermal protection and match the session to your ability.
What do surfers wear during winter in NYC?
Winter surfing in New York requires specialized cold-water equipment and experience.
Surfers typically use a thick full wetsuit together with a hood, gloves, and boots selected for the water temperature and conditions.
Winter creates additional challenges:
- Cold shock.
- Reduced hand and foot dexterity.
- Faster fatigue.
- Difficult changing conditions.
- Cold wind after exiting the water.
- Potential ice on equipment and walkways.
Winter is not the season for an unprepared first independent session. Beginners should build skills in easier conditions and seek experienced guidance before entering cold winter surf.
Why wear surf boots?
Surf boots, also called booties, help reduce heat loss through the feet and provide some protection while walking.
They should fit securely without creating painful pressure points.
Boots that are too large may fill with water and make foot placement feel less precise. Boots that are too small can restrict circulation.
Remember that boots do not make sharp rocks, broken glass, or other hazards safe to step on.
Why wear surf gloves?
Gloves help retain warmth and preserve hand function in cold water.
Choose gloves designed for the conditions and make sure they allow you to paddle and grip the board comfortably.
Very thick gloves can make the hands feel less flexible, while inadequate gloves may lead to numbness.
If you lose feeling or coordination in your hands, leave the water.
Why wear a surf hood?
A surf hood helps reduce heat loss around the head, neck, and ears.
Some winter wetsuits include an attached hood, while others use a separate hood.
A good hood should fit securely without obstructing vision or hearing more than necessary.
Cold-water surfers should also be aware of ear health and discuss recurring pain or hearing issues with a medical professional.
Should you wear sunscreen while surfing?
Yes.
Sunlight reflects off the water, increasing exposure. Cloudy conditions do not eliminate ultraviolet radiation.
Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen before entering the water and follow the product’s directions for reapplication.
Pay attention to commonly missed areas:
- Ears.
- Back of the neck.
- Face.
- Lips.
- Hands.
- Tops of the feet when not wearing boots.
A rash guard or wetsuit provides physical coverage, but exposed skin still needs protection.
Should you wear sunglasses?
Regular sunglasses are easily lost in waves and may become a hazard.
Specialized water-sports sunglasses exist, but they need secure retention and should not interfere with safety.
Most beginner surfers leave sunglasses on shore and rely on appropriate sunscreen and other sun-protection measures.
Never bring expensive eyewear into the ocean unless you are prepared to lose it.
Should you wear jewelry?
Avoid jewelry during a surf lesson.
Necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, and earrings can be lost or caught on equipment. They may also scratch the board or another person.
Remove valuable or sentimental items before arriving at the beach and store them securely.
The ocean is extremely effective at keeping anything you drop.
Should you wear a life jacket while surfing?
Standard surfing is generally taught using swimming ability, a surfboard, and a leash rather than a traditional life jacket.
A bulky flotation device may restrict paddling and the ability to move under or around waves.
However, individual programs or adaptive surfers may use specialized flotation based on their needs.
Always follow the equipment requirements of your instructor and be honest about your swimming ability. A leash and board do not replace the ability to swim.
What should you bring after surfing?
Pack for the time after the lesson as carefully as the time in the water.
Bring:
- A dry towel.
- Water.
- Dry underwear and clothing.
- A warm layer.
- Sandals or shoes.
- A bag for wet gear.
- Sunscreen.
- A snack.
- A changing robe or oversized towel if desired.
During cooler conditions, bring a hat and wind-resistant outer layer. Change out of wet clothing promptly.
How should a wetsuit fit?
A wetsuit should feel snug across the body without painful pressure.
There should not be large folds, loose areas, or pockets where water can collect.
You should be able to move your shoulders through a paddling motion, bend your knees, and breathe comfortably.
Try the suit before relying on it in the ocean. A suit that looks correct by height alone may not fit your torso, shoulders, or body shape properly.
How do you care for surf clothing?
After surfing, rinse wetsuits, rash guards, boots, gloves, and hoods with fresh water.
Allow them to dry away from intense direct heat. Do not place neoprene in a clothes dryer unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
Turn wetsuits inside out during part of the drying process so both sides can dry.
Do not leave wet equipment sealed in a bag for long periods. That creates odor and can shorten its useful life.
What Brooklyn Surf Club provides
Brooklyn Surf Club lessons include a beginner-friendly surfboard and rash guard.
The lesson information will explain whether additional seasonal equipment is available or required. Ask before arriving if you are uncertain about wetsuits or the forecast.
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.
Prepare for your Rockaway surf lesson
Comfort helps you focus on learning.
When you are dressed correctly, you can pay attention to paddling, balance, safety, and the waves rather than thinking only about being cold or sunburned.
Book a Brooklyn Surf Club lesson at Beach 67 and confirm the recommended clothing for the day’s conditions before you arrive.
FAQ
What should I wear to a summer surf lesson in NYC?
During warm summer conditions, a secure swimsuit or board shorts with a rash guard may be appropriate. Water temperature changes throughout the season, so check the current conditions and follow your instructor’s recommendation before deciding whether you need a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit at Rockaway Beach?
It depends on the water temperature, wind, air temperature, session length, and your cold tolerance. Wetsuits are commonly needed outside the warmest periods. Dress for the water rather than assuming a warm day means warm ocean conditions.
Does a rash guard keep you warm?
A standard rash guard provides minimal thermal insulation. Its main purposes are reducing skin irritation, adding sun coverage, and identifying students. In cold water, you need a properly fitted wetsuit or other suitable thermal protection.
Can I wear jewelry during a surf lesson?
It is best to remove jewelry before surfing. Rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, and earrings can be lost, caught on equipment, or cause scratches. Store valuable items securely before entering the water.
What should I bring for after my lesson?
Bring a towel, water, dry clothing, sunscreen, footwear, and a bag for wet items. In cooler weather, add a warm hat and wind-resistant layer. Changing out of wet clothing promptly will help you warm up after the session.