Volunteering with Brooklyn Surf Club is about more than helping kids surf. It is about creating a safe, welcoming, and joyful beach day where young people can build confidence, connect with the ocean, and experience the power of community.
Brooklyn Surf Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing free surf access, youth mentorship, ocean confidence, and community-based surf experiences for kids in New York City. Our free surf lessons take place at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach, Queens, NYC, on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, June through September.
This guide is designed to help existing volunteers understand their roles, prepare for surf days, and know what is expected before, during, and after each session.
And yes, you do not need to be a surfer to volunteer. Only surf instructors need strong surfing ability. Most volunteer roles happen on the beach, at check-in, around equipment, or by helping kids stay organized, hydrated, protected from the sun, and ready for their time in the water.
Who We Serve
Brooklyn Surf Club works with kids ages 6–15. Many are first-time beginners who may not otherwise have access to surf lessons, ocean safety education, or surf equipment. Some kids have also surfed with Brooklyn Surf Club several times before and are continuing to build their confidence in the water.
Our goal is to meet every child where they are. For some kids, success means standing up on a wave. For others, success means putting on a wetsuit, touching the ocean, learning how to paddle, or feeling brave enough to try again.
Volunteer Schedule
Volunteer surf days usually happen on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach. The surf lesson takes 2 hours and the start time depends on the water conditions and the changing tide at that day. We will send an update on the exact timing 24 hours before the surf lesson starts.
Volunteers should plan to be available 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the surf session. That means arriving early enough to help set up and staying after the lesson to clean up, debrief, return equipment, and make sure everything is accounted for.
A typical volunteer day may include:
- Arrival and setup
- Volunteer briefing
- Water safety briefing for water volunteers
- Participant check-in
- Equipment distribution
- Warm-up and beach activities
- Surf instruction and water support
- Hydration, sunscreen, and beach coordination
- Equipment collection
- Cleanup and debrief
Safety Comes First
Water safety is our number one priority.
Ocean conditions can change quickly, and every surf day depends on the judgment of the designated safety leads. At Brooklyn Surf Club, the final call on ocean conditions is made by Niels (Founder of Brooklyn Surf Club) and David (Sierra Surf School), who are certified surf instructors and open-water lifeguards.
Volunteers helping in the water must attend the water safety briefing before entering the ocean with participants. No exceptions.
Only surf instructors select waves and push kids into waves. Surf assistants may help kids enter and exit the water safely, support positioning, keep the group organized, and help maintain awareness, but they do not choose waves or push participants into waves unless they are designated surf instructors.
Youth Safety and Volunteer Requirements
Brooklyn Surf Club works with children, so youth safety is a core part of volunteering.
All volunteers must sign a waiver before participating.
Brooklyn Surf Club also requires all volunteers working with youth to complete a kids safety agreement and sex offender registry screening. Background checks are required for volunteers working with children.
No volunteer may be alone one-on-one with a child at any time. Parents and guardians stay on the beach during lessons, and volunteers are expected to follow all youth safety guidelines throughout the day.
These rules help protect the kids, the volunteers, and the Brooklyn Surf Club community.
Volunteer Roles at a Glance
| Role | Best for | Experience needed |
|---|---|---|
| Event Coordinator | Organized volunteers who can manage flow, timing, and communication | Event or team coordination helpful |
| Surf Instructor | Strong surfers with water safety experience | Must be able to traverse left and right on unbroken waves; water safety training/briefing required |
| Surf Assistant | Volunteers comfortable helping near or in the water | Must attend water safety briefing |
| Check-In Volunteer | Friendly, organized volunteers | No surf experience required |
| Beach Assistant | Volunteers who enjoy working with kids on the beach | No surf experience required |
| Photographer / Videographer / Social Media | Creative volunteers who can capture the day | No surf experience required |
Event Coordinator
The Event Coordinator helps the whole day run smoothly.
This role coordinates the schedule, participants, volunteer flow, equipment checklist, timing, and debrief. There is usually one lead Event Coordinator, but other volunteers can support this role throughout the day.
The Event Coordinator helps answer questions like:
- Who has arrived?
- Which kids are checked in?
- Which volunteers are assigned to each area?
- Is the equipment ready?
- Are we staying on schedule?
- What needs to be adjusted before the next session?
This role is ideal for someone who is calm, organized, and comfortable helping people know where to go and what to do.
Surf Instructor
Surf Instructors lead the in-water surf experience.
This is the most specialized volunteer role. Surf Instructors must be strong surfers and capable of traversing left and right on unbroken waves. They also need water safety or lifeguard training.
Surf Instructors are responsible for helping kids understand the ocean, position safely, choose appropriate waves, and experience surfing in a supportive way.
Only Surf Instructors select waves and push kids into waves.
Brooklyn Surf Club aims for a 4:1 participant-to-instructor ratio whenever possible, with a maximum ratio of 8:1. Conditions, skill level, and safety needs may require smaller groups.
Surf Instructors should be confident in the ocean, patient with beginners, and committed to creating a positive experience for every child.
Surf Assistant
Surf Assistants support the in-water experience but do not take on the same responsibilities as Surf Instructors.
Surf Assistants help kids enter and exit the water safely, stay organized near the shoreline, listen to instructions, and follow the guidance of the Surf Instructors and safety leads.
Surf Assistants must attend the water safety briefing before helping in or near the water.
This role is great for volunteers who are comfortable around the ocean but may not yet have the surfing ability or formal safety training required to be Surf Instructors.
Check-In Volunteer
Check-in is one of the most important roles of the day.
The number one priority at check-in is confirming waivers. Every participant and volunteer must have the required waiver completed before joining the session.
Check-in volunteers also help welcome families, confirm attendance, provide sunscreen, hats, hydration, and make sure kids receive the right size wetsuit and rash guard.
Check-in volunteers are also responsible for giving out and collecting rash guards and wetsuits.
Returning kids may take a wetsuit and rash guard home, with a security deposit of $20 per item.
This role is ideal for friendly, detail-oriented volunteers who can stay organized while families arrive.
Beach Assistant
Beach Assistants help create a fun, safe, and organized beach environment.
Not every child is in the water at the same time. Beach Assistants help the kids who are waiting for their turn stay coordinated, hydrated, protected with sunscreen, and engaged.
Beach Assistants may help lead:
- Warm-ups
- Yoga or stretching
- Beach games
- Beach clean-up
- Hydration breaks
- Sunscreen reminders
- Group organization before and after surf sessions
This role is perfect for volunteers who enjoy working with kids, bringing positive energy, and helping the beach feel welcoming and safe.
Photographer, Videographer, and Social Media Volunteer
Photographers, videographers, and social media volunteers help capture the memories of the day.
No surf experience is required for this role. The goal is to document the joy, effort, teamwork, and community that make Brooklyn Surf Club special.
Volunteers in this role should send content to Brooklyn Surf Club first before posting. This helps us make sure we respect privacy, permissions, and the comfort of families and participants.
Good content may include:
- Kids and volunteers preparing on the beach
- Warm-ups and beach games
- Surfboards and equipment
- Group moments
- Ocean and beach atmosphere
- Volunteer teamwork
- Smiles, high-fives, and celebration moments
Please be thoughtful when photographing children and always follow Brooklyn Surf Club’s photo and youth safety guidelines.
What Every Volunteer Should Remember
Every role matters.
Some volunteers are in the water. Some are at check-in. Some are organizing wetsuits. Some are reminding kids to drink water. Some are leading games on the beach. Some are capturing photos. Together, these roles create the full Brooklyn Surf Club experience.
A great volunteer day is not just about waves. It is about safety, trust, encouragement, and making sure every child feels seen, supported, and included.
Volunteer FAQ
Do I need to know how to surf to volunteer?
No. You do not need to be a surfer to volunteer with Brooklyn Surf Club. Only Surf Instructors need strong surfing ability. Many of our most important volunteer roles happen on the beach, at check-in, with equipment, or supporting kids before and after their time in the water.
Where does Brooklyn Surf Club volunteer?
Brooklyn Surf Club volunteer surf days take place at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach, Queens, NYC.
When are volunteer days?
Volunteer surf days usually take place on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, June through September. Volunteers should be available 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the surf session.
Who are the surf lessons for?
Brooklyn Surf Club provides free surf lessons for kids ages 6–15, including underserved NYC youth, first-time beginners, and returning kids who have surfed with Brooklyn Surf Club before.
What is the most important safety rule?
Water safety is always the number one priority. Volunteers helping in the water must attend the water safety briefing. Only designated Surf Instructors select waves and push kids into waves.
Are background checks required?
Yes. Brooklyn Surf Club requires volunteers working with youth to complete a kids safety agreement and sex offender registry screening. Background checks are required for volunteers working with children.
Can a volunteer be alone with a child?
No. No volunteer may be alone one-on-one with a child at any time.
Do parents or guardians stay during the lesson?
Yes. Parents and guardians stay on the beach during lessons.
What should I bring as a volunteer?
Bring water, sunscreen, a towel, comfortable beach clothing, and anything you need to be outside for several hours. Water volunteers should bring appropriate swim or surf gear.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
You can sign up through the Brooklyn Surf Club volunteer sign-up page. Choose the volunteer option that fits your experience, availability, and comfort level.
Ready to Volunteer?
Brooklyn Surf Club is built by volunteers who believe that surfing can open doors: to confidence, ocean safety, mentorship, friendship, and joy.
Whether you are a strong surfer, a creative photographer, an organized check-in helper, or someone who simply wants to make the beach day better for kids, there is a role for you.
Sign up to volunteer and help kids in NYC experience the ocean, community, and the feeling of catching a wave.
https://www.brooklynsurfclub.com/products/volunteer-free-surfing-for-kids