Discovering a new surf scene in unassuming places is always a pleasant surprise in a surfer’s travel experience. New York City is not generally associated with surfing but dedicated surfers always have an eye out to coastal regions for surfable waves. I had heard about there being a place called Rockaway that local or city surfers went to, I had yet to make the trip out to see it. As a city river surfer myself, I can get behind the need for even a small standing wave or short break nearby the city in order to get that hit of surfer’s dopamine. Grabbing a wave every so often is the real cure to the stress of living in a busy hectic city or under a high pressure job.
Researching the local surf schools and surf crowd
While I was traveling to visit friends living north of Manhattan, I thought why not do a little research and if I had time, go down to check out Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. I had previously saw some clips or videos of surfers on the NY Subway so I had an idea I could get there by public transit. I started looking up some surf schools and surf shops in Rockaway and came across a few different accounts and some interesting findings!
Surf Schools in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
- Locals Surf School – Long-running community-focused surf lessons and camps taught by locals.
- Seasons Surf School – Highly rated local surf school.
- New York Surf School – One of the original surf schools at Beach 69th Street.
- Skudin Surf Rockaway – Part of the established Skudin Surf program offering lessons and camps.
- Surfs Up NY – Surf lessons plus equipment rentals and camps.
- NYC Surfing – Offers surf lessons around Beach 67th Street.
- Surf With Chris – Local surf instruction option in Rockaway.
- Sierra Surf School – Smaller surf school focused on personalized lessons.
Free Surf Lessons & The Black Surfing Association
One instagram account that popped up and seem to have a lot of publicity that caught my attention, was the Black Surfing Association, East Chapter led by Lou Harris. His story is quite interesting and I always love seeing people trying to get involved with the community and give back where they can. While even non profits need a source of income and support, trying to raise awareness, attention and offer what you can is always an admirable action. I reached out to Lou to see if we could grab a coffee when I went to Rockaway but he was out of town but hopefully we can connect in the future. You can read more about his story, and the association on his Instagram @black_surfing_rockaway where you can see an interview with Kelly Clarkson, and real testimonial videos and more. You can also read the article online at Surfer Magazine how they are empowering the Black Youth in New York.
Surf Shops, Surf Clubs and Surf Cafes in Rockaway Beach
I did research a few places I wanted to check out but as it was off season many were closed or on shorter business hours, also as I only had a few hours to check out the area, time and walking distance did hinder a bit of the exploration. Below are a few local spots I managed to stop by and I will add a list of some other spots I would be interested in checking out the next trip as well as some surfing!!
Eco-Conscious Surf Brands at Breakwater Surf Co.
While the surf schools along the beach in Rockaway were closed on that chilly February day, I did stop by a local Surf Shop and chat with the owner Dell at Breakwater Surf Co. and grabbed a comfy Rhythm Men’s jacket for the perfect oversized casual jacket at the beach. While shopping wasn’t the purpose of my visit, I still couldn’t resist grabbing an end of season great deal on a high quality surf brand I love. Probably also prompted but my lack of seasonal clothing on this last minute trip from Morocco to New York in the middle of February. Dell was super welcoming and we chatted about the local break, surf swell and other things surf, travel and life. I love when local surfers represent the community with good vibes and surf loving! He gave me a bit of direction as I headed out to check out the beach and other spots. The shop itself had a great selection of wetsuits, surfboards, swimwear, surf brand clothing and more! Even Sand Cloud towels that offer 10% of their profits to saving Marine Life. Another quality brand with eco conscious values.
While you don’t have to go all the way to Rockaway, you can conveniently shop online:
Rockaway Community & Beach Town Vibes
After leaving Breakwater Surf Co. Dell had sent me in the right direction. I knew as I saw the Kook sticker on the traffic light pole, I was in a surf town vibe community and felt just at home. Despite chilly February weather and foggy skies, I could see the summer energy hidden beneath the mist. The beachy townhouses and coastal theme streets like Coral Reef Way, Tides Rd. and Cross Bay Pkwy gave inspiration to my imagination to what the busy tourist summer months would be like with warm weather, flip flops and sunny skies.
Grabbing a Coffee at Locals Collective Cafe
I had found Locals Surf School in my search and when I checked out their IG account I saw they also had a community cafe which had a great vibe online and my kind of decor to enjoy my coffee with.
Locals Collective offers a great quality coffee and a tasty menu, in hindsight I wish I grabbed a Breakfast Sammy as like the Millennial stereotype goes, I love a good avocado toast and eggs. But I sipped my Latte and dipped my massive buttery croissant as I took a few videos to post later. Shared a story online and listened as the locals shared their mornings over coffee, while others worked quietly in the cozy corner under the colourful fins.
Locals Only : Locals Surf School: giving back
While putting together this blog piece, I went to check out their website and happily found how their Surf School Locals gives back to the community and help make their local surf community a better place.
Check out in detail what they do to give back here. Here is a brief list below:
- Annual Fundraiser for Local Child in Need
- Annual Surf Camp Scholarship
- Partnership with AWOW (A Walk on Water), a surf therapy for kids with unique needs.
- Monthly Beach Clean Ups
- Winter Toy & Coat Drive
- Partners with Surfrider Foundation for Charitble Events
- Partners with Life Rolls On – Adaptive Surfing, Skating and Fishing
Fresh Baked goods at Rockaway Beach Bakery
Rockaway Beach Bakery had popped up on my IG search results and I passed by on my way back into the city. Tracy the owner was super friendly and talked a bit about the surf and waves in Rockaway, she mentioned the glassy sets she rode the day before and recommended coming back. She was in the midst of moving locations, ramping up for the upcoming Sunday so this photo will become out of date but head over to her website and Instagram account @rockawaybeachbakery to see the tasty treats and new location details. Tracy gave me a Cheddar Dill Scone that was not only delicious but a great refuel on my subway ride home after a long walk along the beach coastline and broadwalk. Highly recommend if you are looking for some locally quality made bake goods, get additional to any beach or post surf picnic.
Other Rockaway Beach Spots:
Where to stay: Rockaway Beach Hotel
I was hoping to get down to check out this hotel in person because the photos online look so cool and inviting. Just a quick walk to the beach, surf vibes with pool and dining. Great for solo, couples or group trip or even event. If I was to book a surf trip to Rockaway Beach, this would be my ideal hotel to stay at. Check the website for more details and book your surf trip to Rockaway Beach.
Social Drinks & Tacos at Rockaway Surf Club
I walked over in the hopes to grab some tacos and a drink for lunch, not realizing it was closed but I would definitely love to check out the social scene in the summer months at Rockaway Surf Club. As a local surf, cultural and events space, the photos alone really give an idea of the community social life in this laid back surfer space. Check out online to see or book your next event.
Surf Lessons and surfing in NYC
While it was a quite winter day, I would recommend anyone in the NYC area or visiting to head down in the summer or fall and grab a surf lessons with one of the surf schools or if you need some new surf gear, easy and accessible way to grab public transit or a quick drive there. Great for families, couples or solo adverturers looking for laidback and friendly welcoming surf community just next to the busy streets of Manhattan.
How to get to Rockaway from Union Station
Here’s the fastest, no-nonsense way to get from Union Square to Rockaway Beach by subway:
Subway Route (About 1 hr 15–1 hr 30)
- At Union Square, take the L train (Brooklyn-bound).
- Get off at Broadway Junction.
- Transfer to the A train (Far Rockaway-bound).
- Stay on until Broad Channel.
- At Broad Channel, transfer to the Rockaway Park Shuttle (S).
- Get off at Beach 67th, 86th, or 90th Street — depending on where you’re headed.
That’s it. One main transfer, one short shuttle. Easy.
Alternative (Scenic Option)
- Subway to Wall Street / Pier 11, then take the NYC Ferry – Rockaway Route.
- Slower, but way more enjoyable in summer.
If you’re carrying a board, avoid peak rush hour. The A train gets tight.
Flying into JFK? Rockaway Beach is just next to JFK
Here’s the simplest way to get from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Rockaway Beach:
Fastest & Cheapest (About 45–60 mins)
- From your terminal, follow signs to the AirTrain.
- Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach Station (NOT Jamaica).
- At Howard Beach, transfer to the A train (Far Rockaway-bound).
- Get off at Broad Channel.
- Transfer to the Rockaway Park Shuttle (S).
- Exit at Beach 67th, 86th, or 90th Street, depending on where you’re staying.
That’s it. Two transfers. Very straightforward.
Taxi / Uber (25–40 mins depending on traffic)
- Fastest if you have luggage or a board.
- Can get pricey with traffic.
If you’re landing during peak traffic, the train is often more reliable than sitting in a car.
Rockaway Beach & Surfing NYC : Great surf day trip out of the city.
Looking for more info about Rockaway Beach and NYC Parks? Check out NYC government website.
