{"id":4866,"date":"2009-06-30T09:56:10","date_gmt":"2009-06-30T13:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=4866"},"modified":"2023-03-13T21:21:12","modified_gmt":"2023-03-14T01:21:12","slug":"surfing-montauk-rentals-lessons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/4866\/surfing-montauk-rentals-lessons\/","title":{"rendered":"Braving the Waves: A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Surfing in Montauk"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located on the eastern tip of Long Island in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/15793\/camping-near-nyc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Montauk has become a favorite spot of many surfers and wake surf enthusiasts. Annually, the beautiful beaches attract thousands that want to catch a ride on Montauk\u2019s tough and challenging yet consistent waves.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><a title=\"offManhattan Montauk Biking Article\" href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/2009\/05\/04\/biking-in-montauk-bike-rides\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montauk<\/a> was recently ranked number eight out of the Ten Best Surf Towns in America by <em>Surfer<\/em> Magazine, much to the chagrin of local surfers. Although it\u2019s no secret that surfers are territorial and secretive, the ocean is a vast and limitless beast, and if you\u2019re just starting out you don\u2019t need to surf the biggest spots. Stick to this guide for beginners and you\u2019ll find a welcoming wave with small crowds and friendly faces.<\/p>\r\n<h2><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/slideshow_std_h_13.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37781 aligncenter lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/slideshow_std_h_13.jpg\" alt=\"air and speed surf shop\" width=\"351\" height=\"264\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37781 aligncenter lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/slideshow_std_h_13.jpg\" alt=\"air and speed surf shop\" width=\"351\" height=\"264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/slideshow_std_h_13.jpg 485w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/slideshow_std_h_13-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/slideshow_std_h_13-33x25.jpg 33w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a>Get the Gear: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you don\u2019t have your own surfboard or wetsuit, head to Main Street where Montauk\u2019s premiere surf shop <a title=\"Air and Speed surf shop\" href=\"http:\/\/www.airandspeedsurf.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air and Speed<\/a> has everything you&#8217;ll need. Owned by local Stu Foley and his environmentally-conscious family, the store will help you find just the right board and fit in a wetsuit for reasonable daily rates. Even better, Air and Speed offers surf lessons, private and group, which include a board and wetsuit rental. One of Stu\u2019s strapping sons will give you a professional lesson, starting with pop-ups on the sand and ending with you catching plenty of waves. If the surf makes you nervous, ask for a lesson with Bob, a local surfer, who has more than twenty years as a lifeguard under his belt.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s not a question that a surfboard is an essential gear for surfing. If you&#8217;re a beginner, you may opt for a longboard. Also, remember to bring a proper wetsuit since the temperature in Montauk can be pretty chilly, even during the summer.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To prevent the board from drifting away, you must have a leash to attach the board to your ankle. Of course, don&#8217;t forget your sunscreen. Even on overcast days, the rays of the sun can be damaging. Lastly, to provide traction on your board, don&#8217;t forget to bring a wax and apply a fresh coat before starting a session.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><strong>Rise Early:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>Familiarize yourself with the term: Dawn Patrol. The best time to go surfing in Montauk is early morning; as long as you\u2019ve got a sliver of sunlight you can get in the water. The wind is calm, which keeps the water glassy not choppy. Suit up and take the plunge. The grogginess will wear off as soon as you\u2019re out in the ocean, amidst a spectacular sunrise.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from the calm and clean waves in the morning, there are fewer people too. You\u2019ll have a vast space to enjoy without bumping into anyone. Also, surfing takes a lot of time and energy. By getting up early, you\u2019ll have more time to enjoy the waves before the terrible midday heat strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locals say you&#8217;ll have a better chance of catching the dolphins and seals as they&#8217;re more active in the morning. Sharing the waves with them will be truly magical. &nbsp; <\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><strong>Pick the Right Spot:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re just learning how to surf, or have only paddled out a few times, you\u2019ll want to surf a beach break. A beach break is a wave that breaks onto a sandy beach, as opposed to one with a jetty, reef, or rocks. Anywhere you hit the beach in town will suit your needs, but be aware of swimmers. If there are lifeguards on the beach, it\u2019s a good idea to ask them where they\u2019d like you to surf. A popular beach break that pumps out consistent waves is located at Ditch Plains.<\/p>\r\n<p>Enter the beach from the first parking lot and make a right. Walk down the beach for about five minutes and enter the water where the cliffs start. (Yes, this break does have a name, but if I told you, I\u2019d have to kill you.) Remember that you only need a small wave to learn how to surf. Don\u2019t be discouraged if the water looks relatively flat, it always looks bigger when you\u2019re in it, and anything breaking will suit you just fine. If you\u2019re surfing this spot at Ditch, you might be curious about the crowd you see surfing to the East. Don\u2019t be tempted to join the line-up; you\u2019re better off taking smaller rides and not risking a collision or local\u2019s glare.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And in your rush to get on the beach and surf that you forget your stuff, it\u2019d be good to know that local boat and gear providers enable you to rent a boat, gear, and of course a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swellwake.com\/collections\/wakesurf-boards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">board for all wakesurf levels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You don\u2019t have to worry about anything. You\u2019re there to enjoy your time and the waves<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/5034382303_895a51a37a_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-27933 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/5034382303_895a51a37a_z.jpg\" alt=\"surfing montauk long island\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-27933 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/5034382303_895a51a37a_z.jpg\" alt=\"surfing montauk long island\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/5034382303_895a51a37a_z.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/5034382303_895a51a37a_z-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/5034382303_895a51a37a_z-37x25.jpg 37w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a>Safety\/Etiquette:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>The following is a list of tips that will keep you safe in the water and on land\u2014the last thing you want is a ticked off local waiting for you in the parking lot. Most locals and serious surfers only take issue with beginners who compromise safety, so stick to the following:<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>1. <\/strong>When you\u2019re about to catch a wave look both ways, just as if you\u2019re crossing a street, to make sure the wave is clear.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>2.<\/strong> Don\u2019t drop-in.&nbsp; If there is someone on the wave, don\u2019t go. The guy closest to the peak (where the wave is tallest) has the right of way.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>3.<\/strong> Be aware of your fellow surfers. Always know where others are in the water to avoid collisions.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4. <\/strong>Try to paddle out in a channel, not through the line-up. If you are paddling out and someone is riding a wave right at you, paddle like crazy to get behind them\u2014even if it means taking the whitewater on your head.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>5.<\/strong> Don\u2019t let go of your board. A surfer should never rely on their leash as a way to hold onto their board. If you bail your board, not only can it jerk you in a direction you don\u2019t want to go, it can become a serious danger to other surfers.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>6.<\/strong> Always cover your head. When you wipe out and find yourself doing somersaults underwater, protect your head by covering your face with your arms and cupping your head with your hands.&nbsp; The last thing you want to do is stand up quickly and catch a fin to the dome, so stay underwater for a few extra seconds, and don\u2019t uncover your head until you\u2019re already standing.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>7. <\/strong>Don\u2019t panic. The worst thing you can do is freak out in the water. If you find yourself in above your head, remember the shore is never far away. Point your board towards the beach and hold on, the waves will take you in.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>8.<\/strong> Always remember to be respectful, to the ocean and others.<\/p>\r\n<h2><strong>How to Get There:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><em>Montauk is easily accessible by rail and road. The Long Island Railroad offers daily trains to and from Penn Station. Check out <a title=\"LIRR bike rules\" href=\"http:\/\/lirr42.mta.info\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lirr.org<\/a> for a full schedule. Two tips: Be prepared for crowds on the weekend and pack a sweatshirt for the relentless air conditioning. The Hampton Jitney also offers daily service to the east end and departs from various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Or consult oM&#8217;s mini guide to <a title=\"Hyrbid Rentals\" href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/2008\/02\/13\/renting-hybrid-cars-in-manhattan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hybrid rentals<\/a>. And if you need a break from surfing, Air &amp; Speed is now renting Electra Bikes.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><em>Photo:&nbsp;john beil,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/animalvegetable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">animalvegetable<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><em>Check out <a title=\"Hampton Jitney\" href=\"http:\/\/hamptonjitney.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hamptonjitney.com<\/a> for a full schedule and be sure to make a reservation. Check out the Chamber of Commerce at <a title=\"Montauk CVB\" href=\"http:\/\/www.montaukchamber.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.MontaukChamber.com<\/a> for more information<em>.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Located on the eastern tip of Long Island in New York, Montauk has become a favorite spot of many surfers and wake surf enthusiasts. Annually, the beautiful beaches attract thousands that want to catch a ride on Montauk\u2019s tough and challenging yet consistent waves. Montauk was recently ranked number eight out of the Ten Best [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":53384,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[315,784,785,319,799,748],"tags":[21,22,45,217,1622],"class_list":{"0":"post-4866","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-day-trips","8":"category-adventure-activity-2","9":"category-beaches-adventure-activity-2","10":"category-long-island-destination","11":"category-surfing-adventure-activity-2","12":"category-train-2","13":"tag-beach","14":"tag-lirr","15":"tag-montauk","16":"tag-surfing","17":"tag-weekend-getaways"},"acf":[],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":53384,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/27036632014_9843a67192_o-e1465832940810-300x169.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4866\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53384"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}