Surf Lessons & Kids Camps in Beach Haven, Long Beach Island
Surf Lessons & Kids Camps in Beach Haven, Long Beach Island
South End Surf ‘N Paddle has taught Long Beach Island visitors and locals to surf for over a decade, right at the southern tip of the island in Beach Haven. As one of only two surf schools permitted to operate in Beach Haven, we schedule just one or two shifts a day—timing our lessons specifically around peak ocean conditions so families get the best waves. Whether you want one-on-one coaching, a group surf lesson with friends, or a multi-day camp for your kids, every program runs with CPR-certified instructors, included equipment, and small ratios so you spend your time catching waves — not waiting on the beach.
Quick Details:
Four ways to learn: private lessons, private group lessons, the Lil Grom camp (ages 6–10), and the Big Grom camp (ages 11–16).
Open to ages 6 and up: complete beginners welcome; swimming ability is required for every program.
Everything included: surfboard and wetsuit are provided — just bring sunscreen, a towel, and water.
Where you’ll surf: Ocean Street beach in Beach Haven, with check-in at our shop on South Bay Avenue.
Backed by a guarantee: every session is covered by our 100% Positive Experience Guarantee, and start times are set by tide and conditions.
Choosing Your Surf Lesson or Camp
Private Surf Lessons in Beach Haven
Ages 6+
90 Minutes
From$100
Best Value on LBI for Surfing Lessons Catch your first wave or improve your skills with our personalized, 90-minute Private Surf Lessons in Beach Haven.
Private Group Surf Lessons in Beach Haven
Ages 6+
90 Minutes
From$160
Friends & Family Lessons Gather your squad for unforgettable group surf lessons in Beach Haven! Enjoy a 90-minute session with friends or family, where you learn surfing basics, including ocean
Lil Grom Surf 'N Paddle Camp
Ages 6-10
4 Days
From$349
Perfect for kids ages 6-10, Lil Grom Surf ‘N Paddle Camp is an introductory surf & paddleboarding experience designed to build confidence in the water while having an absolute blast!
Big Grom Surf Camp
Ages 11-16
4 Days
From$349
Fun, Friendship & Surfing in Beach Haven! Camp Designed for kids ages 11-16, Big Grom Surf Camp is a high-energy, immersive surf experience perfect for beginners & returning campers!
Why Long Beach Island Is a Great Place to Learn
LBI’s south-facing beaches pick up clean, manageable swell that doesn’t overpower beginners, and Beach Haven sits where waves tend to be gentlest. We select Ocean Street in Beach Haven specifically for its gentle sandbars—we know that break inside and out, knowing exactly how and when to put kids into the water so we can maximize safety and fun. Warm late-summer water helps too — NOAA coastal data puts the New Jersey ocean around 75°F in August, comfortable for a wetsuit lesson.
Surfing is also having a moment: nearly 30 million Americans went paddling and surfing-style watersports in 2024, up 22% since 2019 (Outdoor Industry Association). Learning with a local school means you skip the trial-and-error and start with proper technique.
What Every Lesson and Camp Includes
All programs include a surfboard, a wetsuit, and instruction from CPR-certified, fully insured coaches. You’ll cover ocean reading, paddling, pop-up timing, wave selection, safety, and surf etiquette.
We don’t run lessons on a fixed hourly schedule. Instead, we choose the best start time around the tides and surf, then send your exact time by 6 PM the night before with a final confirmation the morning of.
Booking, Packages, and Gift Options
Private lessons offer package discounts down to $74 per lesson for ten sessions, and camps offer multi-week savings up to 15% off. Lessons and camps fill quickly in July and August, so reserving early is the safest bet.
Looking for a present? Our surf and paddle gift cards cover lessons, camps, and gear, and members of the free Boardriders Club save on every booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a private surf lesson and a group lesson?
Private surf lessons are 1:1 — one instructor for you for the full 90 minutes. Group lessons share one instructor across up to three students (3:1), which suits families or friends learning together at a lower per-person cost. Both are 90 minutes at Ocean Street beach.
What is the best surf lesson for a child who has never surfed?
The best way to learn is a full week of camp, but a close second would be individual lesson packages where students get multiple lesson times with an instructor. Both are open to ages 6 and up and require no experience.
What age can kids start surf lessons on LBI?
Lessons and camps are open to kids ages 6 and up. All participants must be comfortable swimming in the ocean — swimming ability is required.
What is the best time of year to book surf lessons?
Surf season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July and August the peak. Water is warmest in late summer, and the small, consistent swell is ideal for beginners. Summer books up fast, so reserve early.
Do surf lessons include equipment?
Yes — surfboard and wetsuit are included with every lesson and camp. Just bring sunscreen, a towel, and water, and arrive 20 minutes early at our shop for a wetsuit fitting.
Plan Your Visit
Where to find us: Check in at our surf shop, 220 S Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008. Surf lessons meet at Ocean Street beach in Beach Haven; arrive 20 minutes early for a wetsuit fitting before you head to the water.
We’re open April through December on Long Beach Island. For current hours and to reserve your spot, contact South End Surf ‘N Paddle or book online — our website handles all scheduling and our team confirms your time the evening before.