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Many first-time surfers are surprised at how quickly they can learn the basics.
During your lesson, our instructors will teach you:
How to position yourself on the board
How to paddle into waves
The proper technique to stand up
Because Easton’s Beach has gentle beginner-friendly waves, many students are able to stand up and ride a wave during their first lesson.
Everyone progresses at their own pace, but our instructors focus on creating a fun, supportive environment where beginners can safely experience the excitement of surfing.
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No experience is necessary.
Most of our students are first-time surfers, and our instructors specialize in teaching beginners of all ages.
During your lesson you will learn:
basic ocean safety
paddling technique
how to stand up on the board
how to ride your first wave
Many students successfully stand up during their first surf lesson.
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Yes. Surf lessons with Rhody Surf are designed to be safe, structured, and beginner-friendly.
All lessons include:
experienced instructors
a maximum 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio
safety instruction before entering the water
beginner surfboards + safety leash
lifeguards on duty at Easton’s Beach
Our instructors carefully monitor ocean conditions and select the best area of the beach for beginner lessons.
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Yes. Easton’s Beach (First Beach) in Newport is one of the best beginner surf spots in the country.
The beach offers:
consistent waves
sandy bottom
large open shoreline
lifeguards on duty during summer
These conditions make it an ideal location for first-time surfers learning the basics.
Rhody Surf has been teaching surf lessons at Easton’s Beach for over a decade and our instructors specialize in helping beginners safely catch their first waves.
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Rhody Surf operates directly on Easton’s Beach (First Beach) in Newport, Rhode Island.
You can easily find us by looking for our large Rhody Surf trailer, tent, and flags on the beach.
If using GPS, the best address to enter is:
175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, RI 02840
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All Rhody Surf instruction takes place at Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI.
Our meeting point is the Rhody Surf tent located on the west end of the beach (towards Cliff Walk end of beach).
Enter the beach through Parking Lot #1. You will see the Rhody Surf trailer immediately when entering the lot - the breaking-wave design is hard to miss.
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Surf lessons and camp are typically held rain or shine — you’re already getting wet!
Passing rain showers are common at the beach and often bring cleaner wave conditions and better surf.
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Surf conditions change daily and smaller waves are often ideal for beginners.
Our instructors specialize in teaching first-time surfers in a variety of conditions, and many students successfully stand up and ride waves during their first lesson.
Lessons are not cancelled due to small waves or typical ocean conditions.
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Seaweed is a natural part of the ocean and occasionally appears at Easton’s Beach depending on tides and currents.
Our instructors always try to choose the cleanest area of the beach for lessons, but seaweed may sometimes be present.
Seaweed is completely harmless and a normal part of surfing, and lessons are not cancelled or refunded due to seaweed conditions.
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In rare cases of severe weather (such as thunder or lightning), a lesson or camp session may be postponed for safety.
If this occurs, our first option is rescheduling to another available time that works for both parties.
If rescheduling is not possible during your stay, a full refund will be issued.
Weather cancellations are uncommon and only occur when conditions are deemed unsafe by our experienced instructors.
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Surf lessons and surf camp can be booked directly through the “Book Now” page on our website.
For groups larger than four students or special events, please email rhodysurf@rhodysurf.com or submit a Contact Form.
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Walk-ups are welcome, but July and August often sell out quickly.
We recommend booking your surf lesson or camp in advance online.
Reservations can be made up to one hour before the start time, depending on availability.
For large groups (5+ students) please contact us through our website.
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Yes. Our online booking system allows you to reserve multiple dates within a single reservation.
For step-by-step instructions on booking surf camp, click here.
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Our full cancellation and rescheduling policy can be viewed here.
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Youth Surf Camp sessions are 2 hours.
All other surf lessons and classes are 1 hour.
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We take pride in providing a fun and safe experience while ensuring each student receives quality instruction.
All Rhody Surf lessons and camps operate with a maximum 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
For the most personalized experience, we recommend booking a 1 Student Private Surf Lesson.
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Every student learns at their own pace.
Some students stand up during their first lesson, while most people benefit from 2–3 lessons before feeling comfortable surfing on their own.
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Youth Surf Camp runs weekday mornings throughout the summer and concludes at the end of August.
You can view the current schedule and availability here.
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Yes. Each Youth Surf Camp session includes a planned 15–20 minute break.
This quiet break allows campers to:
Rest and recharge
Have a snack or water
Reapply sunscreen
Taking breaks during surf sessions is important for safety, injury prevention, and maintaining energy in the water.
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Yes. Parents and family members are welcome to watch from the beach during lessons and surf camp.
Easton’s Beach has a large open shoreline, making it easy to watch students as they learn and catch waves.
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Yes. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled lesson or camp so we can get everyone checked in and fitted with equipment.
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Yes. Please check in at the Rhody Surf tent on First Beach for your scheduled lesson or camp.
Before arriving, all participants must complete our waiver form:
The waiver can be completed on any phone, tablet, or computer.
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Rhody Surf provides all surf equipment, including surfboards and wetsuits.
We recommend bringing:
sunscreen
towel
water
snack
stoke!
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Yes. Parking is free at Easton’s Beach for all pre-scheduled lessons and camp sessions.
If you booked online, the email used for your reservation will receive parking instructions 24 hours before your lesson.
You will see the Rhody Surf trailer in Parking Lot #1 when you arrive.
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We have successfully taught students of all ages and athletic abilities.
The most important requirement is basic swimming ability. All participants must know how to swim before participating in a lesson.
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If you have any medical conditions that may affect your safety, please inform us before your session begins.
If you wear contacts, you may keep them in. Goggles are not necessary — simply close your eyes when wiping out.
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Tips are not required but always appreciated.
If you enjoyed your experience, a 15–20% tip is common and helps support our seasonal instructors.
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Yes. Rhody Surf offers a 10% military discount on rentals.
Please show a valid Military ID when making rental purchases directly on the beach.
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Rhody Surf is a seasonal business, operating 7 days a week from 9 AM – 5 PM during the summer season.
Our current hours of operation can also be viewed here.
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For additional questions, please submit a Contact Form or email
