Where is Rhody Surf located?
Rhody Surf’s physical location can be easily identified directly on Easton’s Beach (First Beach) by its large surf trailer, tent and flags. If using a GPS, 175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, RI, 02840 is the best address to use.
Where are the surf/SUP lessons and surf camp conducted?
All of our surf instruction courses are conducted at Easton’s Beach in Newport, Rhode Island. The meeting point is our surf tent on the beach behind Lifeguard Chair 7. Enter the beach through Parking Lot 1. You’ll see the surf trailer right when you pull into the lot, the breaking-wave design is very hard to miss!
What if it is raining?
Surf Lessons are held rain or shine...you're already wet! Rainstorms typically are accompanied by surf, and passing rain storms often provide cleaner wave conditions and better surf.
What if the weather conditions are unsafe?
Severe weather (thunder & lightning) conditions may arise where a lesson or camp cannot be adequately given. This does not occur often but in this event, rescheduling the lesson is our first option for a time convenient to both parties. If a future date cannot be scheduled that works well for your calendar, we will provide a full refund if it’s due to unsafe weather conditions. We rarely cancel lessons and camp due to weather or wave conditions, unless it is deemed unsafe by our experience staff of seasoned surfer instructors.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Our detailed cancellation policy can be viewed here.
How do I schedule a surf camp or lesson reservation?
Surf camp and lesson reservations can be self-booked and paid for through our interactive website’s ‘Book Now’ page. For lessons greater than four students or special events, please e-mail info@rhodysurf.com or complete a Contact Form to schedule.
Should I tip my surf instructor?
If you enjoy the service provided by your surf instructor(s) during lessons or camp, tips are welcome. Typically 15-20% of the lesson amount is common and very much appreciated by our seasonal staff.
Do I need to 'check-in' anywhere prior to beach?
You can check-in at the Rhody Surf tent right on First Beach for your lesson/camp. Our staff and instructors will be waiting under our tent for your scheduled time. Prior to your lesson, you must complete a waiver form here: Rhody Surf Lesson Waiver - which can be completed on any computer or mobile device.
Should I arrive early?
Students should arrive 15 minutes prior to start of their lesson to get checked in and geared up.
Are you open year round?
We are seasonal business, open 7 days a week from 9 AM - 5 PM during the summer. Our hours of operation can also be view here.
Should I reserve a lesson in advance?
Walk-ups are welcome, but we book up quickly in July and August and encourage reserving appointments for surf lessons, surf camp, and large group rentals. You can self-schedule schedule lessons and camp up to 1-hour prior to the start time under the Book Now section of our website. For large surf lessons or rental groups (5+ students), please send us the details and desired date/start time through this form. With that said, you can always try your luck if you're down at the beach looking for something new to try!
What is the student to instructor ratio for lessons and camp?
We take pride in providing a fun + safe experience and ensuring all students have adequate instruction during all of our lessons and camps. For that reason, we ensure a 4:1 student to instructor ratio, for all private group lessons and camp programs. If you are seeking a more dedicated 1:1 experience, we recommend scheduling a 1 Student Private Surf Lesson but our instructors are very experienced in balancing their time and energy between students within our private group lessons and camps.
Do I sign a waiver?
Every student/guardian must abide by & sign our waiver form available on the bottom right of our website or via this link: Rhody Surf Lesson Waiver. Please note, if the student is under 18 years old and unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the waiver must be submitted and signed in advance through the link provided below. You only need to fill it out once, even if you have multiple lessons or rentals.
Do you offer a Military Discount?
Rhody Surf offers a discount to our brave men and women in the U.S. Military. For rental purchases made directly on the beach, show your Military ID card and receive 10% off all rentals at time of sale.
Are there any age or physical requirements?
From young children to older adults, we have worked with students of all ages and athletic abilities. Our most common concern is water safety and confidence. All students must know how to swim prior to their surf lesson.
How many private lessons does it take to learn to surf?
All students are unique and learn to surf at different paces. Some only require one lesson but typically we see it takes two to three lessons to feel comfortable enough to start surfing on your own.
Are there any health requirements?
If there's any health conditions that would affect the safety of your lesson we ask that you kindly inform us before your session begins. If you wear contacts, wear them! No goggles required - just keep eyes shut when you wipe out.
How late in the season does surf camp run?
Youth Surf Camp runs every weekday morning throughout the summer and concludes at the end of August. You can see our full availability of the current season and schedule a spot for your child in surf camp here.
How long is my lesson?
All SUP and surf lessons are standard 1 hour from scheduled time. Youth Surf Camp is 2 hours, with a short break for snacks for campers.
Do I need to bring anything?
Rhody Surf, Inc. will supply all necessary equipment for the lessons and nature’s conditions. We recommend to pack sunscreen, a towel, snack and water for your lesson.
Is there easy access parking near Rhody Surf?
Yes and parking is free at Easton’s Beach during all pre-scheduled surf/SUP lessons or surf camp sessions. If you scheduled your appointment through our website, the e-mail address that you provided in your reservation will receive parking instructions via e-mail 24-hours prior to your reservation. You can easily spot the Rhody Surf trailer in the Easton’s Beach Parking Lot #1 upon your arrival.
Can't find what you are looking for?
For all follow-up questions not found on this FAQs page, please complete a Contact Form or e-mail info@rhodysurf.com