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October 2023 by Brian Rybarik
The experience with Locals was great - good communication and logical interface with the online booking.Ray was my instructor and was awesome. Assessed my skills and ability quickly, gave clear instruction, helped my learn a lot and even catch a few waves. It was a bit of a crazy wave day, but Ray got me into good position to take on the challenge.Highly recommend Locals (solid Americano at the coffee shop after too).
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September 2023 by Alfredo Achecar
Update after response from owner: I appreciate that you are a small business, our family is a small business in a sense too. I booked a group lesson so the instructor showed up regardless whether it was 3 or 2 of us, so the conclusion doesn’t follow your premise. I would have probably been loyal to Locals forever if you had shown me a small kindness in the face of my son falling ill overnight, the morning of the lesson, again having booked within 24 hours of the lesson. I was not a no-show and I wasn’t asking for a refund. I wanted to pay good money for more lessons. Any small business owner makes decisions and it seems like you’re comfortable with this one. I’m comfortable with mine and everyone should know about this before they decide to book with you. Good luck and good day.****Lesson was good. The instructors we had were helpful and friendly - Vinny, Ellington and Adam. I took a lesson with my two boys and returned the following weekend for the three of us again. My older son wasn’t feeling well in the morning the second time and he wasn't able to make the lesson. I understand the 24 hour cancellation policy, but I booked the lesson within 24 hours and I also didn’t know that my son wouldn’t be feeling well until that morning. I tried to get a credit for a future lesson, likely for the three of us again, but James refused. I wasn’t asking for a refund. It’s not an extravagant amount, but for a family it’s a bit of a luxury to take these lessons on an ongoing basis. Instead of keeping a happy, ongoing customer for $100, Locals Surf School lost a customer. I’ll look elsewhere when looking for a surf lesson.
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September 2023 by Justin Guyot
Amazing. Very welcoming and relaxed environment with people of all ages, all while not being crowded or overwhelming. Had a blast and will definitely go back. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf or love the ocean and are looking for something to get you out there more often I definitely recommend booking a lesson with Locals.
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August 2023 by Andrew Lam
Private lesson with Joe was amazing! He catered the lesson to my current level. Joe taught me so many details to be mindful of when considering waves, turning, paddling, and he troubleshooted my previous nose-diving issue with proper body placement. His encouragement and support restored my confidence at this beach break after a previously not-optimal session the week prior. Additionally, after a wipeout, Joe always made sure to look back and check if I was okay so I felt safe under his watch. He emphasized that surfing takes reps so immediately after the lesson, I rented a board and was able to catch waves on my own continuously!Definitely a day I will remember!On top of that, the Locals staff at the check-in tents were very attentive and constantly updated me as I had showed up earlier to suit up.Thank you so much!
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August 2023 by DEE COOPER
From booking the session til pulling up the surfboard back to the sand the whole experience was awesome. So professional accessible skilled patient and positive . My 14 yo daughter has been attending group lessons and my 9 yo has been doing private lessons. My kids feel so empowered special and unique with a vibe that can’t be qualified. I’llNever chose another surf school and look forward to more sessions for me and the kids alike
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August 2023 by Lisa Metzger
I just took my second group lesson with Locals. I like the group lessons b/c you get several instructors tips and advice in the 2 hours (3 to 1 ratio of instructors to students). Every one of the instructors had something different and uniquely helpful for me to work on. Always positive and fun vibes there! Highly recommend.
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August 2023 by Stacy Sullivan
My kids have enjoyed Locals surf camp for the past 4 summers. The instructors know how to make it fun for beginners, which fosters a love of the sport. We’ve stayed at the Locals beach house, eaten at Locals cafe and surf at Locals surf school. The Mikes have set up a great operation in the Rockaways.
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August 2023 by Gleb
Awesome surf camp for kids!! Weeklong fun in the sun. Staff is just great with kids. A good ratio of kid/instructor in the water. My 12yo was getting on every wave he chose by the last day. Solid basics and judgement. We are investing in a wetsuit for him and will definitely be back! I'll be taking lessons as well.
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July 2023 by sara fordsham
Great skateboard school .We came with a large group for and the girls absolutely love it. The instructors were great and positive. It was very organized and the girls felt so accomplished! We will def be back
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July 2023 by Shxpir
Took a private lesson with James, super nice guy very professional. I had to be there earlier, because my schedule changed, james was very flexible about that. And during the whole class, he was by my side, showing and reaching me all the technical stuff. I felt very safe and motivated. So I booked a 10 lessons package after the session. Highly recommend
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July 2023 by Franklin Williams
My friend and I took a lesson for my birthday and I could not recommend it more. We had a blast, the instruction was expert and I was up on my first wave within 6 minutes of getting into the water! I had a blast and booked time to go back as soon as was done, highly recommend!
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June 2023 by Amanda H
Adam is amazing! He taught my 3 kids how to surf in no time and was so patient, caring and fun! Made the trip for us and our kids worth every minute ? Highly recommend.
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May 2023 by Javier Osorio
Had an incredible surf lesson! Really good instructor-to-learner ratio. The patient, attentive instructors created a supportive environment. Felt comfortable asking questions and receiving feedback. The location is also shallow and sandy. Felt very safe throughout.
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May 2023 by Kathleen Sand
I'm a 70 something first-time surfer with an artificial knee. After a cloudy morning, we arrived at Locals just as the sun came out - a great omen for a thrilling adventure! Adam made it easy to catch a wave or two and shared his love of the ocean. A great day at Rockaway, one I will always remember. Thank you, Adam!
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April 2023 by Mizuki Stone
Had a really great experience taking surf lessons with Locals. As a beginner, I got lots of good tips from paddling to properly putting on a wetsuit. The Locals cafe is around the corner and a great spot to grab some post-class food. Will be going back!
