Surfs Up at Ditch Plains

Here you can find helpful information.
East End Surf instruction takes place at world famous Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk, New York.

Park or drop off* at the First Lot for Kid’s Club, and 2nd lot or Dirt Lot for private lessons. All lessons take place at Ditch Plains beach (unless planned otherwise with your coach).

All lots require a parking pass. Please plan accordingly.

We recommend dropping off or planning a parking strategy prior with your coach.

We recommend that you book in advance, especially if the student is requesting a specific coach or timeframe. We do our best to accommodate last-minute bookings and same-day bookings.

 

Coaches

One of our coaches will be waiting for you in the Lot. All are local surfers from Montauk and East Hampton who have surfed most of their lives. Their skills and knowledge in and of the ocean and surf specific instruction is essential to teaching a successful lesson. Each of our coaches is First Aid, and CPR certified.

Becoming a Surfer

Everyone is different. You can start surfing at any age. There is no telling how long it will take for someone to be able to surf until we've given them a few lessons. Typically, if you take 10-15 lessons and practice regularly, you can become a competent surfer. That being said - be humble. There is always room for improvement even if you are an experienced surfer.

Whether you are a 60-year-old adult or a 5-year-old child, it's essential to be a confident swimmer and comfortable going in and under the water. Starting on a boogie board can help you graduate to surfing. You should plan to surf on days that are smaller and more gentle. Ditch Plains usually is, and also has lifeguards on duty during the summer months.


What We Provide

All you need to bring is a comfortable bathing suit, sunblock, towel, and a change of clothes if you’d like. We provide surfboards and wetsuits. As you progress after a few lessons, we encourage you to buy your own equipment. This will allow you to practice on your own and get comfortable with consistent equipment. During the summer, you can grab some water and food at the Ditch Witch. Please leave your phone in the car. 

What To Expect

Lessons begin promptly at the scheduled time, please be on time. Your first lesson will start on the sand to go over the basics; how to handle the board, paddling, safety, the pop-up, and any concerns with conditions, etc. The rest of your lesson is in the water, catching and riding waves. You will be taught proper wave selection, how to use your weight to your advantage, surf etiquette and board positioning.

Almost every one of our students stand up during their first lesson—our surf instructors are awesome!

During July and August, the ocean temperature in Montauk is warm +/- 70 degrees, and you can surf in a bathing suit with a rash guard or a light wetsuit. If you surf in spring or fall the water can be chilly, and you may want to wear booties with your full wetsuit. We have wetsuits for you to use.

Surf Conditions

The right surf conditions can make or break a lesson when learning how to surf. No one wants to have a bad experience in the water. The most crucial factor as a beginner is the size of the surf and wind conditions. The best conditions for beginners are around waist high swell with light winds and a gentle wave.

Photography

If you would like to have photos or videos of your surf lesson, please let us know. We can arrange for a professional photographer to photograph your lesson.

***Parking***

Beach parking is by town permit only. If you do not have a parking permit plan accordingly. Please text your coach. Grab an Uber/Cab, plan to drop the student off or park nearby and expect to walk.

Rest Rooms

There are portable bathrooms at the Ditch Plains Dirt Lot and the Ditch Witch Lot. The main parking lot on the West side of Ditch has gender specific restrooms and outdoor wash & shower facilities. 

Cancellation Policy

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy, so please call or text us the day before if you need to cancel. We will cancel lessons if conditions are not suitable for surf lessons, including rip currents, rough surf, strong winds, thunder, lightning, heavy rain, or a flat ocean. We do not cancel lessons for light rain or cloud coverage. 

Where we Surf!

There are 3 lots at Ditch Plains Beach—First Lot, Second Lot, and Dirt Lot.

All Lots are Permit only parking.
The first Lot is Residents only parking.

To Obtain a Non-Resident Beach Parking Permit