Gansett Groms is a locally owned and operated surf school, founded by the Bennett family with over 40 years of experience surfing in Narragansett and around the world.
We’re here to make your surf journey simple, fun, and successful—from your very first wave to your next level.
We specialize in getting surfers standing up, riding, and having fun on Day One.
Our experienced instructors are passionate, highly trained, and dedicated to teaching surfers of all ages and skill levels in a safe, supportive environment.
Whether you’re just getting started, getting back in the water, or pushing your skills further—we’ll help you build confidence, catch waves, and reach your goals.
Meet the Gansett Groms Crew
Rigby Bennett
Rigby Bennett has been surfing for over 20 years, spending countless hours in the waters of Southern Rhode Island and California. A true waterman at heart, he combines deep local knowledge of Narragansett’s breaks with an enthusiastic, confident teaching style that helps surfers progress quickly and safely.
With more than a decade of experience as a surf instructor, Rigby works with everyone from young children catching their very first wave to older first-time surfers and those returning to the sport after time away. He’s known for his ability to get students standing up and riding during their very first lesson. His approach blends clear instruction, hands-on in-water coaching, and an intuitive understanding of ocean conditions—giving surfers both the skills and confidence to succeed.
Beyond the lineup, Rigby is a dedicated high school educator, where his passion for teaching extends into the classroom. His ability to connect with students of all ages translates seamlessly to the beach, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for every surfer he works with.
When he’s not surfing or teaching, Rigby enjoys golfing, fishing, snowboarding, traveling, and staying active. He earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island in Spring 2026.
Kylee Bennett
Kylee Bennett has been surfing for over 10 years and has spent the past six summers working as a surf instructor along the Southern Rhode Island coast. Growing up in the water, she developed both a deep respect for the ocean and a natural ability to help surfers of all ages feel confident, safe, and excited to learn. Kylee is especially known for her calm, encouraging presence in the lineup. She has a gift for helping beginners get comfortable in the waves and consistently gets students standing and riding — often during their very first lesson. Clients of all ages appreciate her patience and attentiveness, while her positive energy and supportive coaching style make her a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Kylee is entering her senior year at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire as a double major in Pre-Med and Anthropology, and she competes as an NCAA Division I athlete in both the Hammer and Weight Throw. The discipline, focus, and leadership required to balance Ivy League academics with Division I athletics carry directly into her instruction style — structured, motivating, and confidence-building. Last year, Kylee traveled throughout Europe, further broadening her perspective and love for adventure. When she’s not surfing or training, she enjoys snowboarding, boating, shopping, and traveling.
Brayden Bennett
Brayden Bennett has been surfing for as long as he can remember — practically since he could walk. Raised in the waves of Southern Rhode Island, he developed into both a successful competitive surfer and a respected local standout, confidently surfing some of Rhode Island’s most powerful and challenging breaks.
With five years of surf instruction experience, Brayden works with surfers of all ages. Whether he’s helping young children catch their very first waves or guiding older beginners back into the sport, he has a natural ability to break down technique. His coaching style focuses on building confidence and wave-reading skills, ensuring every student feels comfortable and capable in the lineup.
His experience extends far beyond the local breaks; Brayden has spent time surfing in California and Puerto Rico, and most recently traveled to Costa Rica this past winter to take on tropical swells. This range, combined with his competitive background, gives him a deep understanding of wave mechanics and progression across different conditions.
Currently, Brayden is a Psychology major and has just completed his first year of college. He balances his studies with a life centered around the water, bringing a calm, focused energy to his lessons. When he’s not surfing or coaching, he can be found snowboarding, skateboarding, offshore fishing, cooking, or chasing the next swell.
Torin Bennett
Torin Bennett has practically lived in the ocean since he was a toddler, following in the footsteps of his older siblings while carving out his own path. Though he may be the youngest member of the Bennett clan, he has already built a strong reputation as a local standout, earning multiple surfing competition wins and recognition in Rhode Island’s competitive surf scene.
Torin brings energy, enthusiasm, and a natural connection with younger surfers to every lesson. He is especially skilled at working with children, creating a fun, encouraging environment while helping them feel safe and confident in the water. His ability to break things down in a simple, relatable way makes him a favorite among first-time groms.
A competitive surfer and snowboarder, Torin thrives on progression and performance, constantly pushing himself both in and out of the water. He also plays soccer and maintains a strong all-around athletic background that supports his balance, coordination, and ocean awareness.
Entering Narragansett High School this year, Torin continues to grow both as a student and as an instructor, representing the next generation of the Bennett surf legacy. When he’s not surfing, he enjoys snowboarding, skateboarding, spearfishing, fishing, and staying active year-round.
Straight from the Lineup….
Customer Reviews & Stories
Around here, word travels fast. We’ve spent our lives in the Narragansett surf, and nothing makes us happier than seeing our neighbors catch their first glide. Here is the word from the water:
“Amazing family operation! Super helpful and knowledgeable in the water. Great for kids and adults who want to give surfing a try!”
“If you want to learn how to surf, don't look any further than Gansett Groms!! The whole Bennett family has grown up surfing since they could stand up!! Friendly, experienced, professional, fun and very chill! The only surf lessons you'll ever need! Hurry!!!”
“Just returned from morning surf lessons for our three grandchildren, who have never surfed before. The kids (13 and 9 yr old twins) connected with Rigby from the very start. His enthusiasm was contagious & instructions very clear. Spent ample time on safety before hitting the water. Before too long all 3kids were up on their boards riding in the gentle waves. They were thrilled! Such a fantastic experience for them! Highly recommend Gansett Groms for their experience, professionalism & ability to connect effectively to motivate newbies to the world of surfing!”
“Gansett Groms is amazing! Their customer service and professionalism is top notch. It's a family owned/operated operation, and everyone there has a decade or more of surfing/water sports experience, so they're extremely knowledgeable and friendly. No drama, and no out of town kids just working a job for the summer. I came to Rhode Island with the intention of learning to surf, but suffered a knee injury two days before my trip. Emily at Gansett Groms was so helpful by swapping my lessons out and setting me up with a hybrid stand up/sit down paddle board so I could still participate in water based activities. She even gave me a ride to the lake and picked me up when I was done.”