Many first-time surfers at Gansett Groms are surprised at how quickly they can catch on to the basics. Whether you're at the Town Beach or one of our other local spots, our goal is to get you dropping in as soon as possible.

During your lesson, our instructors will guide you through:

• Optimal Board Positioning: Finding the "sweet spot" for balance.

• Effective Paddling: Learning how to time and catch the energy of the wave.

• The Pop-Up: Mastering the proper technique to go from prone to standing.

Because the Southern Rhode Island coastline offers some of the best beginner-friendly breaks in New England, many of our students are able to stand up and ride a wave during their very first lesson.

Everyone progresses at their own pace, but the Bennett crew focuses on creating a fun, supportive environment where surfers of all ages can safely experience the pure stoke of surfing.

No experience is necessary to join the crew at Gansett Groms.

Most of our students are first-time surfers, and our instructors specialize in teaching beginners of all ages right here in the Narragansett area. We take pride in making the ocean accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their background in the water.

During your lesson, you will learn:

• Essential Ocean Safety: Understanding the local Narragansett coastline and surf conditions.

• Paddling Technique: How to move efficiently and stay balanced on your board.

• The Pop-Up: The secret to transitioning from your board to your feet with confidence.

• Riding the Wave: How to maintain your balance and enjoy the ride.

Because the Narragansett area offers some of the most consistent, sandy-bottom breaks in New England, many of our students successfully stand up and ride a wave during their very first lesson!

Yes! Surf lessons with Gansett Groms are designed to be safe, structured, and beginner-friendly for all ages.

Our priority is making sure you feel comfortable and confident in the Narragansett surf. All lessons include:

• The Bennett Crew: Our team of local instructors brings years of Narragansett wave knowledge and hands-on coaching experience to every session, ensuring you're learning from a team that truly knows the local breaks.

• Personalized Attention: We maintain a maximum 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio—often as low as 3:1—to ensure each camper receives the attention they need for both safety and skill progression.

• Comprehensive Safety Briefing: Every lesson begins on the sand with a breakdown of ocean safety, current awareness, and board handling before we enter the water.

• Safety-First Equipment: We provide soft-top beginner surfboards and safety leashes designed specifically to minimize risk and maximize stability.

• Lifeguard-Monitored Areas: We conduct our lessons in areas of Narragansett that are actively monitored by local lifeguards.

Our instructors carefully monitor the local tides and swell conditions, selecting the best breaks in the area to ensure a safe and successful experience for every student.

Yes. The beaches in Narragansett and Bonnet Shores are widely considered some of the best beginner surf spots in New England.

These locations offer:

• Consistent, Peeling Waves: Perfect for learning the timing of a ride.

• Sandy Bottoms: Providing a forgiving environment for those just starting out.

• Spacious Shorelines: Plenty of room to spread out and practice safely away from crowds.

• Lifeguard Supervision: Active monitoring throughout the summer season for peace of mind.

These conditions make the area an ideal setting for first-time surfers to master the basics. The Gansett Groms team has grown up surfing these exact breaks, and our instructors specialize in using their local knowledge to help beginners safely catch their very first waves.

You can find the Gansett Groms crew right at the South Parking Lot / Seawall entrance / Surfing section of Narragansett Town Beach.

Where is Gansett Groms located? If using GPS, the best address to enter is: 77 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, RI 02882

Once you arrive at the South Parking Lot, look for us near the Seawall entrance in the designated surfing section, and the team will be there ready to get you in the water!

No. Surf lessons at this location are private and exclusive to BSBC Members only. You must be a member of the Bonnet Shores Beach Club to access the beach and participate in lessons at this specific site.

For non-members looking to get in the water, we offer all of our standard lessons and clinics at Narragansett Town Beach, which is open to the public.

Surf lessons and camp are held rain or shine — you’re going to get wet anyway! Passing rain showers are common in Narragansett and often bring calmer winds and cleaner wave conditions, which can actually make for a better surf session.

However, the safety of the crew and our surfers is our top priority. We monitor the weather closely and will only postpone or cancel a lesson in the event of:

• Thunder and lightning

• High winds or dangerous surf conditions

If we do need to cancel due to severe weather, we will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule your session.

Surf conditions in Narragansett change daily, and smaller waves are often ideal for beginners. They provide a more stable, predictable environment for mastering paddling and pop-up techniques.

The Gansett Groms instructors specialize in teaching across all conditions, and most students successfully stand up even on smaller days. Lessons are not cancelled due to small waves, as these days often provide the best learning experience for new surfers.

Surf lessons and camp sessions can be booked directly through our website or over the phone.

For groups larger than five students, private parties, or special events, please email gansettgroms@gansettgroms.com , submit a request via our Contact Form or reach out via phone.

While we are often available for walk-up lessons, booking in advance is always highly advisable to ensure you get your preferred time slot, especially during the busy summer season.

For groups or special events, please reach out to us ahead of time through our Contact Page or by emailing us at gansettgroms@gansettgroms.com.

Just bring yourself, a towel, sunscreen, and some water! We provide the surfboard and any necessary gear. We recommend wearing a swimsuit or athletic clothing that stays secure while you move. Having a dry change of clothes for after the session is also a great idea!

To ensure we can provide the best experience for all our surfers, we adhere to the following policies regarding cancellations and rescheduling:

Surf Camps

• 1 Week+ Notice: Cancellations or rescheduling requests made at least one week prior to the start of camp will receive a full refund.

• Within 7 Days: Cancellations made within 7 days of the camp start date will receive a 50% credit toward future Gansett Groms bookings.

Surf Lessons

• 48+ Hours’ Notice: A full refund will be issued.

• 24–48 Hours’ Notice: A credit will be applied toward a future lesson.

• Less than 24 Hours / No-show: All funds are forfeited; no credit or refund will be issued.

Weather & Conditions

The safety of our students is our priority. Gansett Groms reserves the right to cancel a session the morning of the lesson based on dangerous ocean or weather conditions.

We take pride in providing a fun and safe experience while ensuring each student receives the quality instruction they deserve.

At Gansett Groms, we maintain a maximum 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio—often as low as 3:1—to ensure each camper receives the personalized attention they need for both safety and skill progression in the water.

For those looking for the most tailored experience, we recommend booking a 1 Student Private Surf Lesson.

Every student at Gansett Groms learns at their own pace. While many of our students stand up and ride a wave during their very first lesson, most people benefit from 2–3 lessons before they feel comfortable handling their board and catching waves on their own.

Whether you’re just looking to cross surfing off your bucket list or you want to become a Narragansett local regular, our instructors focus on building a solid foundation of skills in each session to get you there.

Yes! Parents, family members, and friends are more than welcome to watch from the beach during lessons, sessions, and camps.

The Narragansett coastline offers a great vantage point, making it easy to watch from the sand or the seawall as students learn the basics and catch their first waves. We love seeing families and friends cheer on their surfers—as they experience the stoke of surfing!

Note for Beach Spectators: If you’d like to watch from the sand during normal beach business hours, please keep in mind that Narragansett requires a paid beach pass for entry. If you prefer to watch for free, the seawall offers a perfect "birds-eye" view of the lineup without needing a pass!

Yes. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled lesson or camp session. This gives us enough time to get everyone checked in and fitted with the right equipment so we can maximize our time in the water!

No, beach access is not included with your surf lesson. If you do not have a seasonal beach pass, daily passes can be purchased at the town beach kiosks or at the Main Pavilion. We recommend securing your pass prior to your lesson start time so you’re ready to hit the sand!

Yes, there are a few convenient options near our location at Narragansett Town Beach:

• Seawall Parking: There is free, timed parking available along the seawall (Ocean Road). This is the closest option, but spots fill up quickly on busy days.

• Narragansett Town Beach West Lot: Located directly across the street from the beach, this is a paid lot available to the public.

• Narragansett Town Beach South Lot: This lot is generally reserved for residents/taxpayers with seasonal passes, though it may open to non-residents on weekdays after 1:00 PM, depending on availability.

We recommend arriving a early to secure a spot, especially during the peak summer months!

We have successfully taught students of all ages and athletic abilities! Whether you are a young grom or an adult looking to try something new, we are ready to get you on a board.

The most important requirement is basic swimming ability. All participants must know how to swim before participating in a lesson to ensure their safety and confidence in the ocean.

While tips are never expected, they are always a wonderful way to show appreciation! If you had a great time and enjoyed your session, a 15–20% tip is a common way to support our dedicated seasonal instructors who work hard to keep you safe and catching waves.

Yes! There are restrooms and changing rooms conveniently located at both the South Pavilion and the North Pavilion at Narragansett Town Beach. We recommend using these facilities before checking in for your lesson to ensure you're ready to jump right into the water!

Of course! Surfing makes for an unforgettable gift. Simply give us a call or send an email to gansettgroms@gansettgroms.com, and we will be happy to provide a gift certificate for you.

For Private Lessons: Absolutely! If you have your own wetsuit or surfboard that you want to practice on, feel free to bring it with you. Just let your instructor know when you arrive so they can plan the session accordingly.

For Surf Camps / Surf Sessions: To ensure a consistent and safe learning environment for the entire group, we do not allow participants to bring their own equipment. We provide all the necessary gear to make sure everyone is on the most appropriate equipment for the day's conditions.

Yes, depending on availability. If you’d like to keep practicing after your session, please check in with our team to see if we have gear available for rental.

For additional questions, please submit a Contact Form, call, or email us directly at gansettgroms@gansettgroms.com. We are happy to help!