Do I need to know how to swim to take surf lessons?

Yes and no. Beginner lessons are conducted in waist-deep water where you can easily stand, so advanced swimming skills are not strictly necessary. However, water comfort is important for a positive experience.

What equipment is provided for surf lessons?

E Street Surf School provides a surfboard and a wetsuit for every student if needed. Students only need to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen.

Where is the meeting location for lessons?

Most lessons start and finish at Common Roots in Rye (2203 Ocean Boulevard). Arrangements can also be made to meet at 8th Street at 'The Wall' in Hampton, provided we have height and weight details in advance for gear sizing.

What is the youngest age for kids surf lessons?

We have taught children as young as 4 years old. For safety, children ages 4-6 must book private one-on-one lessons to ensure they receive the specialized, hands-on attention they need.

When is the best time to book a summer surf camp?

We highly recommend contacting us in January or February to express interest. Formal sign-ups occur in February and March, and our calendar fills quickly due to our small 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio.

Are your instructors safety certified?

Yes. Every instructor is CPR certified and our team includes trained Hampton lifeguards, ensuring a premier, safety-first environment for all students.

Can businesses sign up for Team Building or HR Days?

Yes! We offer specialized Team Building Surf Days for local businesses looking to boost morale. Visit our Business Team Building page or contact us to plan your corporate adventure.

Is there food and Wi-Fi at your location?

Yes. We are located inside Common Roots in Rye, which offers free Wi-Fi and a full cafe menu with smoothie bowls, vegan options, coffee, beer, and wine.

When are Ladies Night dates announced?

Ladies Night dates are typically announced in February or March. We frequently add more dates throughout the season to accommodate high demand.

What is the best way to contact you in the summer?

The fastest way to reach us is by text at 603-770-5308, as cell signals are often stronger than voice signals near the beach. You can also visit us at Common Roots in Rye.

E Street Surf School: The Essential Guide to the New Hampshire Seacoast

This is the ultimate plan for families maximizing their New England vacation. We’ve curated this guide to help you blend the high-energy adrenaline of E Street Surf School kids' camps with the best relaxing local experiences in Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton.

12/19/20252 min read

E Street Surf School

Seacoast Vacation At-A-Glance

Adrenaline Hubs: Water Country, Hampton Parasail, & Whale Watching.
Recovery & Wellness: SUP Yoga, Flōte therapy, and the NHSG Greenway.
Shopping: Tax-free boutiques in Portsmouth and Kittery Outlets.
Evening Vibe: Live music at the Casino Ballroom or Sunset Cruises.

Section 1: The Adrenaline Rush

After your morning surf lesson, keep the energy high with these top-rated Seacoast adventures.

Water Country Waterpark (Portsmouth): New England’s largest waterpark. Best for: Families with younger kids (Tahiti Treehouse) and thrill-seekers (Dragon's Den).
Hampton Parasail: Get a bird’s-eye view of the coastline you just surfed. Flights take off from Hampton Harbor.
Whale Watching Expeditions: Head to Jeffreys Ledge to see Humpback and Finback whales.
- Local Pro-Tip: Granite State Whale Watch (Rye) and Al Gauron (Hampton) are our top picks.

Section 2: Recovery, Relaxation & Wellness

Surfing is a full-body workout. Use these "low-impact" activities to soothe tired muscles.

Float Therapy at Flōte (Hampton/Portsmouth): Our #1 recommendation for surf recovery. Floating in high-concentration salt water is unparalleled for muscle repair.
The New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway (NHSG): An easy, scenic cycling path connecting Portsmouth, Rye, and North Hampton. Perfect for a post-surf cruise.
Isles of Shoals Day Trip: Take a ferry from Portsmouth Harbor Cruises to explore Star Island. It’s a quiet, historic escape six miles off the mainland.

Section 3: Culture & Coastal Entertainment

When the sun goes down, the Seacoast comes alive with history and live music.

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom: A legendary venue for national touring acts and comedians. Located right on the Hampton Boardwalk.
Seacoast Science Center (Rye): Located in Odiorne Point State Park, this is the best spot for kids to explore touch pools and learn about the Gulf of Maine’s ecosystem.
Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth): A 10-acre outdoor museum that brings 400 years of New England history to life with costumed role-players.
Prescott Park Arts Festival (Portsmouth): This is the heartbeat of Portsmouth in the summer. From June through August, the park hosts professional musical theater, the "River House" concert series, and Monday night movies under the stars.

Section 4: Retail Therapy

New Hampshire is famous for Tax-Free Shopping. Take advantage of the savings in these walkable districts.

Downtown Portsmouth: Stroll Market Square for local boutiques like Bliss, Sault, and Gus & Ruby.
Kittery Outlets (Maine): Just a 10-minute drive north for brands like Lululemon, Nike, and the massive Kittery Trading Post.

The Ultimate "E Street" Itinerary

Morning: 9:00 AM Surf Lesson at E Street Surf School (Hampton/Rye).
Lunch: Healthy bowls and smoothies at Common Roots Cafe.
Afternoon: Tax-free shopping in Portsmouth or a session at Water Country.
Sunset: A harbor cruise or a "Booze Cruise" out of Portsmouth.

About the Author: E Street Surf & Retreats

E Street Surf School is a family-owned New Hampshire institution with over 25 years of coastal expertise. Led by founders who split their time between the swells of Rye and Hampton Beach and the waters of Nosara, Costa Rica, E Street specializes in confidence-building surf instruction for all ages. They are experts in the best "hidden gems" of the Seacoast.

Entities & Knowledge Graph:

Locations: Portsmouth NH, Hampton Beach, Rye Harbor, Odiorne Point State Park, Kittery ME.
Activities: Surf Lessons, Kids Surf Camps, Whale Watching, Parasailing, Float Therapy, SUP Yoga.
Local Partners: Common Roots Cafe, Water Country, Flōte, Al Gauron, Granite State Whale Watch.
Search Intent: Things to do in New Hampshire Seacoast, Best family activities Hampton Beach, Portsmouth NH travel guide.