FAQs

1. You can surf in NH?
Yes, you can! Check out our local spots.

2. Where are you guys located?
We are on Rte. 1A (Ocean Boulevard), 6 miles north of Hampton Beach, Rye, New Hampshire. Look under directions or you can Google Maps: 1209 Ocean Boulevard Rye, NH 03870

3. Do you guys do surf rentals and surf lessons?
We do both rentals and lessons out of our surf shop.

4. How do I know if there are going to be waves or not?
The easiest way is to just check the surf report on our website. This has up to date swell, wind, and period reports. You can also call the shop, we don't charge a fee or anything like that. Feel free to give us a shout at 603-431-0316.

5. Do I get a board and a suit when I take a lesson?
Yes, everything is included in the rental price, and if you wish to keep the board for the rest of the day you can at a discounted price.

6. What are your hours?
We are open 9am-8pm everyday. Currently we are a seasonal shop open from May 1st until October 1st, but can be reached in the off-season at our email address summersessionsnh@gmail.com.

7. Do you offer group surf lessons?
We do offer group lessons and a kids camp. For more info check out our rental and lessons link. The group lessons are an affordable and fun way to learn to surf with a group of your friends.

8. When are your surf lessons?
You can schedule private and semi-private surf lessons for whatever time suits your schedule. We always have surf instructors available and are more then happy to accommodate. We can also schedule the surf lesson for any beach in Rye. So, if one beach is easier for you, we can bring boards, suits, and surf instructors to you.

9. Where can you surf and park in the area?
You can park and surf directly across the street from the surf shop. You don't have to lug your board to another beach, or worry about transporting the board from the surf shop to a surfer friendly beach. Summer Sessions makes it convenient, easy and fast to get a board and get in the water.

10. Are there places to stay in the area?
There are plenty of convenient and affordable options in and around the shop. Rye offers everything from camp sites to luxury hotels. Check out our accommodations links for hotels, cabins, and camp spots.

11. What brands do you carry?
We pride ourselves on carrying the highest quality boards and suits in the industry, including the newest technology and best design at affordable pricing. We also carry progressive and unique street and surf clothing lines that you can't find anywhere else on the seacoast. For a full list of our affiliates check out our apparel and boards.

12. What is "Kids' Camp"?
The Kids' Camp is our most popular lesson option for youth and teens. Whether you are new to the sport or looking to sharpen you skills, the Kids Camp offer the opportunity to progress in the sport alongside your peers. The camp is offered for kids 6 yrs - 16 yrs old and allows kids the chance to learn not only surfing but also skimboarding. We have the best and most experienced surf staff on the seacoast and pricing that makes it affordable for all families.

13. What is skimboarding?
The quick description would be: That weird looking board sport you see every kid doing on your local beach. But for a more precise description checkout Wikipedia's definition at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skimboarding. You can also check out our pics and videos of our team riders at our local contests at photos and video.

14. How long has the surf shop been open?
We opened the shop in 2002. It started and still remains a family run shop, owned and run by brothers Ryan and Tyler McGill.

15. When is the best time to surf?
Hurricane season is historically the best time to surf, from September to March. But we are liable to get surf anytime of year. Low pressure fronts off the eastern seaboard normally create good swell, and Nor-Easters are sure bets. The best thing to do is check our website for updates on swell and storms.

16. What is the best tide to surf in New Hampshire?
It really depends on the spot. In general, mid-tide and rising is best, but for specific information check out our local spots link.

17. Where are the best places to surf in Rye and Hampton?
Surfing in New Hampshire can be exceptional, and our short seacoast offers everthing from long point break, to wedge fast beach breaks, and fun beginner waves. For the best location based on ability and desired wave type check out our local spots link.

18. Do I have to know how to surf to take a surf lesson or rent surf equipment?
Of course not! That is why we are here. We offer great surf rental and surf lesson packages as well as experienced and friendly instructors to make the transition into the sport of surfing easy and accessible to everyone.

19. How old do you have to be to surf, and do you need to know how to swim?
These decisions will be up to the instructors discretion. But in general, we are willing to adjust our surf lesson structure to fit any individual regardless of age or skill. Safety is our primary concern, but if that is not an issue, we can usually make a surf lesson that is student-specific and conforms to their needs and comfort level.

20. Can you rent surf boards for multiple days?
Yes, you can. You can keep the surf boards and wet suits overnight as well. For full-pricing and specifics check out lessons and rentals.

21. Do you accept credit cards or checks?
Yes yes yes. You just need an ID and an in-state license for checks.