What Skudin Surf does

Skudin Surf is a family-owned surf school and camp operator headquartered in Long Beach, New York, with additional beach operations at Rockaway Beach (Queens) and Lido Beach Town Park (via a Town of Hempstead partnership), and an indoor wave pool facility at American Dream Mall in New Jersey. The company offers surf camps (week-long and single-day options for kids ages 5–14 and teens), private, semi-private, and group surf lessons, the Spring Surf Team after-school coaching program (3x/week for intermediate-to-advanced surfers ages 7–17), and corporate surf events and parties delivered through three-tiered packages ($75–$99 per person). It runs the Surf for All nonprofit initiative providing adaptive surf lessons for individuals with disabilities and socioeconomic barriers, partnered with Hospital for Special Surgery.

The underlying operating technology is conventional: a self-serve online booking platform with Stripe payment processing, a Squarespace website and e-commerce storefront, live surf cams via partnership with TheSurfersView.com, and exclusive use of Liquid Shredder Soft-Top Boards for beginner instruction. Programming follows a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, with 1-on-1 attention for the youngest 'Yellow Group' campers. Merchandise (hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, rash guards, ponchos) is sold direct-to-consumer online; equipment rentals and beachside storage lockers add ancillary revenue. Summer Pass subscriptions (WhiteWater and Barrel) provide unlimited camp access across locations.

The business is bootstrapped and founder-led by brothers Will and Cliff Skudin, representing three generations of surfing instruction. Will Skudin competes on the World Surf League Big Wave Tour and was inducted to the Wall of Surfers at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo museum in Nazaré, Portugal (2019). Cliff Skudin holds an M.P.Ed. and has taught adaptive surf since 2002. Pricing is location-tiered (Long Beach commands the highest rates at $985/week camp, $125 per private lesson; Lido Beach at $475/week camp). The company has earned coverage in NY Times, Newsday, Condé Nast Traveler, Men's Journal, Outside Online, and Surfer.com, and was recognized among the best surf schools in North America by Outside Online.

Name

Skudin Surf

Legal name

Skudin Surf Inc.

Website

https://skudinsurf.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Skudin Surf is a family-owned, bootstrapped surf school and camp operator running summer programs across three Long Island/NYC beaches plus an indoor wave pool in New Jersey, serving kids, teens, adults, and corporate groups with lessons, camps, corporate events, adaptive surf programs, and branded apparel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Surf Instruction & Beach Camps

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

akta.pro primary industry

Surf Schools & Surf Camps (THAAAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Surfing & Kitesurfing Experiences (Lessons, Camps) (THAJAJAJ), Surf & Beach Sports Retail (Surfboards, Bodyboards, Skimboards) (CRAMAIAE)

Keywords

• Surf instruction services
• Kids surf camps
• Adult surf lessons
• Adaptive surf programs
• Surf equipment rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Long Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Surf Camps: Week-long and single-day surf camps for kids and teens at 3 Long Island/NYC beach locations. Revenue from weekly registrations and daily drop-in options. Includes Summer Passes for unlimited camp access.
2. Surf Lessons: Private, semi-private, and group surf lessons at Long Beach and Rockaway Beach. Per-session pricing with 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Available 7 days a week during season.
3. Corporate Events & Parties: Custom surf lessons and activities for corporate retreats, birthday parties, and milestone celebrations. Three-tiered package pricing with add-on options for catering and equipment.
4. Apparel & Merchandise: Online storefront selling branded hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, rash guards, poncho towels. E-commerce revenue from skudinsurf.com/shop.
5. Equipment Rentals & Storage: Daily and seasonal surfboard and wetsuit rentals. Beachside storage lockers for regular surfers to store personal gear year-round.
6. Spring Surf Team Program: After-school program for intermediate to advanced surfers, 3x/week for 18 sessions. Annual seasonal program running April through June.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Skudin Surf operates a multi-location surf school and camp company serving the Long Island and New York City area from three beach locations (Long Beach, Rockaway Beach, Lido Beach Town Park) plus an indoor wave pool facility at American Dream Mall in New Jersey. The company delivers certified surf instruction (private, semi-private, group lessons), kids' summer surf camps, the Spring Surf Team competitive training program, corporate event packages, equipment rentals and storage, and adaptive surf programming through its Surf for All nonprofit initiative.

Product overview

Skudin Surf is a multi-location surf instruction and camp company offering a comprehensive portfolio of services centered around surf education and beach experiences. The core offering consists of surf lessons (private, semi-private, and group formats) at Long Beach and Rockaway Beach, and kids surf camps at three locations (Long Beach, Rockaway Beach, and Lido Beach Town Park). Supporting programs include the Spring Surf Team for competitive junior surfers, Corporate Surf Events & Parties for team building, and Equipment Rental & Storage for gear access. The company operates Surf for All, a nonprofit initiative providing adaptive surf lessons for individuals with disabilities, and Skudin Surf at American Dream, an indoor wave pool facility. Apparel offerings include hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, rash guards, and ponchos sold through the online shop. Additional services include Summer Passes for unlimited camp access, Gift Cards, and a Surf Cam for live conditions viewing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Surf for All: Nonprofit initiative providing adaptive surf lessons and inclusive beach programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, as well as those facing socioeconomic barriers

Products and services

• Private Surf Lessons One-on-one personalized surf instruction (75 minutes) with certified instructors, including land lessons and ocean instruction. Available at Long Beach (June 6 - August 31, 7 days/week) and Rockaway Beach (July 4 - September 2, weekends only). $125 per person.
• Semi-Private Surf Lessons Small-group surf instruction with a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, accommodating 2-6 participants per session. 75-minute sessions at Long Beach; minimum 2 participants required. $75 per person.
• Long Beach Group Surf Lessons Public 90-minute group surf lessons (3:1 ratio) at Long Beach, structured around tide conditions. Available mid-July through August, 7 days/week. Minimum age 14. $75 per person.
• Rockaway Beach Group Surf Lessons Two-hour group surf lessons at Rockaway Beach with 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Available weekdays and weekends. $100 per person.
• Long Beach Kids Surf Camp All-day and half-day surf camps for kids ages 5-14 at Long Beach with surfing, beach games, boogie boarding, lunch, snacks, mindfulness, and ocean education. Half-day 8:30am-12:30pm; full-day 8:30am-3:30pm. Runs June 29 - August 31. $740-$985 per week.
• Rockaway Beach Kids Surf Camp Half-day surf camp at Rockaway Beach (Beach 67th Street) for kids ages 5-14, running 9:00am-1:00pm Monday through Friday. Weekly and daily registration options available; no government beach fees.
• Lido Beach Kids Surf Camp Half-day surf camp at Town of Hempstead Lido Beach Town Park for kids ages 5-14, running 12:00pm-4:00pm Monday through Friday. Single-day options available in spring. $475-$635 per week. Beach parking fee applies ($10/car).
• Spring Surf Team After-school training program for intermediate-to-advanced surfers ages 7-17, meeting 3x/week for 90-minute sessions focused on coaching, competition tactics, wave reading, and safety/etiquette. Runs April 29 - June 12, Mon/Wed/Fri 4:30-6:00 PM. Standard program (18 sessions): $895; half program (9 sessions): $495.
• Corporate Surf Events & Parties Custom surf lessons and beach activities for corporate retreats, birthday parties, and milestone celebrations. Three-tiered packages: Surf Essentials ($75/person, 90-min lesson + tent/table), Breakwater ($85/person, lesson + catering + chair/umbrella), Paradise ($99/person, 10-person minimum; full service with dedicated activity manager, lifeguard, beach passes).
• Equipment Rental & Storage Daily and seasonal surfboard and wetsuit rentals plus year-round beachside storage lockers for personal gear. Provides high-quality equipment for single sessions, weekends, or weeks.
• Surf for All (Adaptive Surf Program) Nonprofit initiative providing adaptive surf lessons and inclusive beach experiences for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, as well as those facing socioeconomic barriers. Uses specialized equipment including foam paddle boards with handles, life jackets, and tandem or sitting riding methods. Founded by Cliff Skudin and offered since 2002.
• Skudin Surf at American Dream (Indoor Wave Pool) Year-round indoor wave pool and surf facility located at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, offering surf instruction regardless of ocean conditions or season.
• Skudin Surf Apparel & Merchandise Branded apparel sold online through skudinsurf.com/shop, including heavyweight hoodies ($70), midweight sweatshirts ($49.99), classic-fit t-shirts ($34.99), youth hoodies, rash guards, and surf poncho towels ($60). Includes American Dream co-branded apparel line.
• Skudin Surf Gift Cards Gift cards redeemable at Long Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, and Rockaway Beach locations for surf camps and lessons. Used as gifting and acquisition channel.
• Green Light Surfing Sessions Intermediate-level progression sessions focused on wave riding, paddling, board control, and riding down the line. Includes 90-minute session with photos or video of the participant.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average 3:1 surf instructor-to-camper ratio across camps
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Hospital for Special Surgery Adaptive Sports AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing adaptive surf lessons for children recovering from injuries and disabilities. Skudin Surf instructors trained in adaptive techniques work alongside hospital physical therapists. Foam paddle boards with handles and life jackets used. Program helps children build self-esteem and experience ocean activities.
• Town of HempsteadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Town of Hempstead to operate surf camps at Town Park Lido Beach location. Camps run Monday-Friday throughout summer. Town provides beach access and facilities; Skudin Surf provides instruction, equipment, and programming.
• Surf for AllcoreOthersSkudin Surf's own nonprofit initiative providing adaptive surf lessons and inclusive beach programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and those facing socioeconomic barriers. Founded by Cliff Skudin, co-founder of Skudin Surf. Relies on donations and volunteers.
• Liquid ShreddercoreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive board partner for instruction. Liquid Shredder Soft-Top Boards used exclusively for all lessons and camps. Company has been partner for over a decade. Boards feature forgiving rocker and rock-solid stability ideal for beginners. Also retailed in Skudin Surf online shop.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lahaye Surf School: Long-established West Coast surf school offering private and group lessons, summer camps, and instructor-led programming similar to Skudin Surf's core model. Same revenue mechanics (per-session and per-week pricing) and same instructor-to-student intensity focus, though operating on the Pacific Coast.
• NYC Surf School: New York City surf school competing for the same Rockaway and Long Island surf-school customer base with private and group lessons and youth programming. Direct service-area overlap with Skudin Surf's NYC and Long Island locations.

Others

• Surfline: Surf forecasting, camera, and content platform whose consumer base closely overlaps with Skudin Surf's customers (Skudin integrates Surfline/SurfersView cameras). Not a direct competitor but a key ecosystem partner/adjacent service targeting the same surfer demographic.
• Endless Surf (American Wave Machines): Provider of the indoor surf-wave technology used at the American Dream Mall facility where Skudin Surf operates its indoor wave-pool school. Infrastructure partner rather than competitor, but highly relevant given the strategic importance of Skudin's indoor year-round revenue stream.

Regional players

• Soul Surfcamp / Soul Shine Surf Camp: East Coast surf camp operating out of the Outer Banks serving a similar youth and beginner market with multi-day camp and lesson formats. Comparable business model but in a different regional corridor than Skudin's Northeast footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Quiksilver: Global surf apparel and lifestyle brand with surf-school and youth-program affiliations. Competes indirectly through apparel sales (overlapping with Skudin's online shop) and through broader surf-culture marketing.
• Billabong: Global surf apparel and lifestyle brand with affiliated surf-school programming and youth camps. Operates as a broader incumbent across surf-adjacent services; not a niche East Coast school but competes for the same end consumer's wallet and brand affinity.
• Rip Curl: Global surf brand combining apparel, wetsuits, and surf-school/trip programming. Comparable to Skudin Surf in serving surfers across instruction and gear/apparel but at far greater scale and broader geographic reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCnpoquDzrpKX3S5hS6RjXdg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/skudin-surf

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Skudin Surf