Introduction to Surfing in Manhattan
I caught a wave in the middle of Manhattan – and I didn’t even get my hair wet. Instead, I spent Sunday morning on the roof of the Margaritaville Resort Times Square and wiggled a surf-inspired training on a custom balance board to imitate the movement of the ocean. After an hour of pop-ups, duck dives, and many wipes, I was more than ready to paddle directly to the bar below. But a week later, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much fun it was to hang ten in the heart of Midtown.
What is Surfset NYC
Surfset NYC – owned by husband-and-wife team Aaron Thouvenin and Diana Garrett – has been bringing the city to the waves since 2014. "As a surfer, we found that Surfsport was the best way to achieve our fitness goals to build strength, stability, and body awareness," Garrett said. "We wanted to land our favorite parts of surfing with creative workouts that are the same parts that are challenging and funny."
Year-Round Courses and Retreats
The company offers all-year-round courses in its East Village Studio and retreats for the massive inner-surf wave park and Long Island beaches of New Jersey for those who want to bring their skills into the water. You can also catch your wave by the end of October with the "Surf & Shore" training class in Margaritaville. It is free of charge for hotel guests, although the public can also pay $32 for participation.
The "Surf & Shore" Training Class
"Our classes are based on interval, so it has a HIIT element for the people who teaches people to move at their own pace," said Garrett. "We take into account elements of strength training, Pilates, yoga, and sports training in a functional way." My "Surf & Shore" session started with stepping onto the boards in front of Margaritaville, where Thouvenin, a master trainer, instructed us.
The Challenge of Surfing on Land
Easier said than done. The moment I climbed the Rip Surfer X, a six-foot board that pivots on three shift balls, which simulates the physical demand of surfing on land – my legs turned to jelly, and I fell almost immediately. The trick, said Thouvenin, consisted of staring at a fixed point on the board and instead of blocking my view. Surprisingly, it worked. I found my footing, and soon my classmates joined me.
The Workout Session
Just standing on the board was enough for me to break a sweat. Then I remembered: This was not just a balancing act – it was a training session, which meant that I had to move. It didn’t take long for us to fall on the unstable boards, crunch and crouch, my muscles firing on all cylinders just to prevent my face from hitting the floor. My quads and core burned from left to right and burned as if I had just paddled out a wave of villains.
The "Pop-Up" Movement
Next came the classic "pop-up" movement. They start with flat arms on the stomach, paddle with extensive arms, and quickly push themselves up and jump into a crouch before climbing up to their feet – while the board is shifting below them. The step is crucial for the success of a surfer, but it is also a full-body exercise that strengthens the chest, shoulders, arms, and core and improves muscle coordination, balance, and flexibility.
Duck Dives and Other Exercises
Duck Dives followed and imitated the technique of the surfer to dive under an oncoming wave. We paddled hard, then lifted our upper body, crunched our backs, and lifted our hips before lowering them back onto the board. When we moved into the mats for similar exercises on the ground, I was soaked out of breath and in sweat. We exchanged with a crew of returning students who had spent the first half on the floor. They rose like experienced professionals on board and jumped directly into advanced movements that made my former triumphs look tame.
The End of the Lesson
Before I knew it, a fog horn blew and signaled the end of the lesson. I was soaked, and muscles that I didn’t even know I had screamed, but there was a Perma-grin on my face. I had just tackled one of the hardest workouts of my life, and I knew that I would feel it for days. But in this hour, I also realized that I could actually have what it takes to conquer some real waves.
Conclusion
"Surfing is a lifelong sport that you can start at any time," said Garrett. "If you want to learn to surf, there is the best way to prepare a Surfset NYC class." Thouvenin’s destination for every class is a session: a lot of fun, learn something, and sweat. You can certainly say that I did all three. "Surf combines movement with luck," said Garrett. "Finding joy and community in fitness is one of the most valuable things you can do to support your general well-being."
