From James McMahon, of Bridgehampton’s Salty Sessions:

Here’s a guide to the boards, wetsuits, sun protection, and snacks beginners need to be ready for a great day of surfing.

Recommend Boards

If you’re just starting out, we always go with a nice, long soft-top board. The longer the board, the easier it is to paddle and the more stable it feels.

As you get better, you can size down. If you want to get into more radical, shortboard-style surfing, you go shorter and narrower over time.

Brand?

Honestly, at the pure beginner level, brands don’t matter much. Costco board, online, surf shop name brand—they’re all about the same.

For sizing:

• Around 8’ for kids or smaller adults

• 9’+ for anyone bigger or stronger

• Over 10’ for really big folks who need the extra help

It’s all about volume and stability. Too small a board and you’ll feel awkward, fight the water. The right size moves through the water the way it’s supposed to.

Wetsuits

We provide wetsuits for our students, but we recommend you eventually get your own for fit and cleanliness.

Thickness?

• 3/2 mm for most days

• 4/3 mm if you run cold

Brands?

Stick with real surf brands: Quiksilver, Billabong, Patagonia, Rip Curl. Avoid weird, off-brand dive suits — they don’t fit or move the same.

Sun Safety

We do sunscreen first, then zinc on top. Always.

• Use mineral-based sunscreens over chemical-heavy ones. Kelly Slater’s brand makes a good, clean option.

• SPF 30 and up is fine — 50 doesn’t add much.

• Vertra is excellent for zinc.

Where do you apply zinc?

Nose, cheeks, under eyes, ears, bottom lip, brow if needed.

If you’re on the beach all day?

Absolutely. Even if you’re just reading in the shade, keep sunscreen on. But in the water for hours? Zinc is essential.

Snacks & Fuel

We recommend:

• Plenty of water

• Simple fruits—banana, apple, orange. Easy to eat without sand everywhere.

• Power bars.

• Sandwiches.

Think nutrition + practicality. I wouldn't suggest eating a mango on a sandy beach.

Inside Tip 📌

If you're coming to surf school, just bring a water bottle, snack, sunscreen, hat, wetsuit if you have one. Don’t worry about having your own board yet — we have plenty and we’ll get you on the right one for you.

Contact

🌐 Salty Sessions

About Salty Sessions

For over a decade, Salty Sessions has held the only license for Ocean Road's breaks in Bridgehampton.

Founder James McMahon staffs the school with lifeguard-certified pro surfers who speak three languages and teach students from ages 3 to 75+.

Small group lessons, sunrise privates, and summer camps draw families from across the East End.

The reason is simple: safe, fun instruction that adapts to every student's needs.

Lead-in Image

@salty_sessions631 / Instagram