From James McMahon, of Bridgehampton’s Salty Sessions:

Our Mission

We’re locals who grew up on these beaches and know this ocean. At Salty Sessions, we see ourselves first as watermen. Professionals who live for the ocean and know it deeply.

Our goal is to give anyone who wants to learn the best, safest, most honest introduction to the ocean. Whether you’re a local or here for the summer, we want you to feel at home on these beaches — and in these waves.

How We Teach

For us, safety always comes first. Fun is second. Technique and learning come after that.

We don’t just teach kids to stand up on a board. We teach them to really understand the ocean. Rip currents. Staying calm. Swimming. Ocean safety. We run lifeguard-style drills and games so they learn by doing.

I’m proud to say that some of our students have made real saves themselves. Eight-year-olds have helped people out of rip currents because they had the knowledge and confidence we worked on together.

I have six-year-olds who can spot a rip current a grown adult would never see. That’s what we want — kids who are safer, smarter, and more comfortable in the ocean than most adults.

Our Commitment

We’re here to make good humans in the water. Kids who help each other. Families who feel safe on the beach. And yeah, people who love surfing and learn to do it well.

We’re not here to rush anyone through a lesson. We’re here to give them something lasting.

Beyond Bridgehampton

I’m always happy to share what I know — even beyond the Hamptons. If you want to know the best place to take your kid in January? Costa Rica is great. You want to know where in the Maldives to go? I’ll tell you.

That’s just part of being in this community. We don’t keep secrets. We want people to love the ocean the way we do.

Inside Tip 📌

Ask the right questions of any surf school.

Are the instructors locals? Are they real watermen? Do they know safety? Are they lifeguards?

It’s not just about standing up on a board — it’s about knowing the ocean and coming home safe.

Contact

🌐 Salty Sessions

About Salty Sessions

The Hamptons' trusted surf school for over a decade, we're the only ones licensed for Ocean Road's perfect breaks in Bridgehampton.

Founded by waterman James McMahon, we're staffed by lifeguard-certified pro surfers who speak three languages and love what they do—teaching everyone from tiny three-year-olds to adventurous 75+ year-olds in small, personal groups.

Whether it's sunrise privates or our popular summer camps, local families from Southampton to Sag Harbor to East Hampton choose us because every lesson feels safe, fun, and designed just for you and your children.

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