The Story of Legend Surf Co: Redefining Surf Lessons in the Hamptons

Legend surf co started with a vision of creating something unique and different, while sharing in a collective experience for all those involved.

Growing up, I witnessed closely how the surf school scene in the Hamptons operated. Most businesses had a set location where they would teach surf lessons and run their camps. Clients would get the conditions that location had to offer on the day they signed up. Many of these businesses run great models that have spread the love for surfing to so many — so this is not a criticism. I just saw something different that I wanted to create.

I wanted to create an experience where we come to the client. Where we send instructors to the location the client wants to surf — whether that’s out of convenience, or because they are chasing particular conditions that can only be found at certain breaks.

I have always gravitated toward developing a surfer, rather than simply teaching someone how to surf. Developing a surfer goes beyond equipping them with physical skills. I want them to understand surf forecasting — how to read swell charts and understand the language those charts are speaking. I want them to see a forecast and think, “This swell is east and longer period — that means Montauk’s Ditch Plains will have long, reeling lefts,” and get excited about it. So excited that they text me asking if one of our instructors can take them there that day.

I want to build that student–coach relationship and watch their progression. See their hunger for surfing a variety of conditions grow. One day, someone who started surfing with me on a waist-high day at Ditch will want me to coach them through their first session at eight-foot Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. Being able to guide someone through each step of that process is what Legend Surf Co is all about.

I want to infuse my vision of surfing — and everything that comes with it — into the experience of every client. I want them to feel safe, supported, and part of a bigger community throughout their journey. I want people to feel like they can push themselves and do things in the ocean they may not have believed they were capable of.

From that vision came the business model: to provide a flexible service — essentially a team of surf coaches who tailor each lesson to the specific needs of the client they’re working with. If someone wants their four-year-old to try surfing for the first time in front of their oceanfront East Hampton home, we will come to them and make it happen. And if someone wants us to take them to the Montauk Point Lighthouse to surf the biggest hurricane swell of the summer at a world-class point break, we will make it happen — assuming they have the necessary skills to do so safely with our guidance.

Why is it called Legend Surf Co?

For one, because our team includes legends of the sport — people who have made a name for themselves in the surfing world. If you’re even moderately versed in surfing, you might be pleasantly surprised to show up to a lesson and find that your instructor was featured in a YouTube edit you’ve watched or competed in a WSL event you followed.

Beyond that, Legend Surf Co is about sharing stories — the legends each team member has lived through to develop their relationship with surfing today — while helping you create your own.