From Montauk on the eastern end of Long Island, all the way to New York City (yes, you can even score in NYC), there are many spots worth the visit in the Empire State. Places like the Rockaways in Queens host of some of the most diverse surf scenes there are. The surf crowd is made up of students, doctors, artists, wall street traders, groms and experienced surfers. While some only take on surfing during the summertime, the most dedicated shred year round and thrive during powerful hurricane season swells in the fall, and Nor’easter storms in the winter.
New York hasn’t hosted a major international surfing contest since the Quiksilver Pro New York that took place in Long Beach, NY in 2011. This lack of professional surfing exposure hasn’t stopped surf culture from developing, thanks to many local organizations such as NYSea which hosts events and contests, active groups of surfers like the Manhattan Surf Collective, recognized surf schools like Locals Surf School, and surf companies that gear up this stoked community. Check out these 10 surf brands born in New York!
PILGRIM SURF + SUPPLY
BRAND: Pilgrim Surf + Supply
FOUNDED: 2012
PRODUCTS: Apparel and two surf shops in NY (Brooklyn and Amagansett)
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: Navy Aloha Tee as seen here
ODDROCK
BRAND: OddRock
FOUNDED: 2014
PRODUCTS: Surfboard bags and backpacks
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: Lightweight Dark Blue Aztec surfboard bag as seen here, featuring Oddrock’s patented wax release tabs
WETSOX
BRAND: Wetsox
FOUNDED: 2015
PRODUCTS: Anti-UV shirts and layers to wear between your skin and your wetsuit.
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: Wetsox original as seen here. They add warmth and make it a breeze to put on your surf booties.
SURFSIDE SUPPLY CO
BRAND: Surfside Supply Co
FOUNDED: 2012
PRODUCTS: Apparel
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: L/S Surfride Pocket Tee White as seen here. 100% of all net profits from this shirt are donated to the Surfrider Foundation.
CARBON COMPACT SURFBOARDS
BRAND: Carbon Compact Surfboards
FOUNDED: 2015
PRODUCTS: Custom surfboards featuring a patented innovative two-piece system for easy travel
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: Speed Pin model as seen here.
MOTTAI SURF
BRAND: Mottai
FOUNDED: 2017
PRODUCTS: Surfboard bags and slings
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: MARAUDER Stretch Knit Scuba Sock as seen here.
PAUL SURF
BRAND: Paul Surf
FOUNDED: 2014
PRODUCTS: Custom hand-shaped surfboards
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: The Piglet single fin model for a mid-length surfboard with a versatile retro shape. Get in touch with the shaper here.
FAIR HARBOR
BRAND: Fair Harbor
FOUNDED: 2015
PRODUCTS: Bathing suits, apparel, and accessories
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: Brick Rockaway Boardshort as seen here. It’s made of 50% Recycled plastic bottles, 38% up-cycled coconuts and 12% spandex.
HAMPTONS SURF COMPANY
BRAND: Hamptons Surf Company
FOUNDED: 2017
PRODUCTS: Surfboard art and apparel
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: The Stretch LS Tee as seen here.
SATURDAYS NEW YORK CITY
BRAND: Saturdays New York City
FOUNDED: 2009
PRODUCTS: Apparel and two surf shops in Manhattan, NYC (and many more locations now in Japan and Australia)
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: The Bowery Slash Sweatshirt as seen here.
To send us suggestions of products or surf brands to review, or if you need surf gear advice, reach out directly to Joe @TheSurfingExpert on Instagram or email him at [email protected].
