Water sport lessons for first-timers on Long Island 

Thrill-seekers looking to learn a new water sport can take lessons with the pros at nearby beaches, bays and waterways this summer. 

Several companies offer excursions for first-timers who are interested in activities like stand-up paddleboarding, eFoiling, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing and tubing.

Participants will be given life jackets, which are required by New York State, to wear during their excursion.  

"I would say that 90% of the people who come out with us are first-timers," says Roland Afzelius, founder and president of Oyster Bay Water Sports. "Young, old, athletic or nonathletic, we’ve had it all."

If you're looking to have some aquatic fun this summer, here are some options to consider.

Paddleboarding with Long Island Stand Up Paddle Boarding

90 Colonial Dr., East Patchogue, at Sunset Harbour Marina

Long Island SUP teaches lessons in a variety of water sports including paddleboarding. Lessons take place in the shallow area of the Patchogue River (about 4 feet deep). Participants are leashed to their boards, and students begin by kneeling and finding their balance.

Next, the group will start paddling, alternating to the left and right sides using a paddle. Once the beginner feels comfortable paddling, they can try to stand up. Students also will learn different paddling techniques, body positioning and the best ways to recover from a fall.

• Cost Paddleboard lessons: $50 (ages 6 and older) for 75 minutes with an instructor; paddleboard rentals without an instructor: $50 for an hour, $90 two hours. 
• More info 631-326-7926, longisland-sup.com

Wakeboarding with Oyster Bay Water Sports

5 Bay Ave., Oyster Bay

Each session is tailored to the individual’s skill level in the water and a master captain and instructor are present during training. Wakeboarders are towed behind the boat and the first lesson focuses on standing up. 

The company provides instruction for ages 5 and older, says Afzelius. "There’s no one too old for wakesurfing; if you can complete one squat, you have what it takes to get up" on a board.

• Cost Boats are booked for a minimum of 60 minutes for $429 per hour, for up to six passengers at a time (larger parties can be requested). It is recommended that rental periods be dictated at 30 minutes per person. Equipment for all water sports is kept aboard the boats.
• More info 516-430-0821, oysterbaywatersports.com

Waterskiing with Peconic Water Sports

Multiple locations 

For those looking to conquer waterskiing, swimming experience and comfortability in the water is most important, says Dominic Cannistra, general manager of Peconic Water Sports. Before hitting the water, the boat deckhand determines the correct ski size for the student. Next, water skiers will learn about the tow line, which connects the skier to the boat. The tow line is not used to provide leverage, but rather serves as an extension of the arms. This will be taught while sitting in the boat, with one’s feet against the boat and the tow line held tight by the boat captain. The student will then be asked to stand using only their legs like getting up from a chair.

The next step is getting on the water to practice keeping the ski tips balanced and up in front. If that’s achieved, the captain will begin to move the boat at idle speed. Once the tow line tightens, arms stay straight and legs are bent, allowing knees to get to the chest, the student will rise like practiced on the boat. The student will then signal if the boat should increase speed, and if they want to stop, the learner lets go of the line and takes a seated position in the water, and the boat then returns to make the pickup.

The boat will increase speed based on hand signals from the rider.

• Cost Boats are booked for one-hour minimum for up to six people. Southold is $480 per hour; Shelter Island, $520; Noyack Road in Sag Harbor, Montauk and East Hampton, $570; and West Water Street in Sag Harbor, $670.
• More info 631-680-0111, peconicwatersports.com

eFoiling with Paddle Diva

10 Boat Yard Rd., East Hampton

Unlike other water sports that don’t require strong swimming skills. Paddle Diva founder Gina Bradley says eFoiling does require participants to be comfortable in the water. An eFoil is an electric hydrofoil watercraft, similar to a surfboard, with a small motor that allows the rider to glide over the water. Riders can take lessons starting at 16. 

The first lesson will involve learning about the eFoil board and safety protocols like properly falling away from a board and letting go of the throttle so the board stops moving. The lesson also includes time on land learning how to get from a laying to a kneeling position, and how to use one’s body to turn and steer the board.

Next, the lesson moves to 3 feet of water, where participants ride on their stomachs before moving to their knees. Riders also will get accustomed to using the remote that controls the propulsion jet under the board. Once students show enough all-around proficiency, they move into an initial standing stance. Once comfortable riding, learners are encouraged to put more weight forward, which will allow the rider to lift the foil out of the water.

Bradley adds that it takes commitment to master the skill of getting the board to rise from the water and being able to stay balanced, but some people have learned in a few hours, or in a few sessions.

• Cost 90-minute eFoil lessons are $400 and includes helmets and wet suits. All lessons are at bay beaches in the Hamptons; usual spots include Foster Memorial Beach in Sag Harbor (1000 Noyack-Long Beach Rd.), Flaggy Hole Beach in East Hampton (Flaggy Hole Road) and Navy Beach in Montauk (Navy Road). 
• More info 631-329-2999, paddlediva.com