When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
SURFSET New York City
Why SURFSET New York City is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
SURFSET New York City is a unique boutique gym that offers full-body workouts inspired by the dynamic sport of surfing. Located conveniently near Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan, this studio provides an innovative fitness experience combining elements of cardio, strength, balance, and core training. Their signature workout uses the SURFSET® Board—a six-foot long surfboard mounted on three balance balls—to simulate the instability of water, engaging muscles and improving body awareness in ways traditional workouts cannot. This not only benefits seasoned surfers but also anyone seeking a challenging and fun fitness routine that promotes core strength and stability. The studio is led by master trainers Aaron Thouvenin and Diana Garrett, pioneers in SURFSET® Fitness, who have been instrumental in bringing this exhilarating method to New York and New Jersey since 2014. The welcoming environment supports individuals at all fitness levels, encouraging fun and adventure while focusing on wellness. SURFSET NYC operates with extended hours during weekdays and offers weekend sessions, making it an accessible option for busy urbanites. Amenities include air conditioning, heating, and changing rooms to ensure comfort during your visit. Whether you seek a high-energy, interval-based class or a calming surf yoga session, SURFSET New York City excels at delivering a distinctive fitness experience that energizes the body and lifts the spirit, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends and stay motivated together.
Here's what people think of SURFSET New York City
As of recent, SURFSET New York City holds a 5-star rating based on 25 reviews.
User reviews consistently highlight SURFSET New York City's exceptional quality and unique fitness approach, reflected in its perfect 5.0 rating across 25 reviews. Many reviewers praise the expert trainers, particularly Aaron and Diana, for their motivating instruction and authentic surf-inspired workouts. Attendees appreciate the dynamic blend of cardio, strength, and stability exercises that are effective yet enjoyable, making workouts feel less routine and more adventurous. The studio's clean, well-ventilated space and attention to safety protocols have been positively noted, contributing to a comfortable workout environment. On the positive side, reviews often mention the community vibe, inclusive atmosphere—being woman-owned, Asian-owned, and LGBTQ-friendly—and the fun challenge of balancing on the unstable SURFSET board which builds core strength drastically. Some critiques focus on the studio's smaller size and the necessity to book classes in advance, which can limit spontaneous visits. A few users expressed a wish for more class variety and extended weekend hours. However, the vast majority conclude that SURFSET New York City delivers an energizing and novel fitness experience that supports both casual fitness enthusiasts and serious athletes alike. Overall, the reviews commend the studio for bringing a surf-inspired spirit to NYC’s fitness scene, making it a standout destination for those looking for a total body workout that is both effective and enjoyable.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kristy Barone
Surfset NYC is one of my most favorite groups to surf with. I love joining them for their Epic Pool Days and Epic Beach Days. If you have surfed before or are completely new to surfing, they are great at working with all skill levels and comfort levels. Everyone that attends is so supportive and really cheers each other on. I always leave feeling so stoked and ready to come back. The owners Diana and Aaron are so incredible and give you tips and coaching throughout the session so you always have a new goal to work on. I have learned so much on my surfing journey with Surfset NYC. Can't wait to see you guys next time!!
Jessica L. Rollén
We were at the Arlo Soho rooftop location, and WOW was this cool! I thought it would be an easy workout, but it challenged muscles I haven't used in ages and struck the perfect balance between tough workout and fun experience. Put that quality workout on the roof of a cool hotel on a beautiful morning, and Surfset has the perfect recipe for success. The surfboards are connected to a set of rubber balls and elastic straps that mimic the stability of a surfboard in water. This is a small, family-owned business, and one of the owners was our instructor. He was not only a great teacher but a nice guy, and even someone like me (with no real surfing history) interested in the sport. They also do trips out to Long Beach for real surfing in the ocean, as well as to the wave pool at the 'American Dream' mall in NJ, which makes surfing accessible even to folks who aren't great swimmers. Finally, the owner let us know that you can purchase packages from them and split the package between friends (something hardly anybody in NYC does anymore). I can't recommend Surfset enough. I will definitely be coming back!
Bryana Marshall
So much fun!! Don’t know what I was expecting but it was definitely fun, challenging, and a good workout. It was also very educational and combined a lot of surfing skills/techniques with exercises. Will def go again and it was a fun activity for me and my dad to do. Aaron was very engaging and a great instructor!
Jenny
I had so much fun! I signed up for the beginner's class and had a blast. It wasn't very difficult. Our instructor was amazing. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to try something new and different.
Shirley Hu
With zero experience of surfing, this class was a great intro to what surfing would be like! The instructor Aaron was very friendly, well-versed in his expertise as demonstrated by his detailed explanations and made sure everyone was on the same page. By the end of the class, I felt physically stronger (and exhausted, quite the work out) and open to the idea of trying to surf at a wave pool sometime soon :D
How to reach SURFSET New York City
None
Website: None
Why SURFSET New York City may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
If you and your friends are seeking a unique and exhilarating way to connect, SURFSET New York City offers an unmatched experience that blends fitness, fun, and community. Imagine gathering at a vibrant studio where every workout feels like an adventure on the waves, even in the middle of Manhattan. SURFSET NYC’s surf-inspired full-body workouts are designed not only to challenge the body but also to amplify camaraderie while creating a lively and supportive environment. This is not your typical gym session; it’s an interactive and dynamic fitness experience that encourages everyone—whether surf novices or fitness enthusiasts—to engage, inspire, and motivate each other. The shared thrill of balancing atop unstable surfboards and moving through authentic surf motions fosters a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. What better way to bond with friends or family than by laughing, sweating, and mastering new skills together? The energy in the studio is contagious, making every session memorable and impactful. Whether you're planning a casual hangout, a special occasion, or a regular meetup, SURFSET NYC transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary moments of health, happiness, and shared passion.
What kind of activities can you do at SURFSET New York City?
SURFSET NYC offers a range of truly unique, surf-inspired fitness classes that bring the spirit and physicality of surfing to a controlled, indoor environment. The core of their program revolves around workouts performed on the SURFSET® Board—a specially designed 6-foot-long surfboard mounted on three balance balls—which replicates the unstable conditions of the ocean. This tool makes every exercise a test of strength, stability, and body awareness. Classes include interval-based workouts that combine cardio, strength, and balance training, ensuring a full-body challenge that leaves participants drenched in sweat, or as the studio playfully calls it, "salt water." There are various class formats such as Blend, Burn, and Strength that cater to different fitness goals, all while keeping participants engaged with dynamic movements drawn from true surfing techniques. Additionally, SURFSET offers Surf Yoga—a practice that emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and balance on the board, channeling the calming yet focused energy of yoga with a surfing twist. For those who prefer to keep fit at home or on the go, SURFSET also provides livestream and on-demand classes that require no equipment, so you can experience the thrill of surf training anywhere.
Why is SURFSET New York City perfect for group meetups?
SURFSET NYC’s environment is deliberately designed to encourage interaction and build community. The studio fosters a supportive and fun atmosphere where groups can challenge themselves and cheer one another on. Because SURFSET classes incorporate interactive and partner drills, they naturally promote teamwork and communication—essential ingredients for a successful group meetup. The studio also offers certification classes and events led by experienced master trainers who are renowned internationally and bring an inspiring presence to sessions. This sense of expertise combined with friendly, approachable instruction helps everyone feel included, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Groups looking to celebrate milestones, host wellness-focused social gatherings, or simply find a novel activity will find SURFSET’s offerings tailored to their needs. The unique concept of surf-inspired fitness makes the experience memorable and conversation-worthy. Furthermore, the studio's location in New York City’s bustling environment offers easy access for friends coming from different parts of the city, making it a convenient and exciting destination for meetups.
What benefits come from surf-inspired workouts at SURFSET NYC?
Surf-inspired workouts at SURFSET NYC provide an exceptional combination of physical and mental benefits, far beyond what traditional gyms deliver. The primary focus is on developing core strength, stability, power, and enhanced body awareness through movements that mimic surfing’s complex, dynamic actions. Training on an unstable SURFSET® Board challenges the muscles continually, improving balance and coordination in ways static exercises cannot achieve. This creates a functional fitness base that supports better posture, injury prevention, and athletic performance in other sports or everyday activities. Cardiovascular endurance is elevated through interval training formats, which are carefully crafted to improve heart health and stamina while keeping the experience engaging. The mental stimulation from balancing and reacting to the board’s movement also sharpens focus and resilience, mirroring the demands of real ocean waves. Beyond these physical rewards, many participants highlight the joy and excitement brought by surf workouts, which reduce the monotony often associated with exercise routines. This makes SURFSET NYC ideal for anyone seeking to improve fitness while having a genuinely enjoyable and uplifting experience.
Who are the trainers at SURFSET New York City, and what makes them special?
SURFSET NYC is led by some of the world’s top SURFSET Fitness Master Trainers and Ambassadors, such as Aaron Thouvenin and Diana Garrett. These trainers are not merely instructors; they represent the brand internationally and nationally, bringing exceptional expertise and passion to the studio. They studied directly with SURFSET® Fitness founders and have cultivated their skills from diverse fitness disciplines, including spinning, bootcamp, TRX, kickboxing, barre, yoga, Pilates, and dance. Their unique backgrounds allow them to creatively merge different workout styles with surf fitness, resulting in dynamic and stimulating classes. Since launching SURFSET NYC in 2014, Aaron and Diana have shared their enthusiasm for surf fitness with thousands of adults and children, making everyone’s experience personal and fun. Their appearances on platforms like The New York Times, Vogue, and The Today Show demonstrate their recognized authority in the fitness world. Having such high-caliber trainers ensures that every class consistently delivers effective, safe, and motivating workouts for all levels, enhancing the overall group experience.
How accessible and inclusive is SURFSET New York City's fitness experience?
SURFSET NYC embraces inclusivity with classes designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced participants. The surf boards can be adjusted to increase or decrease instability, allowing practitioners to progress at their own pace while continuously challenging themselves. This adaptability makes the workouts accessible to people with different balance abilities, strength levels, and fitness goals. Moreover, the studio offers a mix of in-person sessions and virtual options through livestream and on-demand classes, making it easy for members to stay engaged regardless of their schedule or location. The virtual classes require no equipment, so newcomers can try surf-inspired workouts without initial investments or concerns about skill level. This flexibility supports the studio’s mission to spread the "SURFSET Fitness stoke" to a wide community in New York City and beyond. The welcoming atmosphere created by the experienced trainers and supportive fellow members fosters a judgment-free zone where everyone feels encouraged to improve and have fun together.
What extra experiences does SURFSET New York City offer beyond workouts?
Beyond its signature workouts, SURFSET New York City enhances the community experience by organizing surf trips and special events that bring the ocean vibe to life. These excursions give participants the chance to take their skills from the studio’s boards to real waves, reinforcing the connection to surfing culture and adventure. The trips also serve as excellent group activities, perfect for friends or families eager to bond over shared new experiences in nature. In-studio events might include workshops, certification courses for aspiring trainers, or themed classes that add variety to the usual routine. This blend of training and social opportunities strengthens the community feel and provides multiple ways for people to engage with the brand’s unique fitness philosophy. By participating in these diverse offerings, guests at SURFSET NYC can find a rich, multifaceted fitness lifestyle that balances challenge, fun, learning, and connection in an authentic surf-inspired atmosphere.