The 118 miles of Long Island’s surf line offers some of the most coveted spots for surfers and swimmers alike. But it isn’t without its challenges. The best surf comes in the cold-water months, making only the heartiest surfers willing to tackle the chill. But the summer months bring great opportunities to learn and teach the art of surfing. Surf camps and schools line the island’s beaches, but potentially none come with as much talent and experience as Southampton’s newest OC Surf School.
OC Surf School was started by 3 of 4 O’Connor Siblings in 2019. Alli, Luke and Will O’Connor were all raised in Southampton, working for surf schools on our beaches since they were old enough. Alli recalls, “We were raised in a house in North Sea that has surfboards hanging in the rafters, but found our own paths to surfing.” OC Surf School truly is the textbook definition of a family-run business. “That first summer our oldest sister worked with us along with some old friends, and our mom was a huge help in keeping us fed and hydrated on the beach all day,” Alli recounts.
Aside from teaching others the art of surfing, the O’Connor siblings strive to teach their campers true appreciation and gratitude for the ocean. “Taking a surf lesson with us, you really become part of the family.” Alli adds, “We want you to understand our love of the ocean and waves and share it through surfing and being in the ocean.”
When not in the water, you can be sure to find the O’Connor siblings enjoying the outdoors. Luke O’Connor volunteers with the Southampton Village Ocean Rescue and enjoys jiu-jitsu. Will O’Connor also has his own carpentry business, so Alli says, “[he] can typically be found in a tool belt building something.” Alli let us in on her love for art explaining that when she’s not in the ocean, she’s usually covered in paint. But Alli puts it beautifully, “At least one night a week we can all be found around our mom’s dinner table in North Sea, eating a vegan meal under the trees.”
OC Surf School can be found on Instagram @oc_surfschool and online at ocsurfny.com
