Skudin Surf is perhaps the most “American” Wave Pool in the United States. It is located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan inside of a massive mall called “American Dream”. It is run by the Skudin brothers who are two of the pillars in the NYC surf scene (They also run a good surf shop at the Rockaways). This pool is unique in the sense that it is indoors, providing shelter from the temperatures and winds that Northeast surfers deal with on a day-to-day basis. The shape of the waves, like most wave pools, can range from smaller and mushy for beginners to around chest-high and rippable for more advanced surfers. The waves can be set up as just a right, just a left, or a sweet little A-Frame which is best for group sessions. The waves do break onto concrete so take care when taking a tumble. One of the added benefits of a session here is that you’ll have access to a full quiver of boards to test/use during your time in the water, included in the cost of using the pool in the first place.
The pool is now open from 7 AM to 10 AM then 7 PM to 11 PM, currently the off hours for other parts of the mall. The wind will always be good in this indoor facility as well as the temperatures that hover at warm tropical vibes. Boardshorts or a bikini are all you’ll need.
The wave pool currently offers sessions, packages for multiple sessions, and memberships. Check out their site here. Generally, it averages out to $200 per session, which can be about 50 waves an hour per person. If you ask anyone who has been they will tell you that it will leave you very surfed out.
There are plenty of activities around. Manhattan is just a stone’s throw away, but if you want to stay close the fact that it is in one of the largest malls in America should keep you entertained. Have fun, yeeew!
