Our 2025 New York Surf School Team
Francis “Frank” Cullen - Owner
You Will always Be greeted with a smile and a Boisterous Laugh when frank is around. He has over 40 YEars of surfing and 20+ years of teaching surfing under his belt that he is happy to share with all who come to New York Surf School. 9 times out of 10 you hear him laughing before you see him.
IG: @nysurfschool
Kwame LaBassiere - Head instructor
Surfer, Yogi, Vegan, Ocean Conservationist and explorer. MEllow, calm and chill. HE can spot a wave further than most people can drive. He is completely Tuned in with the ocean. Rumor has it that he once surfed a table.
IG: @tribe_of_Zen
Autumn Kitchens - Senior Instructor
Model, writer, surfer and a beaming smile. What more can you want in an instructor? Makes sure EVERYONE has eaten and has enough sunscreen on. Big heart and amazing surfer and instructor.
IG: @_autumnkitchens
Amanda Ardito - Senior Instructor
Most likely to drop everything and head to Hawaii because she found a cheap ticket. Or Drive to the outerbanks or CONVINCE everyone that they should camp on the beach in Montauk.
IG: @blonde_girl_adventures
Filipe Ferreira Munoz- Instructor
“Con tabla sin tabla con patas traje o sin nad siempre se disfruta.” Filipe can always be counted on for a good time. Takes his time with students and shows them what it really means to surf.
Nikita Zamethko - Instructor
Easy going with a ready smile. Nikita is able to get his students into waves that most people would pass on because they are too small. NObody know how he does it, he just does.
Beah Avila - Junior INstructor
The NEwest member to the New YOrk Surf School family. Perfect example of “once that saltwater gets in your veins…” Armed with a ready smile and positive attitude Beah can put any nervous student at ease.
Andrew Ardito - Instructor
Amanda’s YOunger Brother. But to hear him tell it he is the better sibling. Andrew’s ENTHUSIASM is CONTAGIOUS and is usually the one asking after a looooong day of teaching if anyone is going to paddle out.
IG: @andrew.ardito
Simon Chardiet - Instructor
Musician/surfer. Or Surfer/Musican. Either way a true rockaway O.G. Students believe simon lives in the sea because they see him walking out of the ocean to get ready for work. The truth is more impressive. He swims 30+ blocks to work!
IG: @chardietsimon