---

Many associate New England with fall foliage and snowy mountains, but after surfing in such places as Hawaii, New Jersey and Virginia, I've found that this area of the country is a hidden gem for hanging 10.

What's even better is that local residents have two great options for surfing beaches: the Rhode Island coast and the Massachusetts South Shore.

"You're probably not going to get hammered by a wave here," said Hoyt Hottel, owner of Xtremely Board in Dartmouth, explaining why New England can be a great place to learn surfing. "The bottom of the ocean is sand, and even the rocks are carpeted with seaweed."

Hottel added that in this economy, the beach is a perfect place to go. "The ocean is free," he said. "People see that (surfers) are always tan, healthy and good-looking, and they want to be a part of that."

Ryan Litwin, a local surfer and employee at Warm Winds near Narragansett, R.I., Town Beach, was born in South Kingstown, R.I., and has surfed his entire life. He said that the store gets tourists who aren't even aware that the Ocean State has waves good enough for riding. "New England surfing can be pretty forgiving," he said. "You get knee-high to thigh-high surf, so it's not too big. But it can be too small."

Litwin added that surfing isn't as expensive as you might think. He called it an "economic stimulus fun-pack," explaining that new soft-top boards start at about $200.

So with all that in mind, here are some suggestions for beaches with surfer-friendly waves if you are ready to give this sport/pastime a try:

Nantasket Beach, Hull: Though it's a bit of a hike, Hull is my favorite place to surf. The crowds are intense on weekends, and unless you're there early, parking can cost you, depending on the lot. But other than that, the environment is very welcoming for both new and experienced surfers. A long, sandy beach, there are lots of spots to give surfing a try, and consistent wave breaks. There are no surfing shops on Nantasket Beach or in Hull for that matter. But if you call Nor'Easter Surf and Skate in nearby Scituate at 781-544-9283, they can set you up with some gear and lessons.

Pegotty Point or Egypt Beach, Scituate, Mass.: Pegotty Point may be for the more experienced surfers, since the coastline is jagged reef and the waves are better in the winter. But Egypt Beach is about 15 minutes south of Nantasket and offers a sandy bottom and more consistent surf. All locations in Scituate are difficult to get to, requiring beach tag s and parking permits. Again, call Nor'Easter Surf and Skate at 781-544-9283 for equipment rentals and lessons.

First or Second Beach, Middletown, R.I.: Next to Newport, Middletown provides over a mile of beach that gets reasonably consistent waves. They break far from the shore, and that affords all types of surfers a long, great ride with gentle surf. There are only two disadvantages: crowds of people and crowds of red algae, the latter of which gives the beach a strong stink. For lessons and equipment, go to Elemental Surf & Skate in Middletown. Lessons cost just $20 per student from 9-11 a.m.

Narragansett, R.I., Town Beach: The waves here are great, and the beach is long, sandy and beautiful. The only downside is the crowds. If you plan on trying to surf here, make sure you know your surfer etiquette inside and out, because chances are, you'll be a small fish in a big sea. Check out Peter Pan Surfing Academy where single, private lessons cost $65 for 90 minutes of instruction, a wetsuit and a surfboard rental. With groups of two-10, the rate drops to $55 per person; for groups of 18-40, it's $45 per person. Also try Warm Winds Surf Shop, right across the street from the beach. Lessons are "semi-private" (up to three people), and cost $50 an hour per person. Daily board rentals are $40 for the entire day.

Before you hit the waves, though, you should familiarize yourself with some rules.

"It's nice to see people going out and trying new things," Litwin said. "But when people go out, they don't know the rules of the road, like positioning in the line-up."

He added that the best way to get adjusted is to keep practicing, stay out of people's way and go to surf locations that aren't crowded. To get adjusted to the "rules" before you hit the surf, check out surfinghandbook.com for beginner tips and ocean safety.

But don't bother looking online for secret surf spots. Chances are, experienced surfers won't tell you.

"People come and ask where we surf around here, but I never hand out a surf spot," said Hottel of Xtremely Board. "Surfing is super dangerous. There are so many things involved in surfer etiquette, not to mention no more waves are being made."

"Surfing is a territorial thing," added Shawn Vecchione, the board shaper at Xtremely Board. "A lot of local people don't travel, so they're disgruntled and want the breaks to themselves."

For more lesson information, check out the features link on surfline.com for local lesson and camp prices.

There are great sources online to find surfing locations, as well as rental/lesson information. NEsurf.com is a site fully dedicated to New England surfing, with everything from surf reports and discussion forums to surfer etiquette diagrams. Surfline.com can help with travel plans, surf gear purchases and even has some incredible photographs for the ultimate surfing inspiration.

CATHERINE SERAPHIN is a student at Penn State University who is interning at The Sun Chronicle this summer. Contact her at news@thesunchronicle.com.