It may not have quite the romantic allure of Hawaii, but New York City and the surrounding area is fast becoming something of a surfer’s paradise. In quiet corners across the city, amid the skyscrapers and busy streets, surfers are cultivating a new wave-riding capital, with a distinctly urban feel.
Both beginners and avid surfers are hitting New York’s beaches in search of the ultimate experience. With new upscale surf shops opening in Soho (hip Saturdays Surf) and Williamsburg, and a variety of global competitions being held across the city, the Big Apple has rebranded itself as a surfing destination.
But despite the buzz, there are a few famous veterans in the New York surfing scene. Skudin Surf, a family-owned company in Long Island, has been teaching the sport for more than 30 years. From surfing camps for children and adults to advanced lessons, the school offers support to anyone looking to learn on New York’s finest waves.
Picking up fistfuls of new followers, this year’s New York Surf Film Festival – a three-day event featuring independent surf-focused film screenings, surf history lectures and Q&A sessions – has also helped fuel the mounting hype.
Out on the city beaches, enthusiastic surfers have found a firm favorite in Rockway, a surf beach located just 45 minutes from Brooklyn. Some say it has the best waves, while others simply come here for the vibe. Another popular beach is located out on the tip of Long Island in Montauk – the ideal place to test the waters on a weekend getaway.
But before grabbing a surfboard and setting off for deep waters, experts stress the importance of choosing the right gear. A wetsuit during winter and rashguard during summer should become indispensible items for any intrepid wave rider.
Surf’s up!
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