Riding Out Summer at Rockaway Beach

There's a well-worn adage about surfing: You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a surfboard, and that's pretty close. Filmmakers and surf enthusiasts Rob Corso and E.J. McLeavey-Fisher head to the Rockaways, a popular NYC beach community, to ride out the last break of summer. And capture it on film for us. This is one you should watch in full screen mode.

NEW YORK CITY – It always surprises me how many people don't know that you can surf in New York City. When Mother Nature gives a swell to the Rockaways, you can be sure to find an ocean full of city surfers.

The surf culture is strong in the Rockaways. It has what most beach enclaves have: a small town feel, local entrepreneurs, an eclectic cast of beach bums, old salts, and town celebrities. Lately, a little of that New Brooklyn sensibility has spilled into this Queens beach town.

You may not find another beach like this in the world accessible by a metropolitan subway system. And with a handful of surf schools ready to give you lessons, you have no excuse not to get on a board. There are few better feelings than catching your first wave.

WATCH THE VIDEO

LOCAL SPOTS

Locals Surf School
Beach 67th St.

Rockaway Taco
95-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Rockaway Beach Surf Club
302 Beach 87th St.

Low Tide Bar
Beach 96th St.

NYC Beach Bus
$12 round trip

ABOUT THE FILM

Directed by: Rob Corso and E.J. McLeavey-Fisher

Music: “The Sun Goes All Around” by Thee Oh Sees

Rob Corso
Instagram: @fathercorso
Twitter: @rjcorso
Website: brooklyn-post.com

E.J. McLeavey-Fisher
Instagram: @eeeeeeej
Twitter: @eeeeeeej
Website: ej-mf.com

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Where to Go from NYC: Rockaway Beach
MTA OKAY: The Montauk Master Plan
Best Day Ever: Fire Island