Rockaway Beach is located in Queens, between the Atlantic Ocean and Jamaica Bay. It is part of the public park known as Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk. The residents of Manhattan settled here following the 2012 powerful tropical storm Sandy. Here, they started surfing and cooking Mexican tacos and frozen Pina Coladas. Since then, the beach has been a popular vacation spot for New Yorkers. This 7-mile stretch of peninsula along the sea is popular with both city residents and tourists during the summer months. In addition to resting on the beach and water activities, you may enjoy great shops, food trucks, open-air bars and other attractions. Find out more about the main local activities at queens.name.
Catch a wave
The first thing to do in Rockaway Beach during the warm season is to take surfing lessons. Catch a wave and then ride its crest on a special flat board (lying down or standing).
In general, surfing originated in Hawaii as part of an ancient religious ritual practiced by the Hawaiian nobles. By the 1820s, as a result of the influence of European missionaries, this activity was almost completely forgotten. A century later, Hawaiian Olympic swimming champion Duke Kahanamoku established a surf club in the Hawaiian resort area of Waikiki. In the 1960s, this water activity gained real popularity.
The waves at Rockaway Beach are perfect for beginner surfers since they are never too big or harsh (though, naturally, you should avoid going out during a storm). There are several companies that offer surfing lessons. One of the oldest schools is Locals Surf School, which was founded by townspeople. They operate in black tents and offer group and private lessons. If you are ready to withstand the cold, training is accessible year-round. After an active day, you may enjoy the sunshine. Grab your beach clothing, remember to bring sunscreen and head to the warm beach.
By the way, the Locals Surf School owners also opened the Locals Collective coffee shop, which serves delicious espresso, sandwiches and bowls made with fresh acai berries. Such nutritious meal provides a boost of energy for the day, which contributes to active surfing.
Healing the body and soul
Experienced massage therapists offer reiki treatments in numerous salons and treatment centers close to the beach. This is a type of alternative medicine that falls under the category of healing and is considered pseudoscience. Such manual treatment is intended to preserve and restore a person’s physical and mental health.
It originated in ancient Tibet but was popularized in the nineteenth century by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. The term “reiki” is Japanese and is made up of two parts: “rei”, which means “everything that exists both in thought and form” and represents the method’s universality, and “ki”, which means “the life energy that breathes life into creation”. These procedures are supposed to open a channel within the patient that allows the life energy of the universe to flow. This promotes self-healing, the regeneration of damaged organs and the restoration of vitality.
In addition, there are infrared cabins – unique rooms where the human body is subjected to infrared radiation. Typically, such cabins are made of natural wood, which, when heated, emits phytoncides – beneficial compounds that fight microbes, fungi and harmful bacteria.
Other body and soul treatments include acupuncture, personalized therapeutic psychology services and crystal healing sessions. There is an old wellness center in the basement of David Selig’s Tuscan villa Seaside Healing Arts, complete with a sauna, yoga and pilates rooms. In addition, clients can practice restorative yoga in the cave-like studio YogaRockaway Love. Each week, different music is played at the sessions, to which visitors stretch, breathe and even fall asleep. You can also enjoy neck massage with soothing oils.
Here, you may also attend group meditations conducted by Brooklyn specialists and Buddhist monks. MeditationRockaway Summer, located in an old Spanish-style house, offers a Buddhist meditation course. Buddhist meditation is a collection of physical and spiritual self-improvement techniques associated with three groups of Eightfold Path practices. This spiritual practice aims to liberate oneself from Samsara and achieve Nirvana, among other things.
Fishing
Experienced fishers on Rockaway Beach can brag of catching rich catches such as sea bass, flounder, liver fluke and striped bass. Anglers who surf use a variety of baits, including worms, clams and squid.
Eco-friendly products
Growing food directly in this area is nothing new, although it is only done correctly in a few places. For example, organic food is grown at FoodEdgemere Farm. It has chickens, bee products and organic vegetables and fruits. On weekends, the farm serves rich cowboy breakfasts. Also, it provides produce to the best local restaurants, including Uma’s, Cuisine by Claudette and Old Man Chill. Occasionally, the farm hosts limited-seat dinners with some of the best restaurateurs in Brooklyn.
Finest beers
Craft beer is a popular beverage among the surf community. Some of the best beers in Queens are produced by Rockaway Brewing Company. The brewery was founded by locals who started producing homemade beer in their yards. Rockaway Brewing Company encompasses a large factory and courtyard with tables for guests. There are gastronomic events held here, as well as live music on weekends.
Staying a night in a luxury hotel
The Rockaway Hotel, which opened in the summer of 2020, is one of the best places to spend the night on Rockaway Beach. It is well-known for its swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and booths, rooftop bar where DJs perform, daily fitness sessions on the roof terrace and much more. The beautiful interior is made of light wood. The impeccable and attentive service of the staff adds to the feeling of bliss of being on vacation, even if you are only one metro station away from home.
When it’s too windy on the beach, the pool terrace is the ideal spot to relax. After that, you can visit the hotel’s Margie’s restaurant and eat fresh oysters, crabs and lobsters. A good mood, a close-knit community and an unforgettable experience are guaranteed!
Where can you buy souvenirs?
Breakwater Surf Co. and Station RBNY stores not only lease surfboards and wetsuits, but they also sell swimsuits and special clothing for water recreation.
Zingara Vintage has a wide selection of vintage items, including books, board games, umbrellas, purses and clothing from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. They also transform old Terry dressing gowns into fashionable bikinis and mini-skirts. The Swellife boutique offers more modern items such as brightly patterned beach bedspreads, bags and jewelry. It features one-of-a-kind handmade products from throughout the world, like wicker Mexican baskets, Nigerian textile bags and Moroccan leather sandals.