This sandy peninsula, just three blocks wide in places, is home to several distinct neighborhoods, from the bizarrely gated bungalow community of Breezy Point on the western end to the working-class enclave of Far Rockaway on the eastern end. The place comes alive in summer when thousands of sunbathers, fishermen, swimmers, and surfers hitch a ride to Rockaway beach to enjoy four miles of the ocean and plenty of spots for fishing on the bay. New condo construction is proceeding apace in places like Arverne, as New Yorkers and developers alike have rediscovered the fact that the Rocakways are RIGHT ON THE OCEAN with actual BEACHFRONT. Stay tuned for more news flashes.
Known lovingly as the “Irish Riviera,” Rockaway is host to more than its fair share of pubs. After a hot day walking the boardwalk or sunning in Jacob Riis Park, thirsty throngs descend on spots like The New Irish Circle for a pint and a whirl on the dance floor. Ladies, take note: This is one of the few places in town where you can be assured that the guys sporting FDNY sweatshirts are actual firefighters, not dorky tourists.
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On Our Radar:
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Thursday, July 14, 2005
Posted By:
Alli Hirschman
Photo:
Alli Hirschman
Rockaway Beach "Surf Access"
Surf’s up in Queens. You heard me: Queens. This year, the NYC Department of Parks designated a beach destination between 88th and 90th Streets as an official “surf-access” zone. While the Rockaway and Howard Beach boys have been surfing that break for years (ALL YEAR ROUND—and they say the best breaks happen after November), prior to 2005, waveriders had to get tickets for surfing in the Rockaways. Now city surfers from all five boroughs hit this beach for a pretty consistent jetty break. Parking is easy before sunrise and harder on the weekends, but you can also take the A train to Far Rockaway (the looks you get when wetsuit clad, board under your arm during rush hour are worth the trip) if you don’t want to drive. I’ve definitely paddled out in “garbage soup,” but it’s always been worth it. The waves are usually perfect for beginners, and on a summer day there are a good 30-or-so boards in the water. First timers pay attention, and yield to the locals. After all, they were here first; this is their backyard.
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