Oceanfront property might seem like an obvious premium in a city like New York, but with a commute time of over one hour to Manhattan, the Beach 90th Street area of Rockaway is not especially popular. “I’d think about moving out here, but right now the commute at night would kill me,” says “Moe” Asca. “I get out of work sometimes at 11:30 p.m. If they had more efficient transit it might bring plenty more surfers down here.”
The area also suffers from a lack of developed infrastructure. Cinemas, bowling alleys, YMCA’s and other safe attractions are several stops away by bus or train in other neighborhoods of Queens.
“What I’d like to see around here are more little businesses popping up nearby,” says Steve. His shop is located near a commercial strip, but restaurants and coffee shops are few and far between at Beach 90th Street. “One day I asked a couple of new guys to watch the shop for a second because I wanted to get a coffee from the deli. I asked them if they wanted anything, and one guy says, ‘Yea, could you get me a latte?’ And I just laughed and said, ‘We don’t do that around here, pal.’”
Fern owned his own shop on Rockaway Boulevard near Beach 90th Street for a short time. He thought it was going to do well, but the brutal winters brought not only the cold but also empty beaches and thus a lack of customers. After five years in business, Fern called it quits in 1997. He currently works for United Airlines at JFK as a customer service agent.
“It’s the best job because I can go anywhere!” laughs Fern, referring to the perks of working with United. “I’m planning on going to Bali and Fiji soon. I go back to Brazil about three or four times a year to surf.”
Even as the days grow shorter and colder, city surfers continue to inundate Rockaway. All done up like “huge condoms” in their thick wetsuits, they play among the plentiful waves, finding solace and friendship all around. The efforts of the Stathises and Boarders are testament to the diverse community of surfers who come from all parts of the city, and the efforts of local community members to unite them all.
“The beauty of the sport is that every wave is different,” says Steve. “It’s not an easy sport. It takes a commitment. Just you and nature, and it can be a very rewarding experience. You could be mediocre, or you could be a pro. When you ride a wave, it’s the same feeling.”
