we’ve been waiting a long time for a rockaway summer:

nothing but warm days, tasty waves and fun nights full of stories you need to be reminded of. we suggest paddling out front-and-center and waiting for your set. or hitting the boardwalk for some salty-sweet treats. or just tossing a towel and watching the action (we’re always thirsty, so cold drinks are requisite). and because community is everything, we asked a few friends (vets of local surfing and skating lore) to help us kick off the season. below, they share their passions, a few secrets and where they like to nosh after a good session.

Lou Harris

Black Surfing Association

Lou Harris is the founder of the non-profit, Black Surfing Association (BSA) East Coast Chapter, Rockaways. BSA gives free surf and skateboard lessons to local children. 

Where are you from? 

I was born in Jamaica, Queens and then my family moved to Long Island.

What's your day job and what are you most passionate about when you’re working?

I guess I’m a surfatrist; part surfer, part philanthropist and part teacher.  But I also spend a lot of time giving stuff away. I’m most passionate when I’m laying down the blueprint for the future of nonprofits.

What’s the best kept secret about Rockaway?

It has to be Connolly’s – they have the best pina colada in Rockaway.

After you surf, where do you like to grub? 

I love Goody’s for Caribbean BBQ and they also have the best cheeseburgers in Rockaway. For good Chinese food, check out Xing Xing.

What’s your mantra for summer 2021?

Community. That’s it, that’s what it’s all about. 

Nicole Losquadro

Locals Surf School

Nicole Losquadro is an owner of Locals Surf School, accredited with the National Surf Schools and Instructors Association, and dedicated to providing high quality lessons. Beach Entrance, Beach 69th Street and Beach Front Road 

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in Rockaway Beach!

What's your day job and what are you most passionate about when you’re working?

My day job is running a surf school, surf storage business and cafe. We enjoy giving back to our community that we’re lucky enough to call home! 

 What’s the best secret about Rockaway ? 

Getting to the beach before 10am! 

After you surf, where do you like to grub? 

The Locals Collective acai bowl, but we're biased. We also love our friends over at Super Burrito and the Tiki Bar. 

What’s your mantra for summer 2021? 

Making every day count this summer after a lot of listless days.

Nigel Louis

Station RBNY

Nigel Louis is the owner of Station RBNY, a mainstay of the surf scene is dedicated to surfing, skateboarding and the Rockaway beach community.

91-08 B Rockaway Beach Blvd. 

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Barbados and was led to Rockaway because of surfing. 

What's your day job and what are you most passionate about when you’re working?

Outside of being a Dad, I run Station RBNY surf shop. Surfing has been my passion since I was ten. I love helping people get stoked about surfing, because once you get bit by the surfing bug it usually has a profound effect on your life. 

What’s the best secret about Rockaway ?

So many little gems but I think for me it’s how good the food is from the concessions to the local food spots. 

After you surf, where do you like to grub?

One of my favorites is Brisas Del Mar; a little Hispanic Food spot with amazing rice and beans and empanadas. I hit that spot after a very long surf. I also love Kimos Kitchen and Rockaway Express Deli on the corner of 91st and Rockaway Beach Boulevard. 

What’s your mantra for summer 2021?

NL: Be present, be kind, work hard and live life !

Nancy Giannone

Skudin Surf School

Nancy Giannone, Director of Operations at Skudin Surf, offering surf camps and lessons to all ages and abilities. 

Beach Entrance, Beach 67th Street and, Beach Front Rd, 

Where are you from? 

I’m a New Yorker.

What’s your day job and what are you most passionate about when you’re working? 

I’m the director of operations and work about 365 days a year!  Surfing is our passion.

What is the best secret about Rockaway ? 

Really the best secret is that every day is a good day when you’re surfing.

After you surf, where do you like to grub?

Two of our campers' fathers own Batesy's which is great for BBQ and smoked meats.

What is your mantra for summer 2021?

Let’s surf!

Now Showing On Loop : The Endless Summer

“On any day of the year, it’s summer somewhere in the world”

Part surf documentary, part travelogue, you can’t go wrong with Bruce Brown’s iconic 1964 documentary that follows two Cali-surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August on a trip around the world.  Shot on location in Hawaii, Australia and South Africa, and with a twangy guitar soundtrack by The Sandals, the pic is a return to simpler days, finding the best waves in remote spots and maybe, just maybe, it’s about never growing up.

Now Playing : College Dropout, Kanye West.

OK fine, we are gonna get better at making play lists that are more original and like ‘on brand’. BUT, we stumbled back upon College Dropout recently and damn its good. Ah, remember the Old Kanye?

So consider this a PSA : Put it on repeat and dive in.

And, that’s not all. Check out more local stops we love for surf, skate, sea and beyond:

Founded in 1999, St James is a local New York City apparel and board brand supporting the surf, skate and snow community of NYC and sold at Boarders Surf Shop.

Boarders is a family-run surf & skate shop offering surfboards, skateboards, accessories, rentals and repairs. 192 Beach 92nd Street 11693 

Founded by two Rockaway natives, The Alameda Club is part surf shop, part barber shop and part clubhouse helping our community through friendship, camaraderie and mindfulness.  69-62 Almeda Avenue

GrindTime Skate Shop is dedicated to skateboarding and skate culture in Rockaway Beach and NYC. 90-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd. 

Rockaway Beach Surf Club is a cultural event space, restaurant and bar devoted to promoting the love of surfing, conserving the environment and supporting its local neighborhood. 302 Beach 87th Street

Locally owned since 1972, The Rockaway Beach Surf Shop stocks over 200 surfboards and a range of surf clothing and accessories. 177 Beach 116th Street

bridget’s final thoughts

THANK YOU for being the future OG supporters of this new dream of bringing about change to the soda market with a healthy, functional alternative that’s inspired by my beloved hometown of ROCKAWAY. The hustle is real and without a crew, we are nothing. Use ‘VOL1OG’ for 20% off purchase on our site through end of May as a sign of my unending appreciation. Here’s to a sick summer — ROCK ON x B

where the streets meet the beach. @drinkrockaway