Dispatch from the Beach: What to Pack for Rockaway Beach, NY
Enjoying the perfect beach day at last year’s Rockaway Reset
Every summer, New Yorkers convince themselves they're going to pack light for the beach.
Then they arrive at the ferry carrying a beach chair, an umbrella, two tote bags, a paperback, three liters of water, and enough snacks to survive a minor maritime incident.
We've learned a few things over the years.
First: arrive for the ferry earlier than you think you need to.
Second: there is no such thing as too much sunscreen.
Third: Rockaway has a way of turning a quick beach trip into an all-day affair. Pack accordingly.
A peak at a bit of last year’s Rockaway Reset setup
A swimsuit, obviously.
A second swimsuit if you're the sort of person who likes to do laps between the piers before lunch and then spend the afternoon horizontal under an umbrella.
A hat.
A towel.
An umbrella if you're staying awhile.
A book you'll either finish in one sitting or never open.
A water bottle.
Something salty.
Something cold.
Your favorite Rippers hoodie. Around 7 p.m. you'll wonder why you brought it. Around 9 p.m., while drinking a piña colada on the bay side after sunset, you'll be very pleased with yourself.
And if you've never carried an umbrella, towel, hoodie, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, extra swimsuit, paperback, and miscellaneous beach accoutrements through the city in ninety-degree weather, consider this your official warning.
The beach itself is easy. Getting there is when the packing list begins to make you question your life choices.
Our bountiful lunch spread
This, incidentally, is part of the reason we created Rockaway Reset.
Because while we love Rockaway, we are not particularly attached to hauling half our apartment onto public transportation.
So we have the umbrellas. We do lunch. We handle the setup…You show up.
Preferably with a swimsuit, a hat, and very little else.
We'll see you at the beach.
Things you’ll need at the beach, but will absolutely hate schlepping there.
P.S. Already signed up for Rockaway Reset?
Good news: most of the heavy lifting is our problem. You do not need to spend the morning dragging half your apartment onto the ferry.
There are, however, a few things you'll want to bring.
A suit you can surf in. Think: Cynthia Rowley shortie wetsuits, a sporty Speedo in an aggressively cheerful color, or a rash guard with a little personality. Anything you won't mind getting tossed around in.
Extra sunscreen for your face, the burn is real out on the open ocean.
A refillable water bottle.
Whatever personal beach rituals you refuse to leave home without. A paperback that's been living in your tote bag for months. A camera. A deck of cards. The perfect lip balm.
Just don't bring the umbrella.
We've got that covered.