On Montauk 2013 Page 58

Photo credit: Cliff Dayton

WATERSPORTS

On Montauk

Since water surrounds Montauk on three sides, anything you want

to do on the water you can do here. Thanks to that warm current

of water, the Gulf Stream, which actually moves closer to

Montauk's shores in the summer, the water temperatures rise rapidly in June, continuing to
warm through August, and stay warm enough to swim well into October.

SURFING

Montauk is one of the East Coast's top surfi ng
towns. And it's not just the waves; surfer vibes
are everywhere. The culture is magnifi ed by
surfer-themed restaurants and shops. Ditch
Plains is the heart and soul of the surfer com-
munity. If you surf Ditch and you are a new-
bie, remember Ditch etiquette -- the surfi ng
areas are 250 feet in either direction to the
east and west of the bathing beach. Surfers
looking for bigger waves head to Camp Hero, a
rock-studded patch of right breakers beneath
the cliffs, and Turtle Cove, the farthest east
and perhaps best Montauk break, just below
the Montauk Lighthouse. Be careful of rocks
and bigger waves; these surf spots are for
more experienced surfers.

All ages can learn to ride the waves. Don't
know how to surf? The talented and experi-
enced instructors at Air & Speed Surfshop
(668-0356) will show you how. They sell and
rent equipment and offer Surfing Camps
throughout the summer. Espo's (267-SURF)
sells and rents equipment, gives lessons, and
sponsors the Surf Classic every summer in
Ditch. Kids and adults can also catch the waves
and ride them to shore on boogie boards.

SNORKELING AND SCUBA

The H.M.S. Culloden, a popular Montauk

dive spot, is about a mile west of the Montauk
jetties at Culloden Point. The English frigate
"Culloden" sank in 1871 just 150 feet offshore.
The Culloden, resting in about 20 feet of
water, is one of the oldest and most historical
shipwrecks that beach divers can explore off
Long Island's coast. A protected site, nothing
can be taken. Access is through stairs at the
end of Soundview Drive (also a great secluded
place to watch the sunset).

WATERSKIING

Whether you have your own boat or rent one,
Lake Montauk is the place for waterskiing.
Uihlein's (668-3799), at the Harbor, will rent
or sell you all you need. Espo's sells waterski-
ing equipment.

KITESURFING AND WINDSURFING

Napeague Harbor is well known as one of
the most popular places for kitesurfing in
the northeast, with 360 degrees of sandy,
uncrowded shoreline and miles of shallow,
waist-deep water. Napeague is known for
southwest breezes that funnel in off the
ocean in the summer. Shallow water, great
wind, beautiful scenery and a big bay for
a nice broad reach make Napeague Bay a
paradise for beginners and experienced kite-
surfers and windsurfers.