Interviews by Kaija Helmetag
Karen Dahlberg, 34 Federal attorney “The city is a crowded place”even the parks are too crowded for me. I love sitting on my board and feeling like I have the ocean to myself.” Photo: Bonnie Biess
Mike Bulger, 36 Body-alignment specialist Photo: Courtesy of the Subject
Scott Rosenstein, 36 Global-health-policy expert “I’m six-foot-four, not a very good swimmer, so progress is slow and frequently painful”and the A train almost always lets me down. But the challenge and the ocean somehow make it worth it.” Photo: Bob Arkow
Stefan Cangea, 28 Investment banker Photo: Michael Rovnyak
Cynthia Rowley, 53 Fashion designer Photo: Richard Phillips
William Finnegan, 58 Staff writer at The New Yorker “It’s never felt like a sport. It has no edges. I surfed all three days of Irene”Montauk to Jersey. If you’ve been in it as long as I have, you’re just hardwired to go when there’s swell.” Photo: Courtesy of the Subject
Mike Asselin, 29 Physician assistant, intensive-care unit “Surfing keeps me focused on what’s really important, which is just getting good waves. I hear people complain about not knowing what they want to do with their life. I’ve never had that problem, I just want to get good waves.” Photo: Courtesy of the Subject
Lawrence Luhring, 55 Gallery owner Photo: Courtesy of the Subject
Julie Gilhart, 53 Fashion consultant “Surfing means I have more scars: one on my shin where my fin sliced me; one on my forehead where my board hit me; and a chipped tooth that keeps needing to be fixed.” Photo: Michael Rovnyak
Anthony Michaels, “65-plus” Attorney and real-estate developer “I have been advised under penalty of grievous harm not to divulge my special spots.” Photo: Courtesy of the Subject
Alex Matthiessen, 47 Environmental consultant “I usually slog to Ditch Plains, competing with drivers for the road and surfers for the waves. But, as in the city, goodwill prevails.” photo: Blair Seagram
Obi Onyejekwe, 34 Creative director Photo: Courtesy of the Subject