The Best Bet
There are those who surf year-round, but most locals are what photographer, surfer, and surfboard-maker Dirk Westphal calls champagne surfers—those who prefer sunny skies and warm water. Who can blame them? Although the sunshine has arrived, the water temperature in the Rockaways won’t hit the mid-to-high sixties until at least a month from now, meaning there’s just enough time to order a custom surfboard bearing Westphal’s art photographs of goldfish and damselfish. Each board is made to order in his Manhattan studio, with a lead time of three to four weeks. Prices—which are decidedly on the Dom Pérignon level—vary depending on board size and number of photographs. (Prices start at $3,000; 212-431-7580.)
Après-Swim Hair Repair
A wide-tooth comb should always be in your beach bag; it unknots wind-and-sea-tangled hair more gently than brushing (Swissco comb, from $3 at Ricky’s, 1189 First Ave., nr. 64th St.; 212-879-8361).
It Moves, So You Don’t Have To
The swivel-and-flip option on Sony’s new portable LCD-screen DVD player means even the most cramped coach seat has good sight lines ($199.95 at Sony Style, 550 Madison Ave., at 55th St.; 212-833-8800).
A Multipurpose Tuft
Each chunky pillow is made from vintage Indian fabric and is sturdy enough to fill in as extra seating for surprise guests ($275 at Matta, 241 Lafayette St., nr. Spring St.; 212-343-9399).
Goooooooal!
This hipster-friendly homage to Pelé is by far the coolest way to show your support for the U.S. Men’s National Team ($27.95 at Soccer Sport Supply Company, Inc., 1745 First Ave., nr. 90th St.; 212-427-6050).
A Melodious Rattle
Its elegant design isn’t just for aesthetics; the silver produces a more harmonious, soothing jingle ($48 at Sons & Daughters, 35 Ave. A, nr. 3rd St.; 212-253-7797).