hired for contests, festivals and parties. Surfboards and wetsuits
provided. Check them out on the sand at Beach 69th Street and
www.localssurfschool.com.
New York: Frank Cullen offers the standard programs—private
and group lessons, camp, etc.—but he also organizes singles
and women-only classes. And for something totally different,
he throws yoga into the mix. That’s right. One employee,
Kwame LaBassiere, uses vinyasa flow, breathing exercises and
relaxation techniques to increase energy, balance, strength and
flexibility. Classes begin in the sand. Then, they go where the
spirit takes them. Check them out at Beach 69th Street and www.
surflessonsnewyork101.com.
Editor’s note: The Gateway National Recreation Area is
described in the Public Spaces section.
WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING
Captain Tom Paladino leads Atlantic Ocean expeditions with his
company, American Princess Cruises, on Wednesdays through
Sundays until November. Voyagers check out 50-foot-long
humpback whales and playful dolphins while still being able to
see the Manhattan skyline. Plus, the treks include presentations
and exhibits by naturalists.
Anchored at the Jacob Riis Landing in the Rockaways, Captain
Paladino’s cruises last about four hours. The seven-year-old
company’s sighting percentage (trips versus whale sightings) is
almost exactly 90 percent.
The boat, called “American Princess,” is a 95-foot-long
aluminum cruising vessel. The United States Coast Guard has
certified it for up to 250 passengers at a time. Equipped with a
high output stereo/PA system with speakers, the vessel has a large
upper deck with a canopy and removable side curtains. It also
has a large main deck and cabin with cushioned seating, movable
tables for casual dining, a bar station, and a separate buffet area.
Children are welcome aboard the American Princess. In fact,
they are encouraged to participate in the adventure by helping the
crew take the official whale and dolphin count
Regular cameras, video cameras, and binoculars are permitted,
and American Princess encourages patrons to post their photos
and videos on its Facebook page.
Address: www.americanprincesscruises.com and 718-474-0555.
36 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com
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