Diners awaiting tables inside the nautically decorated restaurant can first sit on the beach and drink in the atmosphere along with their cocktails, which include the Marganegra, made of silver tequila, creme Yvette, raspberry, blackberry, and lime. Those inclined to stay outside can keep their feet in the sand as they sit at tables illuminated by tiki torches.  Either way, everyone will  enjoy the meals prepared by a skillful kitchen, which emphasizes fresh seafood with a hint of Asian influence.

Start with one of several exotic salads, like the Green Papaya and the Crispy Calamari salads, and make sure to ask your server for a plate of the Crispy Shishito Peppers to share with the table. The “Large Plates” are main courses dominated by offerings of fresh seafood, like melt-in-your-mouth sea scallops and a creamy Lobster Tagliatelle brimming with huge chunks of lobster claw. Other entrees include Seafood and Chips and Buttermilk Fried Chicken. I recommend that no matter what you choose, you add a side of Truffle Mac and Cheese. You’ll thank me!

Though there are no vegetarian or vegan dishes on the menu other than a few salads, the kitchen will accommodate special requests. Plus, when it comes to special, the dessert menu won’t disappoint. The light and airy White Chocolate Cheesecake was perfect after a large meal, and the Lemon Tartlet ended the meal on a tangy note.  Actually, that’s what Navy Beach is all about:  tangy atmosphere, tasty food, and tantalizing surroundings illuminated by tiki torches.

Navy Beach
16 Navy Road, Montauk
(631)-668-6868

www.NavyBeach.com

By Adam Lustig

“Long Island is wonderful for kiteboarding because of all the water access and the varied conditions,” according to Jon Ford, owner of Hampton Watersports in Southampton, which offers lessons and equipment for kiteboarding and other active water sports. “It’s an excellent place to get into the sport,” Ford says. “Wave kiting on the ocean, freestyle and freeride in the back bays.”

Imagine mixing wakeboarding, surfing, and paragliding, and you’re starting to envision kiteboarding. It’s an adventurous water sport that harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small board that is similar to a wakeboard. Unlike surfing, kiteboarders need not swim out through big seas to catch a wave, as they are having fun both going out and coming in. Freeride kiteboarding can be about speed, or just cruising under sail around the bays, while freestyling is more intense as the riders attempt to go higher and often perform “tricks.”

Long Island lends itself to kiteboarding with so many wind directions and conditions. “Around Long Island there are a huge range of places to go boarding,” says Ford. “You have the ocean, the Long Island Sound and the bays.” He adds that kiteboarders prefer the conditions at Peconic Bay, Shinnecock Bay, and Napeague. Though some seek the extremes of high winds far off shore, Ford notes that most kiters are looking to soar with “cross-to-cross onshore winds in the 10-30 knot range, with a large beach area for setup and launching and landing.”

Athletic prowess is not a prerequisite for enjoyment of kiteboarding’s thrills. Those who have experience in beach jumping or kite buggying, or who can surf, will master the sport quickly. “You also have to be a strong swimmer and be moderately fit to enjoy it,” advises Ford, as kiteboarding provides an all-over body workout.

Ford advises that, “the best way to get involved is to take lessons and practice kite flying skills with a training kite.” The equipment has developed as the sport has increased in popularity, and has become more precise, explains Ford, who adds that, “over the last few years the gear has changed in design so almost anyone can get into and master the sport.” Ford also explains the costs involved in starting out for newcomers: “You should do a five-hour weekend course before you go buying the gear,” which runs about $700. He estimates that the cost of a kite, harness, wetsuit, and board may run around $1800.

As with any other activity involving water or speed, safety is an important consideration. Riders must stay informed about weather conditions, wear life jackets, never exceed their abilities, and look out for other people on and above the water.

By Richard Shrubb

Photos  courtesy Ozone Kites and Stephan Kleinlein

Kiteboarding safety videos