THE MAGIC OF MONTAUK

It’s 1997, the sun is setting, and a tight knit group of local kids is dominating the waves at Atlantic Terrace while their parents set up in chairs on the beach to chat about their day. No rules, no tourists–just the magic of Montauk surf culture. This is one of Pat Fallon’s most vivid memories of growing up in Montauk. Surfing since the age of five, Pat is now a surf instructor at the East End Surf Club. He’s also a cousin of the Daunt family, and between them they have some stories.

While Pat grew up and still lives in Montauk, he’s a competitive surfer and has traveled all over the world chasing waves. When we asked him about his favorite places to surf he said “on a day with glorious, warm water, when the waves are firing, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than Montauk. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it’s perfect.” Pat said people are often surprised when they learn there are world class waves in New York, but what makes surfing here so special is the camaraderie of the surf community and the incredible talent that hails from Montauk.

PAT’S MONTAUK
Be a Tourist: walk around the Montauk Point Lighthouse; head to the docks to see the commercial fishing boats

Get Outside: book a surf lesson with Pat at East End Surf Club; find Mount Montauk (you’ll have to ask Leo Daunt for the scoop); head to Camp Hero where the views over the bluffs are otherworldly

Eat & Drink: the Tuna Melt or any special at The Dock; Shakshuka at Bird on the Roof; seafood and drinks at Salivar’s and the Gig Shack; RIP Liar’s (a very common refrain from Montauk locals!)

When we asked if Pat has a favorite story about being a surf instructor, we expected something specific, maybe even something funny. But instead he recounted how he’s met so many amazing people through surfing and teaching, and that sharing something he loves with other people has given his life so much meaning. He’s made countless friends, been given the ability to travel, and found ways to give back to his community through volunteer efforts with local Long Island Communities of Practice (LICOP) and national A Walk on Water (AWOW), both of which provide surf therapy to differently abled children. When he’s not working, Pat is surfing with friends and hanging out afterward in the parking lot, drinking a beer and soaking up the good vibes.

Which frankly sounds like something out of a movie. Much like when Pat told us about tourists dropping in on the wrong local during those Atlantic beach days and getting kicked out of the water. Or about old timers like Cheech and Sarge (RIP to both) who were regular fixtures at the corner bar seat at The Dock. And speaking of The Dock, it’s worth digging around to find owner George Watson’s The Truth, a local “newspaper” in the loosest sense of the word that served up scathing and politically incorrect rumors about locals who felt honored when they were the subject of whatever George cooked up. At the end of the day, the locals here have each other’s backs. It’s worth ditching the scene to meet some of them. And if you want some of that Montauk magic, we highly recommend you book a surf lesson stat.