Kings Park, NY Outdoor Activities

A seasoned watersports enthusiast from Fort Lauderdale, J.M. Kostallas tranfers his wealth of aquatic knowledge to beachgoers along the temperate waters of Long Island. The certified lifeguard and safety instructor leads all inaugural paddleboarding lessons, which emphasize form, balance, and the art of seagull intimidation in a supportive environment with only a few students at a time. Students can put their newfound skills to use in an eco-tour of the surrounding area or give paddleboard yoga a try. Kostal Paddle leads yoga sessions in the open water and at a Jewish Community Center pool.

Stable Mates Equestrian Center facilitates proper technique in the saddle through year-round riding lessons, summer camps, and polo instruction. The outfit specializes in teaching students the gait of walk-trot during riding lessons and oversees riders’ advancement all the way up to the grand-prix level. The onsite professional instructor teaches both horseback riding and polo lessons, helping novices to develop basic riding skills, practice mallet work, and understand the rules that govern the sport of kings, which can only be changed by the decree of another king. Summer camps held from June through August enlighten participants in the areas of riding and stable management, in addition to hosting equine entertainment such as shows and games.

Established in December 2008, Greenlawn Equestrian Center emphasizes the importance of proper horse care along with proper riding techniques. The facility includes a 100'x245' outdoor ring and a covered 80'x80' ring, which makes year-round practice possible and ensures that an afternoon rainstorm will not erase horses’ autographs. During riding lessons, students paired with 1 of 10 school horses learn basic commands, cantering, and eventually jumping. Horsemanship classes help to cultivate the bond between horse and human, and yearly camps cultivate the bond between humans and fresh air.