Things to Do in North Bellmore

Inspired to share the experiences and camaraderie of Rockaway Beach's tightly knit surfing community, three friends launched Locals Surf School to do just that. Developing surfer technique for riders of all levels, the trio leads instruction that ranges from small-group beginners' lessons to one-on-one coaching. Each lesson takes place along Rockaway Beach, whose lively boardwalk affords diversions such as taco stands and pizza joints. The staff also claims lifeguarding experience, which includes CPR and first-aid training, and maintains an FAQ page to anticipate questions such as, "Do I have to get wet?"

Every summer, Angler Fishing Fleet's Captain Ken welcomes youngsters aboard his fishing boat for a weeklong fishing camp. He schools campers in fishing techniques, conservation, and boat safety in a demonstration of the company’s initiatives to empower budding fishermen in exploring local waters. In addition to camps, staff captains host frequent lectures that cover subjects such as anchoring techniques, bait, and which fish are the likeliest to grant wishes.

On private charters, the crew seeks schools with onboard sonar equipment and supplies passengers with fishing gear and bait. The Angler II ferries up to 39 passengers on fishing trips in the western Long Island Sound. It is a 50-foot Coast Guard–inspected vessel. The sleek Angler III, another 50-foot Coast Guard–inspected vessel, also escorts passengers through the sound, but it can hold up to 49 passengers and includes a cozy cabin with a galley that serves snacks and beverages. Plus, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The smallest member of the fleet, the Angler Express, is designed to hold up to six passengers on private charters. All three vessels in the fleet are equipped with state-of-the-art safety and fish-finding equipment.

The wall of hand-painted tiles is likely the first thing you’ll notice when walking into Earth Arts of Long Beach’s sunlit studio. Like a tin man at a cardiologist’s office, it stands out, offering a colorful contrast to the shelves and shelves of unpainted porcelain cups, mugs, plates, and bowls. Each prismatic square offers a glimpse into the artistic world of each customer who’s passed through the shop. As a whole, they represent the studio’s mission to foster a vibrant community that celebrates artisans of all ages and skill levels.

Staffers are happy to guide customers through the pottery-painting process, supplying them with stencils, paints, and stamps to design their own patterns. In addition to pottery painting, the studio offers art classes, and utilizes the shop as a gallery space for visiting artists.

Lawyers often earn nicknames based on their tenacity in court, but Michael Bergman more likely got his from cramming a lifejacket into his briefcase. Known as “Kayak Mike,” the attorney has kayaked for more than 20 years, training at the Philadelphia Canoe Club—one of the country’s oldest clubs—and organizing one of Long Island’s largest kayaking clubs with more than 500 members. He combines this experience and his entrepreneurial spirit through Long Beach Kayak & Adventure. He and his team of guides lead kayak tours along the shores of Long Beach and Island Park to destinations such as Coyote Restaurant & Waterfront Lounge and Paddy McGee’s Fish House & Bar, where paddlers enjoy perks from VIP seating to food and drink specials. On each trip, they adhere to a set of safety guidelines, such as don’t eat the lifejackets. They also rent kayaks by the hour or by the day.