Cake By The Ocean

Tracy Obolsky, Chef/Owner, Rockaway Beach Bakery

It’s the end of an era in Rockaway Beach, New York City. The go-to spot for savory Everything Ham and Swiss Croissants and delicious Grandma Helen’s plum cake recently shut its doors at 87-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd, pulling down the iconic Gone Surfing door for the last time. In NYC, it’s common to lose favorite spots, coffee shops, restaurants, and the list goes on. It’s part of the norm. But losing a place like this that feels intimate and is an integral part of the Rockaway community hits hard. Rockaway Beach Bakery is, or was, the kind of place that makes living in Rockaway so special. It will be missed.

Tracy and I have been friends for years, and I’ve photographed her in and out of the water since 2018. I have hundreds of photos of her surfing. Even though she works hard, she makes surfing a priority in her life. When you see her out there, you notice how at home she looks out in the ocean. We finally made official plans, creating a fun photo shoot and an interview back in May of 2024. Life got busy and crazy, and I never posted the interview and the photos. I actually took a pause from social media, from work, all the things. A few days ago, I started dipping my toe, cautiously, back in the social waters, and the first thing I see is Tracy’s post about the bakery closing. I reached out immediately to check on her. Cool things happening behind the scenes, and something new is in the works. But that’s all I know! We’ll have to wait and see, but in the meantime, I wanted to pull all of our photos and our conversations together and make this Wild interview happen.

Tracy’s one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. A Pratt Institute Grad, she earned a BFA in Illustration. She planned on becoming an illustrator or a snowboarder, which if you know Tracy, that dichotomy fits. Inspired by crazy cake competition shows, Tracy enrolled in pastry school. At twenty-six, she became an Executive Pastry Chef at Esca, then North End Grill, and Cookshop. Her skills in the kitchen and the unique recipes she created made her sought after and kept her at the top of her game. Through the years, I’ve questioned how someone who works that hard and gets up that early always has a smile on her face and endless energy. I can tell you now, that is not how I handle stress. I’m guessing it’s her time in Manhattan that helped form her mastery of work, stress, and success. If she could make it there, she could make it anywhere. She talks more about that part of her career in our interview, giving insight into what actually lured her away from the city and out to Queens. Her next chapter will be no less than spectacular. As we all await the unveiling, I hope you’ll take a moment to read our interview. Of course, I didn’t expect anything less than fun and laughs—she has such good energy. Tracy was up for anything! So she brought out her famous pastries and cookies. She took them for a walk on the beach and of course out for a little surf. Congratulations on all of your success at the Blvd, Tracy, and cheers to this exciting next chapter.

Tracy, when did you start surfing?

TO: I started surfing consistently about nine years ago when I moved to Rockaway. I took a lesson in Costa Rica about twelve years ago and was hooked. I’d always wanted to surf growing up while spending summers at the New Jersey Shore. Unfortunately, my parents weren’t too keen on the idea. I was forced to stick to bodyboarding until I was an adult.

You have an iconic Gone Surfing graphic on your door that comes down when you’re closed. Sometimes during the summer, the bakery closes and that sign is up. How do you balance your love of surfing and your business? Why was it important to you to bring surfing into your work?

TO: Once in a while I would close early or close for the day to go surfing, for sure. But now I have an amazing staff that can run the bakery when I’m not there (which took five years). I try to balance my work with surfing by checking the surf forecast. Sometimes I have time to surf before work. Sometimes I can surf after work for sunset. And sometimes I’m lucky to catch both, getting to see sunrise and sunset from my board in the same day. There are definitely times where I miss out on waves, but at least I get to feed the hungry surfers that were lucky enough to score some waves. My logo, a woman surfing a croissant, was a fun, playful idea to bring surfing into the bakery. It just kind of came natural. I’m located at the beach, open year round, and love feeding the surf community, as well as the non surfing community. I love when the bakery is full, post surf session: everyone has wet hair, and they’re talking about their waves of the day.

What does surfing add to your life?

TO: Surfing adds so much to my life. I love surfing, because it is one of the only things I can do that can take my mind off anything and everything that may be bothering me. I’m forced to focus on the ocean and the beautiful surroundings. It’s super fun, challenging, and a great workout. There’s nothing like that feeling you get after a great session in the water.

Do you prefer surfing solo or with a friend(s)?

TO: I love surfing solo and also appreciate surfing with friends. Even if I end up paddling out alone, I usually end up seeing friends or acquaintances once I’m out there. Surfing solo is a great way to clear your mind and really engulfs you with the nature around you.

Are most of your friends surfers? What do you value most about the surf community? (locally & as a whole)

TO: I would say that fifty percent of my friends are surfers. I love how supportive the surf community is. Everyone is ready to clean up the beach or donate their time or product when there is a subject in need. Everyone is out for the same goal—to have fun and share the stoke while protecting what Mother Nature has gifted us.

Why Rockaway Beach? And how long have you been here?

TO: I ended up in Rockaway Beach after moving here to not only surf more and live near the ocean, but also to feel some sort of separation once I left my high paced, stressful Fine Dining Executive Pastry Chef job in Manhattan for my workweek. It was still right off the A train so I was able to commute to the city and live full time a block away from the ocean, a dream I’ve always had. I would come out here before work with one of my best friends and I would hang my wetsuit in the office to dry and the GM would always complain about the sand on the carpet. Rockaway is still technically NYC and you can get there easily but it’s also far enough away and a very drastic different beach town feel to it.

There’s obvious things about Rockaway that make it special like the beach, surfing, nature, small town community, but there’s also something about it that’s youthful. Rockaway makes me feel like a kid that’s actually a grown woman that rides her bike everywhere. It’s just so fun and nostalgic, reminds me of summer at the Jersey shore but I somehow made it my life lol.

You have a background as a pastry chef in Manhattan. That seems like such a drastic change to bakery shop owner in Rockaway. Could you explain that evolution?

TO: It was a drastic change from commuting to the city as a Pastry Chef to opening a small bakery in a beach town. I was so burnt out I was trying to figure out a way to spend more time on and enjoy this beautiful peninsula I moved to. I was always working, crazy hours too. I got stuck during a blizzard one winter and couldn’t get back to Rockaway, and that was the last straw. I thought to myself what if I started a small bakery. There’s not a lot of offerings like that out here. I bravely quit my job and started slinging pastries and coffee out of a shack at a small marina in Arverne to the local fishermen and old timers. The croissants ended up being the favorite, especially the Everything Ham and Swiss croissant which I am known for. Word traveled fast about the “secret bakery.” I sold out of anything and everything I made daily. I eventually set up a brick and mortar shop almost 9 years ago and luckily it all worked out well.

How did it feel those first few weeks and months after leaving your pastry chef career behind? I mean that's a dream job for a lot of people.

TO: It was terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time. I was fed up with my life style and the long hours and sacrifices. I was ready to start something completely new and my own, from scratch. I felt a lot of guilt too—the owners and chefs at my job kept trying to make me stay, and I felt bad for leaving—they were all great owners, chefs, and peers. I felt bad because I know my family thought I was crazy and maybe still think I am. I mean, I had it all and was only climbing up . . . apparently it wasn’t making me as happy as it used to, and I was completely burnt out and miserable. It was a new welcomed scary, exciting beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. And I’ll never forget my last train ride home from that job in Chelsea. I didn’t realize I was on a Lefferts train and it took me twice as long to get home. First time I did that too. 

Have you ever missed it?

TO: I have moments when I do miss it but try to remind myself of what an awesome life I’ve created for myself here and to be proud that I started something from nothing all myself. It’s easy to romanticize about the fun great moments, but I have to remind myself of how I felt the rest of the time. I work even harder now than when I worked in fine dining, but now I’m doing it for myself.  

What’s it like to own a bakery?

TO: It’s pretty great owning a bakery but it’s also a ton of work. There’s always fires to put out, problems to solve and deal with and I usually have five thousand things going through my mind at any given moment. It’s nice having full creative freedom and being able to offer this service to the community and mentor my staff to enable them to do anything they wish to do in their careers. I love seeing everyone that comes in and talking with them. I love this bubble of a life I’ve created, where I live right by the beach with my husband and dog, ride my bike on the boardwalk to and from work year round, bake beautiful delicious food, and surf as much as I can. I pinch myself sometimes. I am very lucky.

Grandma Helen's Plum Cake is a menu favorite. It's so moist and delicious with the perfect amount of sweetness--let's just say I've ordered it more than once over the years. Who is Grandma Helen? 

TO: Grandma Helen was my mom’s mom—she passed away when I was a baby so I didn’t really know her but heard a lot about her and her baking skills. I have a lot of her recipes, which are really unique and retro. Anything that has “Grandma Helen” in the name of the pastry is one of her recipes that I’ve tweaked over the years. The recipes are typed on the typewriter or hand written which is cool too.

You also travel often to Costa Rica. Is that your go to adventure surf locale? And why? What’s special about Costa Rica?

TO: I love Costa Rica and travel there every chance I get! I love the surf, the wildlife, the people. It’s absolutely beautiful and extremely diverse. I go to a certain area so much that I have friends there and regular bars and restaurants that I frequent. I feel at home when I’m there.

Summer surf? Or winter surf?

TO: I love surfing in the summer because there are many more hours of daylight to take advantage of so I get to surf more, but the waves tend to be smaller and the lineups more crowded. I love winter surfing, but I definitely don’t love the extra time it takes me to put on all the extra rubber or the extra weight it puts on you when you're out there. I also get too cold after about forty-five minutes to an hour at most. So my time is limited out there, but it’s absolutely better than not surfing at all!

Favorite Board? How many boards do you own?

TO: It's a hard decision but the board I end up using most of the time is my McTavish Sumo 7’6” cause it can get into anything, which is great when there’s not a lot of power but can still perform well when there is more size. I currently own five boards but am always looking to add to the collection.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

TO: I think something that people would be surprised to know about me is that I eat a TON—-everyone sees a skinny bakery owner and thinks I don’t eat my own product, but that’s not true at all. I am gifted with the fastest metabolism known to man and am extremely active. You will rarely see me sitting still unless it’s to watch a New York Rangers game. I also really enjoy singing karaoke, lol.

My time on the Blvd has come to an end, but fret not bakery friends, new things are in the works. So stay tuned! What a wild decade this has been! So thankful for my amazing staff, family, friends, and this Rockaway community. Damn, I love this town! Until then, catch you in the surf! ~ Tracy Obolsky

Fire and Water

Over the summer while riding the ferry to a brand gig, the tv caught my attention as a neon pink can of ROCKAWAY SODA flashed on the screen. Transforming into tourist mode, I pulled out my phone to take a photo and celebrate the moment. I’ve known Bridget aka @drinkrockaway via Instagram for a few years. She’s fun, engaging, full of energy, and supportive when I’ve had a business question or needed a photography event sponsor. She’s never once hesitated. I’m a huge fan of her delicious healthy sodas in bright cans covered in beautiful Rockaway graffiti and an even bigger fan of her business savvy. Bridget’s a powerhouse. She’s been on the Forbes 30 Under 30, managed a successful Wall Street career, and created New York’s only rum distillery. All the while, Bridget has never lost her intimate relationship with New York City, the ocean, and her beloved Rockaway. 

On a cloudy Saturday morning, Bridget drives from her place in the city and meets me at my place in Rockaway. We’ve rescheduled a few times. Even though the unexpected clouds present a different sort of photo shoot, we agree to just do it. Carrying a backpack and a box of Rockaway Soda tucked under her arm, she tells me she’s nervous as we hug and combine all of our bags and props for our shoot. She’s taller in person with a lion’s mane of wild, glorious golden hair and a powerful, energetic presence. She smiles a lot, and it’s totally infectious, erasing any initial fears I had of her possibly being intimidating. Literally the minute our bare feet hit the sand, the rain starts. In true Bridget form, she’s entirely committed as my muse for the next hour and a half.

A week later I meet Bridget at the Chambers Street train stop, her work and home hub, a spot where past and present intersect. The epitome of cool, she’s wearing a plain black t-shirt, light washed jeans, and a pair of black and white hightop Vans. Whether in shorts on the beach or Vans on the street, Bridget looks right at home. It’s who she is as a person. She takes a brief second to “shake it out,” which makes us both laugh, before transforming back into muse mode. Listening to my direction, she poses on the street as people rush past us. Wrapping up shooting on the subway steps, we head towards the pier as she points out places that have always been a part of her life, like the building where she attended high school, the bar where she and her friends partied religiously back in the day and almost bought together when it recently came on the market. A quick wardrobe change, and she’s in a faux fur vest, slim pants and a long gold chain with a beautiful lion charm her parents gifted her years ago. We roam less crowded streets for our final part of the shoot, where we’re able to chase light and be bold.

Riley: Bridget, thank you so much for talking with me. Really excited for this interview and our beach photo shoot!

BF: Me too! I’m so happy to be collaborating with you. Your photos are so powerful and I’ve been such a fangirl from behind the screen. Plus another Rockaway ocean lover - a match made in heaven!

This wild side of the city changed my life five years ago. I’d completely lost my connection to the outdoors while focusing on raising a family and building a career. It wasn’t until I moved to Rockaway as an empty nester that I reconnected with being outside and in nature and embracing that peacefulness and lifestyle change. How have you managed staying connected to the wild, what you’ve called your happy place, while running your businesses?

BF: It’s funny - I love both the chaos and fiery energy of the NYC streets and the calm of the ocean. I’m a Leo (major fire sign) and I thrive in the intensity of the city energy but, I need the water to soothe me. I’m sure it’s part that and part that I was born and raised in Rockaway on the beach and in the ocean – it truly is home. On the sand and in the water is where I feel the most at peace. I maintain this particular fire-water balance by spending my weekdays in Manhattan focusing on my business and using the city’s energy to fuel me and I spend the weekends in Rockaway slowing down (a challenge for me!). The quiet, desolate off season is my favorite. The winter beach, cold water plunges, ah the best.

What is the major difference(s) in running ROCKAWAY SODA and running Owney’s Rum?

BF: Oh boy. How much time and space do we have for this response? Haha. Everything is different. The fact that they are both liquids might be the only commonality. I’m being a little facetious, but : different consumable categories, different sales channels, different distributors, different brands/messages/aesthetics, different missions. I’m also coming at ROCKAWAY SODA from a much different perspective and tons of experience – it’s more about my home and soul, it has a more purposeful mission to provide a healthy alternative to traditional soda, and more about conscious consumption offering a give back to the planet. I’m thinking much bigger. I know more. I’m setting up the fundamentals to have a sound and solid foundation for growth and scale. It’s leveling up 100%+.

Why is it so important for ROCKAWAY SODA to have Surfrider as a partner, and what exactly does that mean?

BF: I think it’s important for ROCKAWAY SODA to have a non-profit partner that has a mission that’s aligned. In this case it’s to put resources towards ocean conservation. We worked through our accreditation and partnership with 1% for the Planet to find the Surfrider Foundation whose values are synergistic with our mission at ROCKAWAY SODA. It was so important for me to have a pillar to this company that invoked conscious consumption. I believe you can do well by doing good. Obviously the ocean is near and dear to me so it was the clear choice in determining our ‘why’ and where to put our consumers’ hard earned dollars to work. 1% of all sales made of ROCKAWAY SODA go directly to helping protect the ocean. Soda that’s better-for-you and better-for-the-planet.

“Kicking yourself back into balance in real time is powerful.”

— Bridget Firtle

What’s your earliest memory of the ocean?

BF: I think Memorial Day weekends when I was really young – maybe like 3 or 4 years old. My Dad always jumped in the water to start the season with one of our neighbors. As you know, the water is still pretty cold at the end of May and the air temperature is a crapshoot (it was generally very mild in May 35+ years ago). But, as a kid you don’t remember the cold and without a doubt we were going to the beach and kicking off the summer season. There are some good home vhs videos somewhere…

What do you love most about Rockaway Beach?

BF: The people. It’s so old school and community oriented. Everyone’s hanging out in real life and looking out for each other. My friends from childhood in Rockaway are the definition of chosen family. Deep roots - a really hard thing to come by in 2024.

It seems as if everything you touch turns to gold. To some, it may even seem effortless. But if you pull back the curtain, and take a look inside, it’s instantly obvious that work ethic, drive, and confidence guide your success. What does it take to be successful? And how do you build the confidence to go with it?

BF: Haha I’m glad I’m maintaining such an image on the outside. This perception makes it look and sound so simple. As you say, there is so much behind the scenes work. Not only the endless to-do lists, everyday problems to solve, general capacity to figure shit out and think on large and small scales, but the more I grow and push the limits the more I realize the biggest key to success is ultimately a mind game. If you can conquer the voices in your head or at least learn to flow with them you will win. It is MUCH easier said than done. It’s a constant, evolving, never ending process if you keep pushing yourself to new levels. And there are endless levels. The mental health tolls of taking huge risks without any guarantees or visibility into the future can be debilitating. So many unknowns. So many uncontrollable variables. I read recently that entrepreneurs are a lot like artists – seeking chaos. And the successful entrepreneurs excel at thriving in and temporarily controlling the chaos. It resonated with me. I work on my mindset every day - wanting to occupy the one I call ‘totally unstoppable’. I do this through heightening my awareness and use many tools and tactics – moving my body, breathwork, journaling, vision boards, deep internal listening, stillness, slowing down. You have to push past the mind and go into the gut and heart. Align all three as frequently as possible and you will stay true to yourself, your decision making will come from a grounded place and your vision will remain sharp.

Chambers Street Subway Station, New York City

You and your husband have been together since you were kids, right? I mean that’s a success too. Relationships are hard. Do you feel like you approach personal relationships in much the same way you approach work?

BF: Yes, Harry and I have been together for close to 20 years. Wild! I truly believe that he is my soulmate. That sounds so lame and I am FAR from a romantic. But, you hear a lot of luck talk in interviews with successful business people. I think I got lucky finding and connecting with Harry (thanks to a nudge from mutual good friends). It has, for the most part, really been effortless. We just work. He’s seen me since before I even got my first job on Wall Street and now through the ups and downs of 2 businesses since. This time with a family on the line. I could not be authentically me without his multifaceted support. A true partner in every sense of the word.

As far as personal relationships outside of my marriage, I do not approach them the same way as work. I don’t overthink them. I tend to think A LOT about business which is my gift and also a curse. My personal relationships are easier. I don’t strategize them. Less effort. No push or force. More fluid. However, I show up big. That’s a similarity. I don’t take them for granted and understand they require work. I make time. I give big energy. I also have to say that I’ve attracted a pretty stellar group of friends over the years who I am also eternally grateful for – they fill me with joy, security and positive energy.

How did having your son change you?

BF: Also need a book’s worth of space to answer this one. So many of the things ‘they’ say are true. You can never really be prepared for what’s going to happen when you have a child. For me, it totally stopped me in my tracks. Like the initial high of a new baby was incredible – literally nothing else seemed to matter. This was it. I had struggled with the decision to have or not to have children for years and ultimately decided to jump in and was SO glad I did once Neilan was born. Then the dust settled and the identity crisis set in. How could I combine my old self with my new self?  What needed to shed and be let go? What were my new priorities? What was most important? I’d say it took about 12-18 months to figure that out and it’s ever changing. I now prioritize my time a lot differently and only hold space and energy for what truly matters in my new definition of ‘what matters.’ The whole experience is so joyful, so destabilizing, so humbling, so fulfilling, so exhausting and has provided SO MUCH GROWTH in such a short period of time. Truly incredible. Forever grateful.

You talk a lot about balance. In theory it sounds simple, but I believe it’s anything but simple. Why is balance so important? What are your keys to finding and maintaining balance in your life, both personally and professionally?

BF: Balance and alignment is key to maintaining correct, grounded energy levels. You are constantly getting pushed off the tracks of alignment and you have to come back to center. There is so much noise in the world. Maintaining balance helps you approach circumstances from a better state which gives clarity of thought and leads to more effective decision making which renders a higher probability of a better outcome and a more likely chance that everything will turn out great. A game of chance for sure, but self regulation helps keep you in command. I feel a bit like a broken record, but it’s about awareness and knowing yourself and what you need. Recognizing your pace, your energy, your emotional and physical states. And figuring out and eventually knowing what you need to realign and balance. For me, it’s physical movement, deep thought, hard work, good rest, fun, partying, eating healthy, indulging, laughing, crying. In my opinion you need it all. And you should have everything you want because you really can have it all. You can create the space. Knowing what’s in your tool box and what works for you is so clutch. Some days I need a walk, some days I need a nap, some days I need to be at my desk in deep thought for hours on end, some days I need 2 martinis and a basket of fries for dinner, some days I need green juice and salads, some days I just need to jump around and scream. It’s really an imperfect science. It’s self care but often you just don’t get it right and you're off the tracks for a while until you re-balance. But if you go too far away from yourself, you’ll burn out and then you’re screwed. Productivity down. Decision making power down. Negative thoughts. Loss of mindset. Crash. Takes a lot more effort to pick yourself back up from that. Kicking yourself back into balance in real time is powerful.

“What you focus on expands—it will fuel you.”

— Bridget Firtle

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking of starting a business?

BF: Commit. Commit. Commit. To everything. Surrender to lows. Enjoy and soak in the little wins along the way (something I could get way better at!). Focus on the wins. Keep a list. Refer back to it. What you focus on expands - it will fuel you. Find practices that help you work on your mindset that keeps your energy right to stay in the game. Use them. Every day. Multiple times a day. Be amenable to change (it’s inevitable and frequent), but hold a clear vision.  Like super clear. As granular as possible. For today, tomorrow, this week, this month, this quarter, this year, and then next 4 years. Check in with the vision. Allow yourself to change it but gut check - know when it’s YOU changing the vision or all the loud ass noise that’s going to be circulating around you at all times. Acknowledge the external voices and the internal ones. Continuously truth-seek and re-establish your truth. It’s allowed to change when it needs to. Be open to all the possibilities. The closer you get to the truth the better your decision making capabilities will be. Get quiet. Often. Get still and listen to your gut. Out of your head and into your heart and gut. Just keep moving.

Who are your role models?

BF: My parents. They are so strong. Tough. And so smart. And so savvy. And so tenacious. And humble. And kind. They came from the streets of Brooklyn and took themselves to new heights. I am who I am because they supported me, taught me how to build businesses and to persevere. To stay in the fight.

One of the things I admire most about you is your lack of fear. You just seem ready to conquer anything and everything that comes your way. And if it doesn’t come your way, you’ll go and get it yourself. What’s your relationship with fear?

BF: Oh I have fears - lots of them! I’m internally terrified and externally calm. I think the challenge and work is to create the right relationship with fear.  Or with any of your thoughts, emotions and feelings for that matter. When I started Owney’s Rum, there was way less fear. I was young, blindly naive, and so very driven. There were lows and fear but I didn’t know enough so there was less to worry about. With ROCKAWAY SODA I know too much post Owney’s experience and I also now have a family to concern myself with. I think the key is to continue heightening your awareness and get to know yourself better every day. Understand the thought patterns, the triggers, the loops, etc. Catch them, pop them. Don’t let the fear, which is a future based emotion not founded in truth, grip you and cause a spiral. I have some tricks that help me. Sometimes I catch the thought and do 10 jumping jacks or burpees to move the energy and change the state. Shake it off. Say “No” to the thought and shut that shit down. Sometimes I go through a series of logical and rational questions that I ask myself – ‘What is the worst thing that could happen? How likely is it to occur? Can I control that outcome? If so, what can I do right now to take action to mitigate the risk and reduce the worst case scenario?’ Then I take what I need from the answers in the form of action, or let the thought go if there is no basis. Fast. The faster you act or let go, the better. No festering. It helps to rewire your brain and default mode network. It’s neuroplasticity in action.

It’s oh so pivotal to have pockets of fun and find moments of joy in every day and to notice them and drink them in. 

And fun? What role does fun play in your life? I gotta admit, it looks like you have a lot of fun in your day to day life. 

BF: Fun is everything! At the end of the day, every day is a gift. And most everything else - fears, worry, stress, bs - is so meaningless when you take the pause to step back (easier said than done). If you’re not having fun, what are you doing wrong? How can you change that? I wasn’t having fun at the end of my Wall Street days, so I built a rum distillery. I wasn’t having fun working for the company that acquired Owney’s, so I started a soda company. I’m not saying all day every day is fun. But it’s oh so pivotal to have pockets of fun and find moments of joy in every day and to notice them and drink them in. Life is too short.

Fun with a toddler looks a bit different than fun looked before (haha) and I’m sure fun when my son is a bit older will look different yet again. Fun is so energizing and helps me stay in the game! Go out and play, however you might define that – drinking, laughing, dancing, games, new experiences, new restaurants, travel. With other people in the damn flesh. It can be so life giving. Make time for it – prioritize it in your calendar.

I love quotes. Powerful quotes feed my soul, especially when I’m in need of a little boost. Do you have a favorite quote?

BF: I also love quotes! So I can’t pick a favorite. Here are some of my go-tos:

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. - Mike Tyson

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. - Rocky

There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in between. ~ Pat Riley

I really think a champion is defined not by their wins, but how they can recover when they fail. - Serena Williams

My motto was always to keep swinging.  Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging. - Hank Aaron

It’s more difficult to stay on top than to get there. - Mia Hamm

If you have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough. – Mario Andretti

During my 18 years, I came to bat almost 10,000 times. I struck out about 1700 times and walked maybe 1800 times. You figure a ball player will average 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball.  – Mickey Mantle

What’s next for you?

BF: I’m working every day to stay present. I think one of my strengths as a business person is staying 2,3,4,1000 steps ahead but it can also lead to missing the moments. Then everything becomes one big blur. Next is now.

Bridget, what are two or three things you know for sure?

BF: Your thoughts are the most limiting part of your capacity. What you focus on expands. Fun is so important – share moments with people. 99% of situations are not that serious when you step back. The ocean is healing.

Rockaway Soda displayed on the NYC Ferry

OG ROCKAWAY SODA cans

Finding the Rhythm

Javii looking out at New York City waves in Rockaway Beach.

On a hot and sunny July morning, I ran into a friend on the beach as we both stopped and watched a surfer neither of us recognized. I’ve photographed surfers in Rockaway for years, and I can spot them by their style, their tell (everybody has a tell), and/or their board from a pretty far distance. I’d been shooting from my balcony as I did most mornings, but headed outside, wanting to get a closer shot of the unknown surfer. His style confident and strong, he caught airs one after the other, charging in a way that made the waves appear bigger than they were. East Coast surfers are gifted in that. I knew at once he traveled to surf, and I wanted to know more about him. After riding a wave to shore, he walked out and noticed me. I mean, it’s hard not to notice someone pointing a 400mm zoom lens at you. He had the most infectious smile, and I knew my camera would be drawn to him if we did a shoot together. His name was Javaun Brown, Javii for short, and he was from Jamaica. He was visiting NYC for the first time and staying with a friend he met on a surf trip to Puerto Rico. We exchanged information and made a date to shoot together.

A few days later, I met up with Javii at Beach 69, where he’d started temporarily working as a surf instructor, making extra money for his travels. He’d become savvy over the years at stretching his money and using his surf instructor skills to make money wherever he ended up. He was helping a surf student warm up before a lesson with David, the owner of Sierra Surf School. I watched Javii interact with the student, and how he was confident but not cocky. His movements slow and methodical, he had her mimic the moves, and she relaxed immediately. Afterwards, Javii and I walked downtown to find a less crowded spot. Our conversation was slow and thoughtful. We started with surfing but quickly eased into talking about everything: family, travel, and mental health. He was so easy to talk to, and I let my guard down at once. We bonded over similar struggles and our devotion to nature and the ocean.

Is this your first time in New York City?

JB: Yes this is my first time in New York City, my first time in the states, and my first time being away from home.

What do you think of it so far? Is it everything you thought it would be or different?

JB: I think New York City is a global center for many things, including culture, technology, finance, and other entertainment. Therefore there are lots of opportunities here that I haven't been exposed to. It is definitely different from what I thought it would be, because I’ve never really been to or seen a  big city before. Almost everything is new to me here, which is just a great experience for me and my life’s journey. Definitely lots of opportunities where I could make my way and find the rhythm of things I want to do. 

When did you first start surfing?

JB: I started surfing when I was 5 years old on a bodyboard. It was the best feeling I ever had at that age and point in time. Since then I’ve never stopped doing it, despite the challenges faced in my daily life. Surfing has changed my whole life and makes me the person I am today. 

How long have you been a surf instructor? What do you love about teaching someone to surf?

JB: I have been a surfing instructor for 9 years. I was certified 2 years ago, which helped me to go to school for a little bit, because my parents were financially unstable. I love teaching because I like to see people happy surfing the waves of their life and enjoying the ocean vibes. The ocean is a healing place. Making a difference—students may be going through difficult times in their lives, and surfing could help turn things around for them. Seeing students progress—it can be enjoyable to watch students learn the basics of surfing, like standing up on their first wave, as well as more advanced techniques. Sharing a passion—some people feel natural at coaching and enjoy sharing their love of surfing with others.
 

Localsurfer.javii  offers different experiences in the water: surfing, boat tours, water falls. Tell us more about your business and what clients can expect if they hire you?

JB: So my small business is what I live from. Sometimes it is not consistent enough, because not everyday we get tourists. Clients can expect a safe space, great local vibes, peaceful atmosphere, and all around positive vibes. I give undivided attention during each tour, and each tour is customized based on what the individual wants to do.

Have you always been an ocean lover? What inspired that love and appreciation? 

JB: Yes, I have always been an ocean lover, because I grew up around the ocean. I’ve spent all my life in and around the ocean, surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing a boat. I live by the ocean. I think it is an ultimate resource that shouldn’t be taken for granted. It is just basically my life; everything I do revolves around the ocean. 

You’re a world traveler. Has travel always been a part of your life? 

JB: Yes, it has always been part of my life to travel and see different cultures, places and things, different perspectives of the world and its history and all the diversity of the world that is so unique. 

Where have you traveled and surfed that you loved the most and would go back again?

JB: I love Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and Panama. I would definitely go back to any one of these countries again. Also I’m open to new opportunities to surf other countries. 

You represented Jamaica at the ISA world surfing games in Puerto Rico back in March. What was that experience like?

JB: I loved it. It was a great experience, and I’m so grateful to have had it. I got to see most of the top tier surfers in the world that surf in the World Surf League and also surf with them. I normally watch on television; it was so inspiring to see them live in action. 

One of my favorite things about living in Rockaway is the community. It looks like you have a really supportive community at home too. What is that community like? What does community mean to you?

JB: My community is a very small village that is known for its clear waters, surfer-friendly waves and the shore's soft, powder-white sands. But even more prominently, Boston Beach is renowned for its delicious Jamaican eats. This beach claims to be the birthplace of jerk seasoning. So come hungry and ready to taste-test at nearby eateries, which feature jerk foods. The community means a lot to  me. Working and acting together, building friendships along with being united is vital to how we operate in the world. It is always home for me. 80% of the people in the community know me as that great surfer. I would love to get more surf equipment there and put my community on the map so people know that there’s great surfing in my community. 

I see that you’re always wearing this unique and beautiful elephant necklace. Is there special meaning behind it?

JB: I have been wearing this necklace since I was 17 years old. It means protection, stability, resilience, wisdom, and good luck in all fortunes. 

The heart of this journal is experiences in the wild. I live in New York City, but living by the beach is much different than living in the city. What does wild mean to you? How have you made sure to keep wildness at the heart of your daily living?

JB: Wild for me means living and growing in natural environments. It means you only get the day once so you might as well just live and enjoy it. Take everything for what it is, accept it and live the reality. 

When we shot together on the beach, we really connected over our shared mental health struggles. You told me about this magical place back home that helps you calm your mind and find peace when you're feeling down. Tell me more about that body of water and how it comforts you.

JB: This body of water is called the Blue Lagoon. It is located in Port Antonio and is a wildly popular travel destination for families and honeymooners. Glistening, turquoise blue water surrounded by lush greenery. The blue is a vision of beauty. The water seems to have a bit of magic to it, as the color changes throughout the day, depending upon the way the sun shines upon the surface. The vibes there are incomparable; warm sea water meets the mountain spring water. This water comforts me, because it heals my soul and always puts my mind at ease. I have an innate connection with this natural environment. 

You talk about meditation helping you be at ease with your thoughts. I've always found it challenging to meditate. Any advice for how to do it and how to incorporate it into daily life?

JB: Find a comfortable place, Bring mindfulness into meditation, Start your meditation. The challenge of focusing the mind. Get the hang of meditation and Bring your meditation to a close. In meditating I acknowledge wandering thoughts so I can let them go and return to focus. You notice your surroundings and the feelings within your body. Here are some ways to incorporate meditation in daily life: Start small, find a quiet place, focus on your breathing, use guided meditation, and be consistent in whatever you are doing. Connect it to an existing habit. 

Looks like you've continued your travels after NYC. Can you share some of the highlights?

JB: Yes, I have continued my travels after NYC. Some highlights: went back to Ohio to get the rest of my luggage together. Then headed back to my home land, where I only spent 2 weeks before taking off to Trestles in San Clemente, California to watch the WSL Final 5 event and to meet and greet some more legends in the surfing industry. I made some great memories, exploring and connecting with surfers, other people and companies, and picking up surfboard sponsorship from Lost Surfboard Mayhem by Matt Biolos. After that I entered a competition in Huntington Beach by A Great Day To Be Stoked, where I came in second place which was a big motivation for me. 

After that I went to El Salvador to chase waves, because it was flat ocean in Jamaica. It was great to surf and catch up with some old friends. Afterwards, I went to Puerto Rico to compete in the Corona pro circuit where I had a not so good experience, but I had a great time. Now I’m back in Jamaica. 

What’s next for you? Any other exciting travel or competitions?

JB: Honestly not sure what is next but I’m planning on going to Central America for a little bit. Another exciting trip I’d love to take is to set foot in the motherland (Africa). I have local competitions coming up. However, I'm not sure about international competitions. Life doesn’t always go how you plan. So I’m just following my heart and intuition.

Javii, what are two or three things you know for sure in this life?

JB: I know for sure I want to put Jamaican surfing on the map, competitive wise and friendly surf wise, letting people know there’s surfing in Jamaica. I know for sure I want to help and definitely build up my community. Last but not least, definitely build more on myself and my surfing career. 

You can follow along Javii’s journey on Instagram @localsurfer.javii

Water Is Our Blood

Figuring out a place in the line up helped three New York City surfers discover their place in the world.

This film is the story of a special sisterhood built on a love of water and waves. Three young surfers living in Rockaway Beach, New York City take a closer look at women building up and supporting other women while creating a community that shuts out all the noise and encourages a flow of freedom and positivity. These are the interviews we did before shooting anything. When we put them all together and read them as one, we knew at once we had something special.

How long have you been friends? Where and how did you all meet?

Farmy: I’ve been friends with Cyn for about 4 years and Autumn for about a year. I can't really remember the first time I met Cyn. I just remember her being at the beach with us all the time when Laru Beya first started and there was only a small crew of us. She was pushing us into waves, surfing with us, and also teaching us how to swim. Fun fact: when I first started surfing, I didn't really know how to swim. I could float and understood that my board was always there with me if anything happened. Cyn was the first person to really teach me how to move in the water. I remember going to the YMCA with her and 2 of the other mentees and she literally worked us to death between the workout and swim practice haha. 

I met autumn randomly one day at the beach with Laru Beya in 2021. She came with Kwame and we never really spoke too much, just exchanged hellos. But in June, out of nowhere, we all randomly planned a last minute trip to Cali. Cyn, Autumn, our friend Elisabeth, and I all went and spent the weekend surfing as many places as we could, meeting up with friends, and just having a bunch of fun. After that trip we were stuck to each other's hips and got so much closer.

How does surfing play a role in your lives and in your friendship?

Cyn: Surfing was absolutely the glue that bonded us together. We met through Laru Beya, teaching the love of the water and surf to the youth beginning their own personal love for both. To be honest when we initially met we primarily worked together and rarely hung out outside of being on the beach. We had rough times just getting acclimated with the surf culture in Rockaway due to us being persons of color and then on top of that women. We definitely found solace in the fact that we could feel safer together out there in the water and just talk about it with each, not just because we were friends, but because we could each relate and be each other’s safe space to speak about it. We also used those same reasons to turn uncomfortable feelings to learning and teaching experiences as well as further motivation to not feel discouraged or stop what we knew belonged to us. Our love for the water, our love for the surf.

In what ways are the three of you alike?

Autumn: Our connection to surfing is something that really connects us all together. We all have a love for the ocean. We are all incredibly passionate about creating representation in the surf culture for the black community. Encouraging youth to get out in the water and making sure they know that they can participate in the sport of surf. Outside of water, I think we all love the idea of building community that is fun, vibrant and without bias.

In what ways are the three of you different?

We are incredibly different. I tend to be a bit more reserved compared to Cyn and Farmy. I love connecting one on one with people. Farmy is a great networker; she is so good at socializing and making friends. Cyn is so comfortable within herself and so outward in expression—it’s so beautiful. We all process and deal with things really differently. I’m always trying to process things in the moment and figure things out.

How does surfing play a role in your lives and in your friendship?

Everything good has stemmed from surfing. My life is centered around surfing, it is my life line. My life’s mirror. Surf is just like life. It can be hard, beautiful, and sad. Surfing is what brought us together. It’s what we do. It’s the heart.

As you look at your two friends, what would you say is their best quality?

Farmy: Cyn’s smile and her gap are her best features. To me it's my favorite, because it's what makes her so unique. Growing up i've met and seen so many people in my life feel insecure about their gaps or smiles. and the love Cyn has for hers shifted the way I think about my own personal beauty standards. Autumn’s best personality is her eyes. She can tell you thousands of stories without saying a single word. They're kinda like cats, I think, but always shining!! They say the eyes are the gates to the soul and if that's true hers is glowing bright :)

It’s really important to focus on the women in your lives, but it’s also important to acknowledge the men that support and mentor you. Who are some of these people and how do they support you and celebrate your wins?

Farmy: My parents have always inspired me. My father was a refugee who worked hard and moved our entire family over to the states. He's worked so many jobs, been an entrepreneur, and to this day is still working to build both the life that he wants and a legacy for our family. Aydon is another male in my life who has impacted me greatly. That’s probably why we call him surf dad. He’s guided me through my entire surf journey. Every step of the way, every new bridge I had to cross, every struggle I’ve endured in the water . . . Aydon was always there to support, to advise, to feed the girls and I, LMAO. I 100% wouldn’t be where I am today without him in my life. 

I think it’s common to be jealous of others, even when they’re our friends. How do you three handle jealousy?

Autumn: When it comes to being friends with young women, there is a sense of competition that people are dealing with, and I feel like it ruins a lot of friendships. But with this, there's no competition. It's really support. Like we all just support every single win. But there is jealousy for sure. You know, like if someone is doing something amazing, I think it's a natural feeling to feel jealous, right? But we, me and Farmy talk about it a bunch, it’s like jealousy doesn't have to be this horrible thing. Our feelings are indicators and jealousy is an indication that someone is doing something that you would also like to do. You're receiving more information about yourself and then you can be like, wait, I'm friends with someone who's doing the coolest thing ever. So it's I'm supporting you, and also I'm inspired by you. You're doing things that I aspire to do.

What is it like to live in Rockaway?

Cyn: Ten years? This is crazy. I'm in Rockaway for ten years. That's wild. But just coming from the Bronx to here it was such a culture shock, where I literally would be in my house, like having to look at my face in the mirror before I left. Like, all right, let me make sure that I have a good attitude because I would just walk through with my normal Bronx gameface on. People that didn't look like me, most of them, you know, not black and brown people, were asking me, “Are you okay? “ And I'm like, What do you mean by that? Mind you, you know, I interact at restaurants, you know, local places, and I would feel comfortable. I'm like, what's wrong? And they would say I just looked really angry. So I started adjusting like, this is a real community. You see the same exact faces every day. They're asking you about your family. Walking from corner to corner, you say hi to at least five people. I love that everyone's smiling, and that for me, before even in the surf, like just being able to go to the water, have fun with the people that literally live up and down the street. I don't have to worry about anything else. That was big for me. That was the best culture shock that I could say at this point that I ever had, that I needed because I was just so tough and hard. And it's like, Oh, everyone's still here. I know because the water is here. But now , you know, we have more than water.

What is it like to grow up in Rockaway?

Farmy: I’ve been in Rockaway for most of my life now. I hated it growing up, because I felt like there was never anything for me here. Once I started surfing, my own backyard became my playground and everything did a complete 180. 

Who are some of the people that support you and celebrate your wins?

Cyn: Personally, I would start with the person that helped give me life, my father. I also feel Aydon, who is the founder of the organization Laru Beya I work with, has been pivotal in my growth, as well as I call him my ‘surf dad’ since I’ve been living in Rockaway. I also have my peers that I have met through surfing and the community in Rockaway. My dad has always, since I can remember; done everything in his power to ensure that I had access. As a young woman of color, a black girl growing up, that support and motivation was immensely powerful for me. I don’t know where I would be without him. Aydon, from the time I met him through teaching his children at the YMCA and him seeing something in me and allowing me to join Laru Beya and helping me pursue passion and dreams. Lastly my peers that I met through surfing have also encouraged me, and we’ve built long friendships thus far.

What’s the most inspiring thing someone has either said to you or done for you?

Farmy: During the Laru Beya shoot with Teen Vogue, Aydon said something along the lines of, “This is your break. You have every right to be in this water as much as anyone else. So take all your waves, paddle out where you want, and take up all the space that is yours.” and that’s been my mindset since. 

What’s the best advice you’d give to other young females?

Autumn: Be exactly who you are in the moment. Celebrate who you are. Have goals. Work toward them. Build a community of women who support you in the life you want to live. But most importantly, be unapologetically you.

What’s the most valuable part of this sisterhood?

Cyn: We feel safe with each other. So when we go out into the water, even though there can be that, you know, attitude when people see these beautiful Afrocentric Black women pop out, we're not as afraid or feeling like we have to prove ourselves anymore. Having that trust, it definitely translates into the water. And having a safe space with each other. Also just relaxing on the beach, just being around each other. Honestly, sometimes we can hang out and not chat much, just in our own thoughts and check in like, Hey, you okay? Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. All right. The water is like, I don't know, our blood.  

Living the Life of Riley

People always ask me what Life of Riley means. Simply put: It’s a declaration of living your best life. The concept was based on a 1944 radio show and later became a hit 1950’s TV show, The Life of Riley. People started using it as a common saying, that person is really living the Life of Riley, aka the good life. I first used Life of Riley as an artist name when I created my award-winning column at my college newspaper. It’s weird to say, but I became an instant sort of low-key “celebrity” around campus. Students started calling me Life of Riley or Riley. I’d get shout outs from strangers telling my what they enjoyed about my column or what it meant to them. I’d left my sales & marketing career behind in order to follow my dream of becoming a published writer. The end goal was an eventual MFA, and I wanted to write a book. So I attended college for the first time (I was a high school dropout.) at the age of 36. It was a huge leap of faith. I was scared a lot of the time, but writing the Life of Riley pushed me to explore and grow as a person and a creative. Those Life of Riley shout outs motivated me, maybe in a way nothing else ever had, and I savored each one. It was a sign that I was right where I belonged. That was life changing.

While in school, I joined the board of directors of a nonprofit. This was right at the beginning of social media. The nonprofit needed a Twitter account. I was the creative. So I learned all I could about Twitter and not only built that account but built the account of other locations’ social media. I really fell in love with the spontaneity, creativity, and even the crazy challenging algorithms. As a writer and a marketer, it came naturally. Once the word got around that I knew social media, other brands asked to hire me. So I started my own side hustle, Life of Riley Communications, a social media consulting company. I ended up growing a six figure business and made that my full-time career for almost a decade.

Five years ago, this past September, everything in my life changed. I moved out of the city and made my home in Rockaway, craving more of an outdoors lifestyle and the sweet sound of crashing waves. An empty nester, burned out, and emotionally distraught, I’d lost my way. Although I continued with a few clients, my heart was no longer in my business. I’d also started a book, but I realized at a certain point that I had run out of words. I picked up my camera that I normally used to create content for clients and started taking photos when I’d walk on the beach. At first it was seashells, seagulls, boats, and all the interesting beach characters. One chilly fall day, much like the weather as I’m writing this, a lone surfer caught my eye. It was just the two of us out there: not another soul in sight. I couldn’t look away and continued shooting, mesmerized by his long, smooth glide on the board and the hustle and flow of the Atlantic ocean. The sky opened itself up to me in a way it never had before. Oh what light! That dancing light even on a misty grey day took my breath away. I was reminded of days on the water when I was a kid, and how my little brother and I never wanted to get out or leave. And that was that. At 50, I reinvented myself as a surf and water photographer. Life of Riley NYC was born.

So, yeah, The Life of Riley means living your best life. But what does that even mean or look like really? I don’t have it all figured out. Hope I never do, honestly. I do know what I’ve discovered up to this point with all my Life of Riley iterations. I believe it means practicing self love or at least self like as often as possible. Recognizing daily joys like a sunrise. Connecting with people who support you and inspire you and reciprocating. Taking chances. Being gentle with yourself. Trusting the ebb and flow of life. Exploring where the comfort zone dead ends and adventure begins. Here’s to living your Life of Riley!