For all that Long Island has to offer in a recreational sense, the ocean, bays, harbors, and sounds introduce a whole different kind of fun.
With watersports businesses scattered throughout the East End, residents and visitors can stay plenty busy by renting powerboats, jet skis, and even motorized surfboards. Each adventure provides a perspective that can't be viewed from anywhere that you can reach by car.
"From the water is the best way to see the Island, and it's easy and carefree," says Patty Reeve of Strong's Marine, which has locations in Mattituck, Flanders, Southampton and Port Washington.
At Strong's, patrons can rent boats that range from 19 to 24 feet and go out in Peconic Bay, or cruise all the way from Mattituck to Orient and Greenport. They can tie in water ski and tube rentals as well.
The Art Farms, situated in Bridgehampton, is known for its camp for everyone from infants to teenagers. However, thrill seekers can rent a charter boat and tube, ski, or the sort behind it. It also features a Riders program in which expert instructors teach enrollees how to water ski, kneeboard, wake skate, wake surf and more. "It can be for people who are experienced or have never done it before," said Program Coordinator Susan Vinski.
Farms renters often take their adventures to the waters south of Shelter Island – Peconic Bay, Noyack Bay, and Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton.
Elsewhere, East End Jet Ski Bays opens its doors for its 37th season on July 4. Located on Oscar's Beach in Hampton Bays, its fleet of Yamaha VX110s can zoom at speeds upward of 50 miles per hour.
"It's pure power," said Ron Arcate, who runs the business with brother and owner Robert. "The vehicles are very responsive and maneuverable. You press the gas and the thing just goes. The experience is unique and very individualistic."
Per state law, operators must be in view of the rental operator, so they're limited to the lengthy beachfront. Instruction is provided with each rental, and renters can operate the vehicle with the knowledge that East End Jet Ski has a spotter in the water and on the beach for safety purposes.
Uihlein's Marina in Montauk rents out Yamaha Wave Runners, with which renters can explore The End, blasting between jetties and the like. It also features a fleet of powerboats as big as 26 feet.
For the really daring folks, there's always powerskiing, which gives off the vibe of stand-up paddleboarding, only it's done at speeds nearing, if not surpassing, 40 miles per hour. You'll have to search hard for a place to rent them though, so if you're really interested your best bet might be to just buy the one-person vehicles online or at an authorized dealer.
Whether visiting other popular spots like Larry's Lighthouse Marina in Aquebogue, Sag Harbor-based Global Boarding, or Captain Marty's in New Suffolk, renters have options all over the Island. In vast bodies of water like Great and Little Peconic Bay, Gardiners Bay, the Long Island Sound, and even the Atlantic, you have a number of options for cruising at high speeds or exploring the inlets and coves throughout the area.
When it comes to motorized watersports out east, it's not about what one is able to do; it's about what adventure he or she is willing to go on.
