Long Island's coastline stretches over 100 miles from New York City all the way to Montauk Point. The island is home to many patient surfers who wait for tropical storms and hurricanes that roar up the coast usually in the early Fall. For those who can't stand the cold water, the summer is their only option to take advantage of LI's white sand beaches. One person in particular has juggled between being a famous performer as well as a local surfer in the small town of Montauk which is on the very tip of the island. His name is Jimmy Buffett and surfers as well as spectators are filled with excitement whenever they see him at Ditch Plains.
Ditch Plains has a reputation for being a long boarders paradise as well as a nicely kept town beach. Every summer hundreds of people take in the sun and ride some of the best waves Montauk has to offer. The rocky bottom makes an almost perfect left hand wave when the wind is right what lures long boarders in from sunrise to sunset. Being a resident on Long Island and a surfer who frequently travels to Ditch Plains in the summer I can really appreciate the 60's surf culture that is felt amongst the people. This is one thing that lures Jimmy into surfing Ditch, the people are friendly and it's a home away from home. It wasn't until this past summer until I finally got the opportunity to meet Jimmy. It was such an excitement because not only am I a huge an of his work as a musician but also he was a real nice down to earth guy just looking to have fun. I approached him by asking about the surf and right away we sparked a conversation. After we spoke we paddled into the lineup. When we were out there along the side of the rocks we only talked for about ten minutes until we were both concentrating on the surf. To this day I am for sure that it was my "Almost Famous" moment. Come on doesn't everyone deserve one?
You can always see Jimmy Buffett at Ditch Plains in the summertime (that is when he isn't to busy writing a new song for his next album), even when he is not there you can obtain the care free vibe. He drives down to Montauk during the weekdays when it is less crowded and he parks in the Ditch Plains dirt parking lot less than a minute away from the beach. His van is very noticeable, big green and retro style and surprisingly it only runs on vegetable oil. Whether he is riding waves or getting a snack at the famous concession stand, The Ditch Witch, locals never hesitate to welcome Jimmy as he welcomes others. If you happen to see him be sure to ask him whats good on the menu at the Witch!
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