Yo --

I really wish people would stop using these alt. profiles... aren't we all adults here? What are you hiding from???

Seriously, folk(s)!!!

Brooklyn Beaches:
Coney Island Beach is pretty grungy. Brighton Beach, a bit to the east is a bit cleaner and more palatable. Nice handball courts if you are into that kind of thing. Manhattan Beach, near Sheepshead Bay is cool.

Rockaway Beaches:
Any of the beaches on Rockaway are good if you want seclusion, there is a lot of sand erosion and they aren't kept up as nice. They may in fact be closed off. Far Rockaway Beach has the highest waves for surfing, but watch out for the undertow. Riis Park is by far the coolest beach in the city. It is clean, has nice concessions, bath houses, cool people, nice handball courts. The basketball competition is fierce. Akin to West 3rd Street in the Village or Ruckers in Harlem.

Bronx Beaches:
Orchard Beach is the 2nd coolest beach in the city. It's near Pelham Park which has horseback riding and jetskiing. The seafood on nearby City Island is great, the views of Long Island Sound, spectacular.

Staten Island Beaches:
Don't know much about the Staten Island Beaches. Went to South Beach once. It's aiight. Long bus ride from ferry.

Long Island Beaches:
Jones Beach is cool but out of the city and it takes a bit to get to. Never been to Fire Island or the Hamptons. They are not in the city but I heard they are worth investigating. The beaches at Long Beach are pretty cool too. It's a short ride on the LIR.