nyc urchin

As the official Surf Lodge towel, 8knots must be ideal for a beachy lifestyle, right?

Right. Our signature piece, a Turkish pestemal (pronounced: pesh-te-mahl), is very lightweight, highly absorbent and quick-drying. Its generous size (average measure 36 x 70 inches) makes for a perfect beach-towel/blanket or pareo that rolls neatly into a small size, ready to pack or stow.

What is a pestemal and how were you introduced to this thread of Turkish culture?

NYC Urchin is all about balancing urban living with the beach. How do you find this balance in your daily life?

My husband and I share a midtown home-office in Manhattan, where we spend most weekdays. We love the city, but come Friday we go by Hampton Jitney and then a short ferry ride over to Shelter Island, where 8knots is based. Nice balance. My husband, a journalist, swims the island waters year-round and likes to quote the originator of his favorite wetsuit, Jack O’Neill: “It’s always summer on the inside”.  After the swim, he dries off with his 8knots towel of course. For me, summer weekends are busy, delivering 8knots goods around Long Island’s East End and beyond. But I always make time to get on the water for a row in my Feathercraft [kayak], which rides smartly on top of our beloved Blue Mini-Cooper. Then, it’s back to the city.

If we were visiting Shelter Island for one day only, what should be on the itinerary?

Lets pick a summer day.

First, a little background: The island is nestled between the North and South Forks of Long Island, with Orient Point to the North and Montauk to the South and can only be reached by boat, or by ferry from Greenport (The North Ferry) or North Haven (The South Ferry). About four miles across in any direction, you’re never too far from water. Nearly one-third of the island is protected wetlands and nature preserve. The Mashomack Preserve has several nature and bird-watching trails varying from 1.5 to 11 miles in length.

By land, bicycle is a great way to get around and see the island. Swing by the Coecles Harbor Marina to catch a glimpse of a Shelter Island Runabout, a classic Down East style boat, built by CH Marine and designed in collaboration with singer/songwriter Billy Joel. Then take-out lunch from Reddings Market and eat out on the Piccozzi’s dock in back. At sunset, find a spot at the Sunset Beach Hotel bar, order a mojito and watch the show. For me this is the best spot on earth to watch the sun–set. Then move over to the porch of La Maison Blanche, our favorite SI boutique hotel, which offers 8knots pestemals for purchase on its mini bar menu and at poolside. Best dinner: Fresh fish cooked how-you-like at local legend Commander Cody’s.

Best beach you’ve ever been to?

Hmm, I’ve been around the world a bit and to some amazing coastal regions. Difficult to say which is best. I love being at the seaside anywhere. But am always struck by the beauty and diversity of our own Long Island beaches and coastline, whether it be the dramatic rocky shores along the Sound’s North Shore, the wide sandy surfy ocean beaches on the Atlantic’s South Shore or the calm of local bays and inlets.

Where can we purchase our own 8knots?

To name a few places: Surf Bazaar at the The Surf Lodge in Montauk, Steven Alan Stores, including SA Annex in Tribeca, Brooklyn, East Hampton NY, Venice CA and more) … or you can pick some up on-line through 8knots website with direct link to Lekker Home.

Balancing  City / Surf since 2011  /  NYC Urchin