Journalist Rides the Waves to a New Life on Rockaway Beach

Diane Cardwell lost her father, her job, and her marriage within five years. And in the wake of her losses, the former New York Times reporter and founder of Vibe Magazine set out in search of a break from her hectic life. 

Cardwell pushed herself to step out of her comfort zone and became immersed in the surfing culture at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club – even buying a home nearby. But rather than a bunch of hippie-stoners, she was surprised to find a supportive, creative community among the surfers there. 

Cardwell’s memoir, Rockaway: Surfing Headlong into a New Life, tells the story of how the journalist used surfing to help her find balance in the water and life.  Along with her personal story, Cardwell shares some of Rockaway’s history, including details of the devastating events around 2012’s Hurricane Sandy. Rockaway deals with starting over, finding inner strength, and falling in love with the great outdoors.

Image courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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