On a humid Wednesday morning, while most New Yorkers jostled for a patch of shade in Tompkins Square Park, Caitlin Simmers was finding her rhythm on a different kind of stage—the Atlantic waves off Rockaway Beach. The 20-year-old world champion surfer, in town for a demonstration with the city’s growing surf community, drew a crowd as she carved lines on the summer swells. For Simmers, surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s choreography, and each ride is a performance.

Later that afternoon, Simmers traded her board shorts for rehearsal gear, stepping into a dance studio in Chelsea where she met with local choreographer Talia Spector. The two compared notes on movement: Simmers described the way her body reads the ocean’s tempo, much like a dancer interprets music. “You’re listening to something bigger than yourself,” she said, gesturing with hands that had just gripped a surfboard.

New York’s dance world, usually rooted in hardwood studios and black-box theaters, found itself captivated by Simmers’ oceanic approach. Spector, who’s spent the summer blending street dance with capoeira in Battery Park, called Simmers’ style “as seamless as a ribbon, but with the unpredictability of a subway train.” The collaboration culminated in an impromptu jam on the studio floor—half improv, half wave simulation—that left both surf fans and dance critics buzzing.

The city’s surfers, a tight-knit group who gather at Rippers after dawn patrol, are used to feeling like outsiders in New York’s arts scene. But Simmers’ visit, coupled with the ongoing surge in Rockaway’s surf culture, signals a shift. “We’re seeing more cross-pollination—not just between sports, but art forms,” said Ben Kim, owner of a local surf shop, who hosted an open mic night where Simmers read poetry about the ocean.

With late August haze settling over the five boroughs, Simmers’ blend of athleticism and artistry feels perfectly tuned to the city’s summer rhythm—where every movement, from a subway hustle to a boardwalk stroll, can become its own kind of dance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Caitlin Simmers?

Caitlin Simmers is a 20-year-old world champion surfer.

What did Caitlin Simmers do during her visit to New York City?

She surfed at Rockaway Beach, collaborated with choreographer Talia Spector in Chelsea, and participated in an open mic night where she read poetry.

How did Caitlin Simmers blend surfing with dance in New York?

She worked with choreographer Talia Spector to compare movement styles and performed an impromptu jam that combined elements of surfing and dance.

What was the reaction of New York’s surf and dance communities to Simmers’ visit?

Both communities were drawn to the collaboration, with surf fans and dance critics buzzing about the fusion of athleticism and artistry.

Who hosted the open mic night where Caitlin Simmers read poetry?

Ben Kim, a local surf shop owner, hosted the open mic night.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.