From James McMahon, of Bridgehampton’s Salty Sessions:

Songs for Smiling

You can’t listen to music while you're surfing, but music sets the mood for before and after. Living in New York can be stressful. I grew up here — I love it, but it’s changed a lot. Traffic is crazy, people yelling at each other.

If I’m listening to too much hip-hop in summer, I get gnarly — beeping, yelling, losing patience. But reggae changes everything. If I’m listening to reggae, I’m driving slow, giving peace signs, letting people go, waiting patiently.

What I Listen To

I like reggae that’s a little heavier, harder to understand, deeper rhythms. I use Spotify a lot — pick a song and let it go from there. Some artists and songs I’m into lately:

• “Lead the Way” by Kabaka Pyramid

• “Badda We Badda “ by Brother Culture & Eesah & Derrick Sound

• “Brazilian Style” by Dada Yute and Little Lion Sound

• “Feeling Irie” by Da Fuchaman and Little Lion Sound

• Anything by Protoje — like “30 Million”

Why It Works

It puts me in a positive mental frequency. That’s really why I listen to more reggae — it just makes me happier, calmer, ready to enjoy my summer in the Hamptons.

Contact

🌐 Salty Sessions

About Salty Sessions

For over a decade, Salty Sessions has held the only license for Ocean Road's breaks in Bridgehampton.

Founder James McMahon staffs the school with lifeguard-certified pro surfers who speak three languages and teach students from ages 3 to 75+.

Small group lessons, sunrise privates, and summer camps draw families from across the East End.

The reason is simple: safe, fun instruction that adapts to every student's needs.

Lead-in Image

@jamesurf222 / Instagram