This is "Captain" Jimmy White, one of the most colorful characters in the Caribbean. A real life pirate slashing at Parlors.
Is it possible that the hype could reach its peak before the swell?
Could be. Welcome to Bill Blog #2.
Hurricane Bill has been downgraded, but only slightly. He's still a man-eating Cat 3 Cane.
And the first photos of the swell are in, along with the very first report. And yes, the anticipation has already sullied the swell.
Yesterday morning was not quite as good as hoped in Barbados, one of the fist islands in the West Indies to get surf. By afternoon, things glassed off and the infamous Soup Bowls was 6 to 8 and glassy. Next store, Parlors was 8 to 10 with the occasional bigger sneaker set, according to lensman, Chris Welsh.
As of this morning, Florida was just starting to see some signs of surf. Here in New Jersey, we've got a fun chest-high line, but Surfline says that's due to the waning Tropical Storm Ana swell.
NOAA
Lavishing the Caribbean. Just starting to show in Florida. Hyped in New York.
I know that several Californians have already contacted East Coast photogs and are bombing out for the swell. Out here, jet skis being gassed and tickets being bought northward. I'm sure there will be some magic moments.
Others realize that it's a crowded weekend in August and are staying put. I personally have this fear of being stuck on a quaint one-lane road somewhere in New England, unable to park, while the locals throw tantrums, tourists are blocking the road to look at the "big breakahs from that hurricane out theh,"and kooks come out in force. No thanks. I might take my chances with the walls.
Somewhere is going to be epic. No doubt. It's just that most of the beachbreaks can't handle that kind of force. I'm calling for the best sessions to be after the swell peaks in your local area on Sunday, Monday, and even Tuesday (for the Northeast.)
Nova Scotia might get clipped.
Keep following along with the Bill Blog as things get interesting.
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Contributors
Jon Coen
Jon is from New Jersey and continues to reside there with his wife and dog—which means occasional empty barrels and the occasional session in the snow.The state isn't as dirty as people might think, but he'll let them keep believing that.
Jake Howard
Jake lives, writes and surfs in San Clemente, Calif. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the past 10 years has been contently surviving behind the Orange Curtain.
Kimball Taylor
Author of "Return by Water," as well as books on Jeffreys Bay and Pipeline, Kimball drives a red-hot Camero, and back in the '70s, he used to party with your dad.
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Daniel surfs like a hippie, but dresses like a homie. The Native Hawaiian originally hails from Hilo, but now resides in Honolulu. He enjoys twin-fins, new sneakers and being ESPN's "Cuz On The Scene" in the 50th State.
Jason Kenworthy
About as majestic as a turkey vulture, when he's not schlepping his lens around the world or looking for roadkill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point, Calif., tending to his growing brood.
