A WINTER OF CONTENT?

El Nino formation

After last years all time poor winter surf season, expectations for a better one this year were expected. So far this seems to be the current pattern. With consistent waves as of late and clean weather patterns, memories of last years wave drought are beginning to fade away into the back of my mind. Here are a few PERSONAL thoughts on what to expect as the season continues.

Weather outlook is looking OK for the immediate future. High-pressure systems rule with mostly clear skies and clean morning conditions prevailing. Water temp is holding steadily in the lower 60s and is likely to stay in that range mainly due to, a as of now, a mild El Nino effect. As of now the wetter weather pattern that usually comes along with an El Nino has not made its self present BUT that does not mean it won’t show up at some time so don’t put away the umbrellas and rain coats just yet.

Equipment wise, more standard performance types of short boards are starting to be dusted off and returned to a working part of ones quiver. With some decent sized and more powerful surf to be had, quite a few people are starting to remember just how limiting the short and wider template boards can be. It’s not like your favorite Fish or Platter type of board is going to become obsolete once again, it’s just that your range of options can be expanded. Step up boards and true big wave guns are once again being ridden by the better surfers at the deeper water breaks and this could be a good year to add some thing a bit longer and narrower to your surfboard arsenal. A good larger wave board is pretty timeless. For the days when you really need or want one being able to just grab it and go can mean all the difference between paddling into a solid macker or sitting on the sidelines and just watching.

Do your self and fellow surfers a favor by thinking about what you are doing before you paddle out. An out of shape or inexperienced surfer taking on larger and more powerful surf then they can handle poses many problems for all involved. Besides the obvious over crowding problem, a frightened person throwing their board away on a large set or just paddling blindly into any corner that they can scratch into is dangerous. Seek out an area that will challenge you but will not clean your clock. If it gets real big don’t be afraid to just kick back and watch the show. Chances are that I’ll be sitting right next to you watching as well.

So bottom line is get your act together and be prepared to strap your self in for some wild rides! This winter is shaping up to let you do just that so far.