Bahamas Surf Conditions & Forecast: Dec. 2014

Island School faculty member Nick Lanza on Gonzalo swell. PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Heiberg-Glucksmann.
Island School faculty member Nick Lanza on Gonzalo swell. PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Heiberg-Glucksmann.

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]erry Christmas! 2015!? Wow, 2014 was sure a blur. I know there were a lot of good waves along the way, and hey, it ain’t over yet folks. December’s the month that really kicks off the winter swell season, and November was no slouch so we’re expecting big things from the year-ender. Like most of the broader Caribbean region, at least the islands that have coastline open to the North Atlantic, we’ll be hoping for powerful blasts of low pressure coming off North America. This month ranks right at the top of the pack for days when your favorite break is offshore, clean and pumping. Anticipate swells anywhere from 2 to 12 feet. With another cool November water temperatures have definitely dropped to ‘Oooh, that’s a little chilly’ levels when you first enter the water. But wetsuit tops suffice unless you really feel the cold. Through most of the northern half of our archipelago expect mid-to-high 70s in the water and oh, so blessedly, in the air too. Regular visitors and locals know December means junkanoo. On our island this strongly-contested street parade will be hosted in Hatchet Bay this year. Along with the hosts, Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound and a possibly-revived Gregory Town group will be strong contenders for awards in music, costumes, choreography, as well as overall champion.