An average November brings a mixed bag of cold fronts sweeping through with accompanying swell and northwest to northeast winds, cooler weather, bluer water and tourist season once again kick starting. From the Farmers’ Almanac to The Weather Channel to my wife’s (she has a degree in Atmospheric Science) predictions people are calling for a winter packing a punch this year. For surfers in the Bahamas that means more waves and we’ll be targeting spots that work on north swells with Abaco, Eleuthera, Rum Cay and occasionally even Nassau enjoying plenty of exposure. It was one of the worst years of the new millennium for hurricane swells so let’s hope the winter of 2013/14 makes up for it. Surfers with an eye for college hoops might want to island hop through Nassau November 28 to 30 when the preseason Battle 4 Atlantis showcases top NCAA teams like Kansas, Villanova and Xavier. Earlier in the month, those looking for some cross training away from the surf proper can check out the Third Annual Kayak Challenge in Abaco Nov. 9. Paddle anything that floats through creeks and tidal flats in the name of preserving the same. Bring a good wetsuit top or thick rash guard to stay warm this month and as always be on it when the wind goes offshore at your favorite spot because it probably won’t stay that way long. Don’t be surprised to see waves in the 8-foot plus range on a front featuring a southward dip in the jet stream.