At Least We've Got Waves

Hurricane Leslie is officially churning its way up the Atlantic, and although the Category 1 storm is forecasted to swing just east of Bermuda on Sunday, its swells have been nothing less than fantastic. For surfers, that is. Just check out the video above. That was shot yesterday near The Reefs hotel in Southampton—an exposed reef break that has fairly consistent waves during storm season. For specifics about the break check out Surf Forecast for more, but if you're looking for a wave of your own, this would be the place. It is not however, the only spot local surfers are catching waves this week. Bermuda photographer John Manderson documented chest-to-head-high waves across the island, including these images taken at Horseshoe Bay. And I've witnessed tons of surfers all along the south shore, from Dunkleys to Tuckers, both of which are hosting waves unlike I've ever seen in Bermuda. For more about local surf breaks, check out this (albeit slightly dated) article in TransWorld Surf. And be sure to keep checking Bermuda Shorts for continued updates about Hurricane Leslie, which according to all local reports, should pack a punch over the weekend. Thank goodness I've got my rum.

Storm Watch: Hurricane Leslie

Some of you may have noticed that Bermuda Shorts has been semi-retired for awhile now. It's true: The rigors of life, work and admittedly, stay-at-home-dad-dom have sacrificed yet another blog. Well, I'm happy to report that your daily dish from paradise is back—that is, until I lose power due to the impending impacts of Tropical Storm Leslie, which is currently churning its way up the Atlantic and forecast to become a hurricane any day now. On its current track the storm is expected to approach Bermuda this weekend, with winds as much as 110mph forecast to whip the western portion of the island (a.k.a. The End Where I Live). However, my catastrophe modeler insurance pals are all calling for a direct hit from a Category 2 hurricane sometime on Sunday. And trust me, these people know what they're talking about. Their business is risk. If the surf that's been rolling over the island's south shore is any indication, Bermuda should start bracing for something major (the above picture taken yesterday from Warwick Long Bay doesn't even do it justice; the surf is indeed up). For up to date information about Tropical Storm Leslie, visit the Bermuda Weather Service. And of course, I'll do my best to keep you posted with images, videos and news from the island. Folks, it looks like it might be time for a Dark n' Stormy.