East Coast Bomb Cyclone Creates Unique Surfing Conditions, One Surfer Takes it to the Extreme
The recent bomb cyclone that gripped the United States East Coast brought frigid temperatures and unusual conditions to the shoreline, even freezing parts of the ocean. While officials urged caution, and many stayed indoors, surfers found opportunities amidst the icy chaos. New Jersey native Rob Kelly took advantage of the conditions, not just riding the waves, but innovating a new approach – surfing on a chunk of ice.
The storm created rare “slushie waves” in locations like Montauk, New York, as reported by Surfer Magazine. But further south, in New Jersey, the conditions allowed for a different kind of creativity. Kelly, spotting ice chunks floating in the lineup, decided to try and ride one. The result, dubbed the “ice boogie,” was captured on video and quickly gained attention.
“I was surfing yesterday and there were ice chunks floating in the lineup which gave me the idea of the ice boogie to try and ride one in,” Kelly explained. “Along with the cold transforming the Jersey Shore into what looks more like Alaska or something, the weather pattern has been favorable for proper waves too.”
The stunt, while visually striking, wasn’t Kelly’s only surf session during the cold snap. He also managed to score a memorable session with Sam Hammer, enjoying empty lineups and frigid tubes. “I scored a really sick session with Sam Hammer in the snow and not a single soul in sight,” Kelly said. “That’s one of the upsides to the extreme cold we’ve been having. Aside from a few random ice chunks the lineups have been pretty empty.”
The appeal of surfing in such extreme conditions isn’t lost on Kelly. He acknowledges the inherent risk, noting the warnings from weather forecasters, but also highlights the unique rewards. “The weathermen are urging everyone to stay inside, and that’s probably a good idea,” he said. “But with the right gear it’s been fun spending time at the beach this month, surfing and enjoying the unique scenery. Especially knowing in four months the beach where that giant iceberg is sitting will be covered with shoobies and beach umbrellas.”
Kelly’s experience underscores the dedication of East Coast surfers, who are known for their commitment to the sport even in the face of harsh weather. The bomb cyclone, while disruptive, provided a temporary respite from crowded lineups, allowing experienced surfers like Kelly and Hammer to enjoy pristine conditions. The unusual scenery – a beach transformed to resemble Alaska, as Kelly described it – added another layer of appeal.
The conditions weren’t limited to novelty surfing. As reported by the SURFER Magazine, the weather pattern also brought favorable waves to the region. This combination of challenging conditions and quality surf created a unique opportunity for those willing to brave the cold.
The story of Kelly’s “ice boogie” and his frigid surf sessions serves as a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of surfers. While the bomb cyclone brought disruption and danger to many, it also offered a unique and memorable experience for those who sought it out. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of surfing, even when the conditions are far from ideal.
The Inquirer.com also highlighted the dedication of Ocean City-based pro surfers who continue to surf daily throughout the winter, often without even wearing a wetsuit, demonstrating a remarkable level of cold-water adaptation.
The Ocean City Sentinel reported on the significant waves experienced in New Jersey during the winter, further emphasizing the unusual surfing opportunities presented by the recent weather events.
