04/23/00

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Feeding Frenzy

Here in Rhode Island, as well as on the East Coast, there is a seasonal ocean event called a "feeding frenzy". This occurs when schools of bluefish rise, en masse, to the surface to feed on baitfish. The behavior is remarkable to watch: it starts out with an occasional fish hitting the surface with a loud "slap" and can progress to the point where there may be an area the size of an acre or more that sounds like a freight train. Bait fish pile up on the shore trying to frantically escape; choosing a slow death on the beach to a certain death in the water at the mouths of bluefish "choppers".

What has this to do with surfing? Glad you asked !

April 22nd I was out at the point of the lineup with Jay. Just hanging out "outside" waiting for a set wave (hopefully 2!) We were talking when suddenly there was some splashing just beside and slightly behind us. One guy was making a fast move outside chasing some imagined incoming set. I looked to the horizon - there was a small set coming but not big enough to catch from our position.

   Following behind this guy were 3 or 4 others in hot pursuit of this "leader". I rechecked the horizon and then looked over at Jay - maybe he saw something out there my eyes didn't see.
   He shrugged.
   I said "Feeding frenzy. The first sign of summer."
   Indeed.

Remember your favorite beach break going off that rare time in mid-summer? I do. Parking lots filed beyond capacity and cars stretched out down the road leading to the lot. Attendants demanding cash to park beside the ocean? In the distance, what should look like a lineup instead looks like a Maine harbor filled to the brim with hundreds of lobster pot buoy markers. The frequent charges, first in this direction - then in that one - by those chasing incoming and hoping to be the first to be in position to catch a wave. Someone taking off cleanly only to be unable to surf diagonally due to guy on the down wave side surfing straight ahead because there is someone further down wave doing the same.
It's ugly, people! And, it's coming.

So, as these last days of the surf season wind down, enjoy the talk about shedding that cold water hood. Enjoy dreaming about the times this winter in head high clean taking an uncontested wave and hearing an occasional hoot (often several). Understand that the price for being out there dressed with just a bathing suit is "choppers", long and short ones, lookin' to prove something (I have no idea what).
Understand that once June, July and August are over order will be restored to the line up. I don't include the storms of September - "one and a half" and "double up" sorts out things all by itself! A-men?

Be aware, my winter friends, touristas are coming.

This page last updated: Friday, June 13, 2003

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