Soup Bowl: Barbados' Surfing Mecca

Soup Bowl, situated in the quaint fishing village of Bathsheba on the rugged east coast of Barbados, is a legendary surf break that has earned its place in surfing history. This isn't your typical calm Caribbean scene; instead, it's a place where the powerful Atlantic crashes against dramatic rock formations, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The Soup Bowl gets its name from the frothy, churning waves that characterize the break. As the Atlantic swells hit the shallow reef, they transform into powerful right-hand barrels, creating a 'soup' of whitewater that challenges even experienced surfers. The wave's intensity and consistency have made it one of the best surf spots in the Caribbean, drawing surfers from around the globe. The wave breaks in about 7 feet of water on a rock shelf that juts into the Atlantic. Surfing at Soup Bowl dates back to the 1960s when local surfers discovered its potential. Over the years, it has become a hub for local and international surfing talent, hosting numerous competitions and events. Icons like Kelly Slater have surfed here, further solidifying Soup Bowl's status as a must-surf destination. Slater has called the waves some of his favorites on Earth. Scientists have called the area one of the most consistent in the Caribbean, with waves almost 360 days a year. Beyond surfing, Soup Bowl offers a captivating visual experience. The coastline features massive rock formations sculpted by centuries of wave action, creating natural pools and coves that contrast with the crashing waves. The 'Soup Bowl' rock, a large, bowl-shaped rock offshore, serves as a natural landmark for the surf break. The best time to surf Soup Bowl is during the winter months (November to May) when north swells bring heavy right-hand barrels. However, the waves are consistent, and the summer months (July to October) can also produce great head-high waves.