Barbados, known affectionately as “Bim” by locals, recently witnessed a spectacular swell that brought some of the island’s best waves to life—an event that turned into a family affair for the Burke brothers. Renowned for their powerful performances in the surf, Jacob and Josh Burke were right at the heart of the action when Soup Bowl, the island’s iconic reef break, delivered conditions that rivaled some of the world’s best.
Located in the Caribbean, Barbados is slightly more isolated than other islands in the region, which allows its legendary waves to thrive. While Puerto Rico often grabs the spotlight, Barbados is home to the crown jewel of the Caribbean’s surf scene: Soup Bowl. Exposed to the Atlantic, the reef at Soup Bowl consistently produces world-class waves, and this recent swell saw the break at its best.
Known for its challenging conditions, Soup Bowl is a favorite of the world’s top surfers, including Kelly Slater. The 11-time world champion has been a frequent visitor to Barbados since his teenage years, developing a deep connection with the island and with Alan Burke, the nation’s current surf coach and one of the most successful surfers in Barbadian history. Just as the trident on the country’s flag symbolizes strength and unity, the Burke brothers, Jacob and Josh, are leading figures in Barbados’ surf scene.
The Burke brothers have earned a reputation for their competitive prowess both at home and abroad. But it’s at Soup Bowl, with its pumping waves, that their skills truly shine. Known for their humility, dedication, and work ethic, they’ve made a lasting impact on the sport—both in the water and in the community. While Kelly Slater’s legendary sessions set a high standard, the Burke brothers are often right there in the mix, pushing the limits of what’s possible at Soup Bowl.
When conditions are ideal, Alan Burke is typically seen on the shore, capturing the action with his camera. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the brothers hit a remarkable run of swell, showcased in their edit Box, Bowl, & The Burke’s. This latest swell brought another impressive chapter to their ongoing story, with the lineups emptying out as most surfers called it a day.
According to Alan, the timing of this recent swell couldn’t have been better. “Josh and Jacob had just wrapped up a WSL 3000 event in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, when they saw the swell building for both Puerto Rico and Barbados. They almost stayed in PR, but decided to return home to Barbados. They arrived late at night and were greeted by a week of fantastic waves,” Alan explained.
The swell, which originated from a cold front just north of the island, was well forecast but required specific conditions to reach its peak. Unlike many swells that hit in the middle of the night or with onshore winds, this one arrived with offshore winds, providing ideal conditions for the long, hollow barrels that make Soup Bowl famous. “It was one of those rare windows where the swell and wind aligned perfectly. The waves were pumping right through to the evening, almost like a machine,” Alan added.
For the Burke brothers, Soup Bowl’s recent display of power was just another day at the office. With the swell bringing epic conditions, they proved once again that they are among the best in the world when it comes to tackling the Caribbean’s premier wave.
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