I am a cold-blooded Canadian, living in a place literally called "Paradise Island". This is a very small isle off the coast of yet another, called Nassau, which is the capitol city for The Bahamas! How I ended up here is a long story, for another time and place, but I was truly concerned: “it’s “paradise”, but can I skate it?” After conferring with my brothers and sisters on Silverfish, I not only packed my quiver of decks, I ordered new ones to bring with me. There may not have been a “longboard scene” in the Bahamas before, but things were about to change when I hit town! This is my Scene Report.

Let me start by confirming that, as near as I can tell, I am the second longboarder on these islands. The first guy is a surfer I ran into at the one-and-only surf shop down here. He’s got an old Gravity board that has seen better days, to say the least. The third longboarder is my fiance’. Yeah, it’s a close-knit scene…so far. Now, this is not to say there isn’t anywhere to ride…I can attest to the contrary!

Paradise Island has two main roads, running from one end of the isle to the other, with small roads interconnecting them. There are some nice, easy grades that are great for cruising. The road conditions are “varied” and I’m thankful for my big, soft wheels when I’m out on the road. I ride all my boards at least once a week but the board I get the most stoke from is my 56” LongBoardLarry with Revenge trucks. Its surfy feel and smoothness just seems to fit this island. My typical skate route runs from down my street and towards the ultra-posh “Atlantis” resort. I usually then cruise the main road, “Paradise Drive”. The scenery is amazing and there are always loads of people to watch.

Recently, I started a new trend in the Bahamas: garage bombing! There is one parking garage on the island, and I’ve been hitting it! It’s only 2 stories tall, but still totally fun. It has a few different lines and a security guard that is great. He actually cheers me on! There’s something different about island culture: pretty much everyone is stoked about everything and many grin and wave at me on my longboards.

Sometimes, when traffic is slow, I will skate a tunnel which runs underneath some housing and leads to one of the Atlantis entrances. It’s not the steepest hill I’ve ridden, but beggars can’t be choosers, I suppose! Most skate sessions conclude with me at the surf shop, talking with Makale and the guys there. After they saw me skate in enough times, I was able to convince the owner to stock some longboards! I guess one of their distributors handles Sector 9, so I should be seeing some soon enough…and if I have my way they will stock GFHurley and LBL by next spring…both would be perfect for this place! On the way home at night, the warm breeze and the smell of the night-blooming jasmine is almost hypnotic. I always end up rolling up to my door with a big smile on my face.

I will say that when I first moved here, I was feeling very alone in my skating but now, I feel like an explorer -- spreading the stoke! Once those boards come into the shop, most of the guys that work there intend to buy one and we are talking about starting a regular Sunday night skate session! I have ventured off Paradise Island onto Nassau and found some small hills that will be a lot of fun without traffic. So, after Paradise, my new crew and I will bring longboarding and the Silverfish stoke to Nassau, as well! I may be a Northern Boy lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but I’ve got my rides and the ‘fish to keep me stoked as long as I need them. Think warm thoughts!