Hurricane Oho promises big waves for daredevil surfers in B.C.
Bad weather just means more waves says surfer Chris Ashurst
Most people dread it when a big storm rolls around.
But, if you tell surfer Chris Ashurst the weather is going to get worse, it means the opposite to him.
"When I say worse, I actually mean better because it means more waves," said the Masset, B.C. resident in an interview with Daybreak North's Carolina de Ryk.
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Daredevil surfers, like Ashurst, who ride the beaches along Haida Gwaii on B.C.'s North Coast are looking forward to the remnants of Hurricane Oho to hit B.C. on Thursday night.
Wind warnings are already in effect for B.C.'s Central and North coasts. Environment Canada is forecasting wind gusts up to 110 km/h and anywhere between 50 to 70 mm of rainfall by Friday.
It marks the start of a storm season that has been forecasted by some to be a "monster El-Nino" year — which could mean great conditions for surfers.
Inclement weather happening halfway around the world can lead to deep, long waves swelling up which, according to Ashurst, is preferred by most surfers.
Ashurst said he won't be riding out in the eye of this storm because waves have been rapidly whipped up which doesn't create the "perfect situation for a great surf day."
But, as soon as things settle tomorrow, he expects to head out and shred the surf.
"These storms blow in fast, and they blow out fast, like a candle," said Ashurst. "The moment the winds die down to a manageable level, there's going to be a lot of rubber thrown on and people grabbing their boards."
To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelled Surfers get ready for 'monster' El-Nino season with the CBC's with Carolina de Ryk and Russell Bowers on Daybreak North.