Neil Gibbs

I first met Neil about six years ago.   He was working on the south coast at a beautiful little restaurant named Cafe’ Luna.   Neil was, and always has been, a regular at South Point (one of the best surf spots in Barbados) so I would see him in the water all the time.   A natural regular footer, Neil always managed to slip into the nice little lefts at South Point effortlessly on his backside, grabbing rail in a shack or whacking the lip with power and grace.   For anyone that knows Neil, we know that his persona in the water is only half the story.

dropping into the green room

Fly Guy grounded in the shack

Outside of the ocean everyone knows Neil as Fly Guy.   The party starter, the life of the party, the expert social butterfly guy.   You can’t walk down the street with him and not hear a local or a tourist for that matter scream his name.   Over the years I have become very good friends with Fly, almost like a brother from another mother.   He is one of the first people I call when I land back on the rock, excited and pale I scream, “NEIL!   Where to tonight, where’s the party?” and of course he replies with all the right answers.   Fly is truly a man of the people.   He was put on this earth to bring people together and make them happy, like a gift of gab, he charms the tourists and brings them together with his local friends making them feel at home, if only for a moment, but that’s a moment these people never forget.

Fly Guy charming

Shoot the breeze with Neil

Currently Fly is working at the legendary south coast bar/restaurant Cafe’ Sol where he seamlessly blends his charm with his skills as a bartender.   I recently had the pleasure of pulling him aside for an interview exclusively for The Real Barbados.   Below is our short sit down.

TRB: So, Neil tell us a little about yourself, and thanks again for taking time out of mingling and charming

NEIL: No problem Eric, thanks for thinking of me.   Where to begin?   Well, my name is Neil Andrew Gibbs and I love to surf.   I live on the South Coast of Barbados and work at Cafe’ Sol, one of the busiest bars/restaurants on the entire island!   I don’t get into the water as much as I should anymore, being a night owl may have something to do with that LOL!   I love bartending at Cafe’ Sol and I work for perhaps the best manager in Bim, Kris Whitton.   Cafe’ Sol is tough work because it’s so busy but I end up meeting practically every tourist that steps foot on the rock.   So I get to put my people skills to work every night.   I love when a new group of travelers come into the bar and it’s their first time in Barbados.   I like to see the look on their freshly burnt faces as they walk in and begin their night.   We have the most popular and best happy hour in Barbados so we get everyone starting their nights at Sol.   Two happy hours actually, the most popular being our 10-12am two-for-one happy hour!   After that everyone is tuned up and they go wherever the party takes them but it always starts at Cafe’ Sol.   Trust me, after a few of Sol’s special margaritas it really don’t matter where they end up, it’s going to be fun LOL!   Anyway, my real passion is surfing and Barbados surf culture is the best.   Barbados has loads of waves but my favorite breaks are Soup Bowl, Tropicana, South Point, & Brandons.   The best time of the year is September and October because there is a lot of hurricane activity in the Atlantic and Soup Bowl can get unbelievably epic!   Just ask our adopted son, Kelly Slater.   For me, there is no better feeling than paddling out at 6a.m. and seeing sheet glass barreling waves move in as the sun rises on the east, it’s pure bliss.   The south is very consistent from December to April and this year April was extremely good!   As the summer is beginning to settle in it can get pretty flat around here but also the wind dies a bit and you can find some pretty fun shacks at a few secret spots around the south east and east coast, plus up by Soup Bowl and that whole stretch of the east there is always a clean waves in the summer.   I’m looking forward to our quiet season and getting barreled actually.  

TRB: Thanks for the insight and the time brother.   Anything else you’d like the readers to know?

NEIL: Not really LOL!   Seriously though people think that life on a small island can get boring and at times I have felt this but overall I am thankful to be here in paradise.   I work at one of the coolest bars on earth, I’m healthy, I have surf at my fingertips and I get to meet people from all over the world every week.   One day soon I’m going to come stay with you though up in Jersey, get myself some rights! ULULULU!!!

work at Cafe Sol

Fly Guy rail-to-rail

Freedom

Fly’s Paradise

The Real Barbados would like to thank Neil Gibbs, Cafe’ Sol, and Barbados for their friendship and hospitality.   Barbados is truly an island paradise with no shortage of things to do.   Next time you’re in Bim, make sure to seek out Neil Gibbs either in the water or at Sol.   You will have a great time I assure you.   Thanks for reading and feel free to click on the images for an expanded look.   Stay tuned for our next article on Barbados Surf Icon Jonathan Reece!

Neil @ Soup Bowl

TRB

Every month we will be posting exciting articles on featured clubs, restaurants, bars, and hotels as well as “people to watch” in Barbados.   Our Bajan Profiles will give the world a look into some of the most respected and adored Local Legends, so keep your eye out for our continued exposure of this amazing paradise, Barbados!

The Real Barbados is here for locals and tourists!   We hope to provide valuable information for those traveling to Barbados, as well as offering the latest in nightlife and “who’s who” of Barbados for our respected local readers!   An all things Barbados Online Magazine, The Real Barbados will serve up unique features on everything from the club scene, to surfing, sports, hiking, diving, golf, and live concerts as well as the hottest restaurants and bars on the island!

Waves for all experience levels

Foul Bay Barbados

Tapas on the South Coast

Professional Surfer Josh Burke

Beach Front Bars

Tropical Surfing

Eric Magliacane

I have had the privilege of knowing and befriending many local Bajans who have taught me so much about the island customs, traditions, and history.   In typical Bajan fashion they opened up their arms and homes to me, allowing me the opportunity to experience a local’s life in Barbados.

Barbados is the Eastern most Caribbean Island and is considered part of the West Indies, although locals will tell you that they do not belong to the Caribbean because the island sits so far outside of the chain so usually associated with the Caribbean.   Barbados lies just over one hundred miles to the East/Northeast of Venezuela and it is a coral reef rock island.   Barbados is one of the only functioning and habitable pure coral reef islands in the world, it was not formed from volcanic activity or tectonic plates pushing mountain peaks up and out of the ocean.

The island is very small, only about thirty miles tall and fifteen miles wide.   You would not realize the size though if you visited the country because it is packed with things to do, businesses, and roads that can have you driving around the island for days.   This tiny country is made up of eleven parishes (Christ Church, St. Andrew, St. George, St. James, St. John, St. Joseph, St. Lucy, St. Michael, St. Peter, St. Philip, and St. Thomas) and one capital city named Bridgetown.   Bridgetown has the most history and the most industry.   The capital was once the main port for early settlers and English colonial rule.   Today Bridgetown is the main port for cruise ships and cargo ships; it also is home to the majority of international business headquarters and market places.

The flag of Barbados is comprised of three vertical bands, two blue bands on the outsides and a gold band in the middle.   The gold band represents the beautiful sand of the island’s beaches, and the two blue bands represent the sky and the ocean.   There is a trident symbol in the center of the gold band that is the tool of the mythical God of the sea Neptune.   The shaft of the trident is broken to symbolize Barbados’ break from British rule which happened on November 30^th, 1966.

The Coat of Arms was presented to Barbados by Her Majesty the Queen to the president of the senate on February 14^th, 1966 on her royal visit to the island.   Prior to this coat of arms the only other heraldic device was the seal of the colony which represented the British sovereign in a shell chariot being drawn by two sea horses on curling waves.   The Golden Shield of the present coat of arms carries two Pride of Barbados flowers which are the national flower, and a bearded fig tree which was common on the island at the time of its settlement.   On either side of the shield are a dolphin and a pelican.   The dolphin is symbolic of the fishing industry and the pelican for an island that once existed off the coast known as Pelican Island.   Above the shield is a helmet and mantling, and on a wreath is the arm and hand of a Barbadian holding two crossed pieces of sugarcane to pay respect to the sugar industry which thrived for a couple centuries.   The cross in the coat of arms is a saltier cross upon which St. Andrew was crucified.   Independence Day on November 30^th is also St. Andrew’s Day.   The coat of arms carries the motto, “Pride and Industry” and was designed by Neville C. Connell.

Barbados is a history buffs heaven.   From the old Jacobian style “Great Houses” and architecture to the churchyards of the 1600’s.   The island is considered a historical treasure.   In 1627, a group of English settlers landed near Holetown on the West coast and claimed the uninhabited island for the British Empire.   It is believed that prior to this Portugal had colonized the island but left after thinking the island was worthless to them.   Unlike many of England’s other territories, Barbados remained safely in the hands of the British until the island’s independence in 1966.   The 350 year period of English rule forms the most well known and documented history of the island, but long before 1627 other settlers had passed through, establishing settlements on each coast.

Barbados is not just a historian’s paradise but an archeologist’s as well.   Recent excavations have changed the pre-history of the island.   Barbados was once home to the Amerindians, also known as the Arawaks.   The Arawks later came to be known as the Caribs in this region of the Caribbean.   The Arawaks settled on the island from circa 300 AD to about 1200 AD but by the early 1500’s all signs of the Arawaks/Caribs had vanished.   It is believed that the disappearance may be associated with the Portuguese and their conquest of South/Central America.   An amazing discovery from excavation work on the Northwest side of the island now shows that Barbados was a permanent settlement from as early as 1630 BC!   This predates the Arawaks by 2,000 years.   Clearly ancient man also had an appreciation for perfect weather, white sand beaches and eighty degree water.   Pots and early well systems were the primary evidence.   The wells are said to be the oldest in the Caribbean.

Getting back to modern history, Barbados became a gold mine of sorts for the British as the sugar industry prospered.   Hundreds and then thousands of British settlers flocked to the island trying to make their fortune off of the sugar trade, similar to the gold rush of the western U.S. or the older spice trade of Asia/India.   The settler’s lifestyles were lavish and are still evident in the remaining great houses which are scattered around the island.

The slave trade peaked in the early 1700’s and continued until 1834 when the Emancipation Act launched and apprenticeship system which eventually led to freedom.   In 1838 slavery was abolished for good.   Up until about 1936 the working conditions were very poor for locals, this led to the locals rioting in 1937 which kicked off a period of great growth and within that year the first labor union was launched.   In 1954 the leader of the movement Sir Grantley Adams became the first Premier and in 1961 Errol Barrow was elected to lead the country.   Barrow is considered the “Father of Independence” by Barbadians.   Barrow led the nation to independence from England in 1966.

Tourism, which is the most important source of income today for Barbados, really began to grow in leaps and bounds after the country gained independence but tourism dates back to the 1700’s when of all people, our founding father George Washington began frequenting the island.   Originally the tourists were very wealthy or noble families from England and the West coast of the island still has the same feel it did back then, with large mansions and elaborate hotels rich in history.   The West coast is where you will find some of the top rated resorts in the world along with one of the top golf courses in the world, the famed Sandy Lane Resort and Golf Club.   Famous celebrities from around the world frequent this side of the island and include Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Tiger Woods, and the William’s sisters.

As far as the government goes, the politics function within a framework of constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary government with strong democratic traditions.   Constitutional safeguards for the people include freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association.   The political system is dominated by two parties, the Democratic Labour Party and the Barbados Labour Party.   The country’s legal system is English Common Law and accepts compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction, with reservations.   Any citizen 18 and older can vote, only two adult citizens in Barbados cannot vote and they are the Chief Electoral Officer and the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer.   The Governor-General is eligible to vote, but abstains due to constitutional convention.   Many of the country’s legislative practices derive from the conventions of the United Kingdom’s Westminster Parliament.   The Head of State is still Queen Elizabeth.   The Viceroy is Sir Clifford Husbands who has been Governor-General of Barbados since 1996.   The Head of Government is Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and has been only since October 23^rd 2010.   The Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the Governor-General who advises the Queen on who he/she believes is most fit for the job.   By the constitution, any Barbadian adult is eligible for the job of Prime Minister, similar to the United States presidential elections.   Fair and free elections are an essential part of the government and citizens determine how they want their country to be governed.

The Bajan currency is roughly two dollars to one U.S. dollar.   The population as of July 2010 was 285,653 people.   Barbados has active participation in 43 international organizations such as the UN, Interpol, The Commonwealth of Nations, CSME, CCJ, ACS, ICCt, ACP, Intelsat, IOC, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which is an organization of fifteen Caribbean nations and dependencies.   Its main purpose is to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members.   Its major activities involve coordinating economic policies and development planning; devising and instituting special projects for the less-developed countries within its jurisdiction; operating as a regional single market for many of its members (Caricom Single Market); and handling regional trade disputes.

Barbados is 93% black and these citizens are direct descendants of the forced mass migration from West Africa during the slave trade era.   White, mixed, and East Indian represent the other percentage of the population.   Religion is very important to the island.   Barbados has more churches per capita than any other country in the world, it also has the most rum shops per capita but that is another topic.   Protestants make up 63% of all religious people on the island.   Mostly every child attends elementary school which is evident in the 99.7% literacy statistic.   Regardless of class, locals can tell you every bit of history and are very educated on politics and government.   It is estimated that there are currently 2200 illegal immigrants living on the island, this is also the same number of people living with HIV/AIDS.   STD prevention is a priority in Barbados and education on pregnancy and STD prevention has gained momentum in recent years.   Barbados is committed to environmental protection and clean drinking water.   Current issues regarding the environment include pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships, soil erosion, and illegal solid waste disposal.

Barbados does have a military, The Royal Defense Force.   The military’s primary objective is to protect the coast and combat illegal drug trafficking.   Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s transshipment points for narcotics bound for the United States and Europe.   The drugs are easily delivered from Venezuela and Colombia due to how close Barbados is to South America.   From Barbados the drugs trickle up the Caribbean and disperse into Miami.   0.8% of GDP is spent on the military; many joint operations are conducted with the U.S. Coast Guard.

When it comes to the economy, Barbados used to be known for sugar and cotton but it has come to be known for its tourism and services.   80% of exports are attributed to services.   Offshore finance and information services are important foreign exchange earners and thrive from having the same time zone as East Coast US financial services.   Many financial headquarters and accounting offices reside in Barbados.   UBS investment bank, Ernst & Young, McKinney and Rogers, Towner Management Group and Marcus Evans Group are just a few international companies inside Barbados.   Recently, Swiss Re has established a headquarters on the island.   Swiss Re is the world’s second largest reinsurer after acquiring GE Insurance Solutions.

GDP as of 2009 was $5.051 billion.   By sector, Agriculture makes up just 6%, industry is at 16%, and services is at 75%, although this adds up to more than 100%, the percentages are available online.   Import partners include the US, China, and the UK.   Barbados imports 4.76% of its goods from China.   There is currently an unemployment rate of 10%.

Many people associate Barbados with Mount Gay Rum or Professional Surfing, but I hope that this paper has given more insight into the rich history of the island.   Barbados is the most crucial member of the Caribbean moving forward into an ever expanding world.   Globalization has reached every corner of the Earth and the future of Barbados rests in the hands of the people and their choice of whether or not to fully embrace it.   With not much going on in the natural resources sector, Bajans must find a way to stay relevant in this modern world.   No longer is sugar or cotton a hot commodity, in order to be successful Barbados should entice more large corporations to conduct business on its soil as well as figure out a way to host more large summits and also increase tourism.   As optimistic as the people of Barbados are, I believe that the future is safe!

Coat Of Arms

Legendary South Point Lighthouse

Tradition and History

Old Rum Bottles

The Fish of Barbados, Flying Fish

The strong storm that impacted the central and eastern US earlier this week pushed off the Virginia Capes on Wednesday, March 6th. Satellite imagery on the morning of March 7th indicates strong winds over the western Atlantic that are well directed towards the Caribbean.

Further analysis of this system and observations from ASCAT aboard the EUMETSAT METOP satellite confirmed a strong area of 50kt+ winds off the Mid Atlantic coastline that are directed towards the Caribbean.

Swell from this system will initially show for the central Caribbean on Friday then come up over the weekend. Solid surf continues for Monday before easing next Tuesday/Wednesday. Breaks more towards the eastern Caribbean will see this swell fill in late Friday but more so over the weekend. NNW/N swell continues early next week but easing mid next week.

The second area of focus is a strong, complex low that is encompassing much of the North Atlantic waters north of 30N. Satellite observations confirm a very long fetch of strong N to NNE winds aimed at the Caribbean with winds in excess of 50-60kts. This system lingers over the north Atlantic on Friday then gradually shift E through the end of the weekend and move inland over Europe early next week.

This system will provide a solid, long period shot of NNE swell the central/eastern Caribbean that fills in over the weekend and remains solid into early next week before easing.

Based on the above information and observations, there will be no shortage of swell for the Caribbean for Friday through early next week. Easing swell is expected for mid/late next week. The major concern will be the local winds/conditions for various breaks around the Caribbean. There are many nooks and crannies and tucked away breaks that will go off during this event but here we will concentrate on arguably the most popular — and most convenient — Caribbean destination for many surfers, Puerto Rico.

An approaching trough will disrupt the typical trade wind flow over the island so we are expecting N/NNE winds for Friday. As a result, the more protected/sheltered breaks will offer the most favorable conditions.

A similar pattern will remain in place on Saturday with N/NE trades again expected to be an issue at the more exposed breaks. The sheltered/protected spots will again offer the most favorable surf and conditions.

It does look like we will see a more typical trade wind pattern set up over Puerto Rico early next week as high pressure extends north of the island. This should open up more favorable conditions for more breaks next week.

The wind outlook for other portions of the region looks a bit more favorable with a more typical trade wind pattern expected to be in place for the Windward Islands over the weekend and into early/mid next week.

Looking briefly at the US East Coast it looks like there will be no shortage of swell over the coming days. Unfortunately, it looks like this will be accompanied by onshore winds for most spots the next few days. That being said, it does look like Long Island will see more favorable conditions over the weekend and the more southerly facing spots in NC will also see favorable/more manageable conditions the next couple of days. Winds potentially improve some for more easterly facing breaks along the EC early next week as the lingering swell eases. Check your regional forecast for more specifics regarding that potential for your local area.

Blog written by Kurt Korte and The Surfline Forecast Team

Surfer’s Bay is nestled in on the south point of the island and is literally right on the ocean.   A boutique hotel including a fully functioning open-air restaurant and bar, Surfer’s Bay is positioned perfectly for sunset.   Tourists in the know and locals with positive vibes frequent Surfer’s Bay Beach Bar daily for happy hour and sunset photo ops.   There is a vast open field with expansive views of the sea, complete with a massive bonfire pit and hammocks and long rope swing chairs.   Coconut trees line the reef walk, through the sounds of the Caribbean you can hear the melody of a live band performing right on the deck of the beach bar.   It’s the middle of winter, and you’ve found paradise in Barbados at SURFER’S BAY!

A view from the bar. Sunset @ SURFER’S BAY.

SURFER’S BAY provides a car park, private white sand beach, uncrowded reef break, cleaning service for all rooms including laundry and of course a stones throw from the most perfect bar you will ever come across.   Contact us through our message form or do the same on OUR FACEBOOK PAGE at TheRealBarbados if you would like more info!

refreshing cocktails, best bet, HAPPY HOUR!

open field, cove beach, sunset view..

at sundown the bonfire burns bright, warming the soul.

A view from your balcony, steps from the water.

Sunset from your balcony at Surfer’s Bay

All rooms are unique at Surfer’s Bay

Bonfires At De’ Bay

This is exactly what you wanted.

Professional surfer Chris Ward has been to Barbados a few times and he has Soup Bowl dialed in.   This link for a video he did for “WAR’d Stories” showcases him and his buddy Mason Ho attacking epic soup.   Enjoy the video, the surfing, and THE REAL BARBADOS!

CHECK OUT THE SOUP BOWLS BARBADOS SURF VIDEO HERE

THANK YOU SURFING MAGAZINE, SOUP BOWLS PIC

T Carey, Surfing Magazine feature

http://www.whatyouth.com/category/contents/barbados

The Surfer’s Bay Music Festival!    Experience a celebration of live music like no other.   Situated on the beautiful South Coast of Barbados, this event features local standouts as well as a diverse lineup of talented musicians from the Caribbean and around the world!

http://www.facebook.com/SurfersBayMusic

Check out the link above, and stay tuned for more details.

***  During October through November prices around the island are typically lower, and the same goes for airfare.   Peak Tourism is from around the end of December through April.   So finding affordable accommodations and transportation is much easier during the Fall months.   Another great thing about this time of year is the consistent swell which hits the East hard and wraps around the South Coast producing fun rippable’ lefts.   Professional surfers from all over the globe frequent the island between August and December.   So you can combine two loves!

Surf All Day and Finish with a Night of Amazing Live Music at the Chillest’ Venue You’ve Ever Been To!

RIGHT ON THE WATER!

AND THE MUSIC FEST IS ON!

Night Fallin’

LIVE TUNES AT A PIRATE BAR