Nearly a month into the North Atlanic’s official hurricane season and forecasters are expecting another below-average season for tropical systems, El Niño supposedly being one of the reasons for a lower number of storms as a result of increased wind shear.

But on a recent trip to the Caribbean with Taylor Steele, cyclone or no cyclone, it looks like 3-time world champ Mick Fanning scored plenty waves, including a bombing righthand slab many might have mistaken for Indo. Partially because the Caribbean isn’t the kind of location you necessarily associate White Lightning to. It’s limited swell windows and fickle nature primarily lending itself to nearby East Coasters on last-minute strike missions. But looks like it was well worth the trip.