Great Lakes Surfing

by **eesalou** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 6:12 pm

ok, this probably sounds stupid, but have you ever heard of anyone ever surfing on the great lakes? I live in Michigan, and it's the closest water i can get to. I'm not that experienced, so i'm not looking for too big a wave, just good size. I learned to surf at breakwall beach in Lahaina, Maui (if anyone knows where that is!) and the waves were good size there. I was also wondering if it would be worth buying a board, even though i may hardly get out to surf. thanks!

by **sinistapenguin** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 1:28 pm

Hi

Apparently Lake Michigan is a good place to surf:

http://beach.com/stateofthebeach/6-stat ... p?state=MI

I met a guy in Florida who surfs the great lakes, he was quite good!

Cheers

Sinista

by **eesalou** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:54 pm

Thanks so much, sinista!! i was bummed cause i didn't think i would be able to surf at all until next spring break, but it turns out that i have a cottage by traverse city, and it says that traverse city is one of the best spots!!! now the next thing i'm wondering is if i should spend the money on a board or not......could someone help me on that one?

by G » Mon May 17, 2004 2:19 pm

I live near Chicago and Surf the lake. The best season is the fall, but it's cold. You need full wetsuit gear to get out there, and it's better for a longboard. I have a 9'6 and it works great. Grand Haven MI is a well known spot, but I haven't been there. Here's a good website for you:

lakesurf.com

Good luck

by **RussianBB** » Sat May 22, 2004 4:01 am

Try Lakesurf.com They have a very active message board and would be glad to help you out

by **RussianBB** » Sat May 22, 2004 4:03 am

Here's the forum address: lakesurf.com/forums/upload/index.php
The west shore of Lake Michigan is more popular, but Grand Haven and Holland often have some good surf.

by **soggysurfer** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 3:54 pm

Get yourself a funshape or longboard, and got to Frankfort MI on a strong 15-20 knot SSW wind. You will be sure to get ocean quality rides, especially if you get on a leeward side of the cliffs or the jetty. Be ready for the toughest paddle out of your life, there is no channel, and the waves are about 4 to 5 seconds apart, which means you will be spending more time underwater on duck-dives than on the surface paddling. I've been going to the lakes every August-September for the last 8 years, and quality surf can be found there. Check out unsalted.tv for pictures![/img]