Great Lakes Surfing Advice?

I once surfed Lake Michigan in Illinios/Wisconsin with my two best friends. Just took a road trip up there for fun one day, when it was really firing. It was a one time thing, and I live in Jersey, so it was just one of the spur of the moment things. Perhaps someone local or who has spent more time there can be of more help.

It was certainly a fun trip, I'll say that much. It was only about 6 years ago. We did some crazy stuff back then. It definitely was an experience. Not even sure how frequently you get surf on those lakes!

 

Always intrigued by Great Lakes surfing, but I know next to nothing about it.

Did a little research after reading your post and was surprised to find that there's quite a few spots relatively close to Alpena. Check Surfline for surfing Huron to get spot info and forecasts.

Figured Alpena looked like a great area because of the terrain and protection, but it might not get enough fetch, which seems to be the biggest ingredient for lake surfing. Most of the listed spots appear to be on broad open stretches, but this may or may not mean anything.

I believe you want a couple days of very strong winds, then wait for the lull. Watch the wind direction, then pick the area the wind was blowing towards. I think I read that somewhere lol.

 

You have about a 2% chance of catching any waves in the winter on the US side of Huron. Being serious, grab some booze and go snowmobiling.

 

I meant lots of booze, sorry.

 

#realtalk

 

Grab a thick boart too, fresh water = less buoyancy ... maybe need 20% more volume + or -

 

We ALL surf the "Great Lakes"...flat most of the time, occasional storm....We just happen to name our lake differently--The Atlantic Ocean.

 

check out stoke level-

 

I think that’s the best lake surf I have seen.

 

Me too... And I lived there for 4 years. All I ever saw was gale force winds and sloppy, mushy junk. But I was on a different lake.

 

dear wayne's deity that looks beyond effing cold

 

Yeah dude, f'ing ridiculously cold, but it appeared to be worth it in that video. I wonder how long between sessions before getting those kind of conditions.

 

Some legit barrels at Stoney Point, nice

 

I tried this once on the north shore (of Chicago lol). Short version, I didn't catch a single wave and gained an amazing amount of respect for you dudes surfing in 5/4 with boots and gloves. Not my cup of tea.

 

I'm sure you could catch a wave up here while in full regalia, can't equate with surfing wind fetch in fresh water.

 

This is how I felt lol. you guys are dedicated, I'll give you that!

 

Yeah, nut crawl is a biotch

 

Unsalted has some good footage as well.

 

Cool, I’ll check it out.