Winter Surfing in Michigan: Where are the Best Spots?
Jake Newby
| 4 min read
Key Takeaways
- Michigan's great lakes produce powerful, wind-driven waves created by winter storms that lead to waves topping 20 to 30 feet in size.
- Winter surfers in Michigan have to be aware of massive sheets of ice as well as unpredictable, constantly changing shore conditions.
- Lake waves also have a higher frequency than ocean waves because they have shorter wave periods, meaning waves hit more often in lakes.
- Lake Michigan and Lake Superior each offer a handful of great winter surfing sites.
Surfing is synonymous with summer, but it can be a whale of a good time during the winter months, too.
Many of us rightfully associate California and Florida with surfing, due to their proximity to the ocean, but don’t sleep on the Great Lakes as an elite cold-weather surfing destination.
Winter surfing isn’t exactly the easiest sport to pick up; you need reliable gear and ideally, experience surfing in warm-weather conditions when it’s easier. But if you are interested in tackling a new winter sport this year or you’ve dabbled before and are itching to find new spots, this cold-weather surfing guide is for you.
Why can the winter be good for surfing?
Those who love winter surfing will be quick to point out the strong waves and lack of crowds. In Michigan specifically, powerful, wind-driven waves created by winter storms can lead to waves topping 20 to 30 feet in size.
Temperature differences between the air and the Great Lakes create consistent swells, which are a series of unbroken waves with long wavelengths that travel across a body of water. If you’re skilled enough, you may be able to pull off a sustained ride of a minute or longer thanks to these conditions.
What are the risks of winter surfing on a lake?
If you are a beginner and you don’t have much summer surfing experience under your belt, you should prepare yourself for the challenging conditions that cold-weather surfing presents.
Cold-weather regions like Michigan can create surf that flows thick and slushy, or loads up with large balls of ice, according to National Geographic. Surfers have to be aware of massive sheets of ice as well as unpredictable, constantly changing shore conditions.
Lake waves also have a higher frequency than ocean waves because they have shorter wave periods, meaning waves hit more often in lakes. National Geographic states lake waves can occur every four to five seconds compared to 15 to 30 seconds in the ocean. This can make it challenging for surfers to keep their balance and can pin them down if they fall.
For these reasons and more, check ice conditions before heading out onto the water and be aware of wind direction, storm forecasts and wave reports. Always surf with a buddy if possible.
Additionally, hypothermia is a major concern for winter surfers. Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit – or 35 degrees Celsius – according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prolonged cold exposure is not the only catalyst to hypothermia, but in the context of surf, it is the most likely cause according to the Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI). The onset of hypothermia is considered a medical emergency that requires hospital treatment as soon as possible.
People with hypothermia usually aren't aware of their condition, as symptoms can begin gradually. Some symptoms include:
- Shivering
- Confusion and memory loss
- Drowsiness or exhaustion
- Loss of coordination
- Slow or weak pulse
Surfers shouldn’t push their physical limits and understand when it’s time to retreat from the cold and seek warmth. Maximizing insulation and minimizing exposure with quality, heavy-duty wetsuits is another important measure to take to avoid hypothermia risk.
Best places for winter surfing in Michigan
Lake Michigan: Here are some specific spots to explore on Lake Michigan this winter:
- Empire
- Grand Haven
- New Buffalo
- Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon
- Sleeping Bear Dunes
- St. Joseph
- South Haven
Lake Superior: Here are a few cold-weather surfing sites on Lake Superior:
- Au Train Bay in Munising.
- Bete Grise Bay and Bete Grise on the Keweenaw Peninsula.
- Big Bay, northwest of Marquette.
- Grand Marais Beach in Grand Marais.
- Grand Sable Dunes in Munising.
- Great Sand Bay, between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor.
- Hot Pond Beach and Shiras Park in Marquette.
- Laughing Fish Point Beach and Gitche Gumee RV Park east of Harvey.
- Little Presque Isle Beach, near Marquette.
- McCarty’s Cove in Marquette.
- McLain State Park in Hancock.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon.
- Presque Isle Park in Marquette, also known as “The Zoo.”
- Sand Bay in Baraga.
- Shelter Bay in Munising.
- Trowbridge Parkin Marquette.
- Twelve Mile Beach in Munising.
- Whitefish Bay, near Sault Ste. Marie.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
