How often are the Great Lakes surfable?

**i killed judas.** · 06-15-2008, 01:01 PM

I have a friend going to college in Midland, Michigan...he's transferring from South Florida where he's used to surfing every single day. He didn't even consider bringing a board with him until I showed him the Unsalted film. Now he's pretty stoked on the possibility of surfing, but in reality, how often are the great lakes surfable (let's say from waist high and up) between the months of September and May?

**Sunglasses Guy** · 06-16-2008, 11:32 PM

I hope you are joking.

I grew up around there and I didn't surf until I spent some time in Australia.

**Core Shot** · 06-17-2008, 04:36 AM

SaginawBay? prolly not that often.

It would take a NE wind.

There is surf in general on the Great Lakess, usually very short period wind waves, that dont last long or come that often.

Windier seasons are better - Fall is best.

**Blanton** · 07-16-2008, 05:47 PM

Keep an eye on the 3rd Coast Surf Shop forums. The users are on it and chatty when something is brewing.

Generally late September to whenever the lakes freeze over will be your best bet for surf.

**BigDaddy** · 07-16-2008, 07:32 PM

Step into Liquid has a funny segment on Great Lakes Surfing... I think they caught the one good day, but it was definitley surf'n'able.

**Big E** · 07-23-2008, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Blanton

Generally late September to whenever the lakes freeze over will be your best bet for surf.

That sounds like a very cold surf.

CG · 07-23-2008, 10:26 AM

Went to School in Duluth, MN for 2 years and there was only 1 day I can remember that there was surfable water and is wasn't -20 with our the wind

**Ottime** · 07-26-2008, 07:51 PM

Tell him to bring his board regardless - it will be a chick magnet mounted to the dorm room wall. It may get used once a year for surf, but he could also go out an paddle around in spring getting in shape for his summer sessions in S. Florida.

How often does it get waist high or more in S. Florida?

**i killed judas.** · 07-27-2008, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Ottime

Tell him to bring his board regardless - it will be a chick magnet mounted to the dorm room wall. It may get used once a year for surf, but he could also go out an paddle around in spring getting in shape for his summer sessions in S. Florida.

How often does it get waist high or more in S. Florida?

Well it seems whenever there is a tropical storm/hurricane or a low pressure system, Florida gets rowdy to an extent. But he, nor I, are from FL. We both are from New Jersey. I surf NJ all year round. He surfs NJ in the summers when hes home