Surfing in Michigan: Best Great Lakes Surfing Guide (2024)
You might be surprised to know that Surfing in Michigan actually exists.
The Great Lakes “fresh coast”, is quietly one of the strongest surfing communities in the states and worth adding to your surfing bucket list.
Marquette
One of the Upper Peninsula’s main cities and home to Northern Michigan University, Marquette has multiple options to find some solid surf.
Presque Isle, the Zoo, McCartys, and anywhere else it’s breaking.
Marquette is also home to one of the most infamous Great Lakes Surfers, UP Surfer Dan. You can learn more about him here
Marquette has a few different breaks but the main spots are The Zoo and South Beach.
One of the best parts about surfing in Marquette is the ability to check different breaks relatively quickly and hassle-free.
The beauty is on a cold day there’s nothing better than checking swell and warming up at the same time.
2024 update! Lake Superior Watershed Webcam is up and running!
Muskegon, MI
Home to the Great Lakes Surfing Festival, Muskegon produces some solid waves for those in need of Lake waves therapy.
Muskegon is located in the southwestern part of the mitten on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Those close to Grand Rapids can easily make their way to Pere Marquette Beach to get their sets.
Insider Tip: Check out the Muskegon Surf Cam for accurate surf conditions
Grand Haven, MI
Grand Haven is just north of Muskegon and is another quality place to find yourself standing atop aboard.
Wave sizes in Grand Haven tend to be around the 3-5 foot range
The Haven is a haven for surf photographers with a striking Red lighthouse that provides a stunning backdrop for photos to be captured.
People who like to check conditions before heading out can take a peek at the 24-hour webcam pointed directly at the jetty.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes - EMPIRE
With close proximity to Traverse City, Empire State Beach provides the swell for the north western shores of Lake Michigan.
Here you will find surf along the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore.
Arguably the most scenic place to surf, don’t miss out on this one.
Check out Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak for rentals and swell conditions.
St. Joseph Surfing
St. Joseph is another popular Lake Michigan surf destination and also home to one of the most recognized surf shops in Michigan, Third Coast Surf Shop.
Make sure you stop by and get the local insights whenever you’re in town.
A great place to find surf conditions in Michigan is throughout the sites blog and resources page.
Great Lakes Surfing Tips
There are so many variables to consider when surfing in the Great Lakes Region. Before you start planning, make sure to review these to maximize your enjoyment of surfing the best Great Lakes Waves.
Best Time of year for Surfing in Michigan
The BEST time for surfing in Michigan is Fall – Spring.
You can surf all year long but the major and heavy waves come in Fall and Winter
Water Temperatures of the Great Lakes
Surfing Michigan Lakes are COLD. When I say cold, I mean VERY COLD. The Lakes tend to be in the 35-40 degrees range on the surface and can vary upon month and if a storm is in sight.
Most Surfers are wearing wetsuits that begin at a 4MM and up. Surfers in Marquette use Booties and Gloves until it warms up.
There are also no sharks to worry about here in the lakes for those who fear the granddaddy of the seas.
Michigan Wave Sizes
You can expect Great Lakes wave sizes to be around 3-4 feet but can easily get larger on windy days.
Waves can get up to 30 feet but those occasions are rare, sloppy, and tend to be unsurfable.
Waves tend to be on the smaller end but don’t underestimate the force of what these lakes can create.
Great Lakes Wave Formations
Waves on the Lakes form from localized winds while Ocean waves form primarily from Offshore storms. Waves form from the transfer of energy of those winds passing over the surface area of the lake and some other variables.
Lake Waves Periods
One of the first things you will realize when surfing in these Lakes, are the condensed wave periods. Sets roll in much faster and the distance between each wave is much shorter.
Great Lakes Swells
Nothing is guaranteed here and swells can have a long dry spells so when the waves are good, get them while you can
No Salt in this Water
Surfing in these freshwater bodies of water means NO SALT! No Salt = no sting in the eyes.
The freshwater is not only very clean but incredibly refreshing.
Duck diving has never been more enjoyable.
Ice Chunks in the Winter
This might be something you initially laugh at but for those who have felt the force of a major ice chunk on the head, know it’s a serious matter.
Stay aware of what’s on and below the surface.
The Best Lake Superior Surf Spots to know in 2024
The best place to surf in Lake Superior is Duluth, Minnesota.
Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, this Minnesota city delivers some of the largest and most consistent swells you will find in the Midwest.
There are more than a dozen breaks here and some of the most consistent waves.
Stoney Point is where advanced riders should head while beginners can find their share at Park Point.
Check out The Back Alley if you need to score some surf gear while in town!
Aside from surfing in Duluth, some other popular Lake Superior Surf spots include Grand Marais and Beaver Bay!
Best Lake Huron Surf Spots to Know
The best places to Surf Lake Huron are:
- Georgian Bay
- Bay City
- Forester/Sanilac
- Lakeport
- Lexington
- Port Austin
- Port Huron
- Kincardine
Other Great Lakes Surf Spots you should know!
Sheboygan – Sheboygan is Wisconsin’s major surf city with more than 22 breaks along 5 miles of beach.
Wisconsin probably doesn’t come to the top of your mind but this place has been named “Malibu of the Midwest”.
Canadian Breaks – Find your local Canadian and ask!
So the Major Question..
Can you surf in Michigan?
You can surf in Michigan!
Surfing in Michigan is not only growing in popularity but has a committed and under the radar community.
Some of the main surf breaks are all along Lake Superior and Lake Michigan but there are breaks around all of the Great Lakes!
Grab a board and go get some Lake waves.
What about Beginners surfing in the Midwest?
The Great Lakes are a great place for beginners surfers. There are plenty of breaks around the Third Coast that are gentle and tailored for those who aren’t ready for big overhead waves.
Great Lakes Surf Lessons, Shops & Rentals
Popular Michigan Surf Shops include:
- Third Coast – Saint Joseph, MI
- Great Lakes Surf Journal
- Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak – Empire, MI
- Surf the Greats – Toronto
- EOS Surf Shop – Sheboygan
There are a variety of outdoor outfitters throughout the state but the main surf shops are the ones listed above.
Down Wind Sports – Multiple shops in the region and has quality gear but not specific to surf. Expect to find mittens and maybe a wet suit.
Michigan Surf Reports and Great Lakes Surf Reports
Checking surf reports for Lake Michigan or surf forecasts for Marquette, use one of these resources below:
Another great way to stay up to date for surf reports for the great lakes is tuning into social media accounts of Midwest Surf shops!
Midwest Surfing Safety Reminders
There’s enough surfing here to keep everyone happy, but what is dangerous about surfing here is the water temperatures.
Don’t be fooled by Midwest nice because things can change quickly!
Stay smart and stay warm
Beyond Surfing in Michigan
Michigan has much more too offer than just surfing.
Here are some other things you should check out when in the great Mitten State!
🌌 Spot the Northern Lights in the Midwest
🚴🏻♂️ Find the Best Mountain Biking in Michigan
Thanks for reading and PLEASE ASK if you have questions!
See you out on the waves or anywhere else in the Mitten State.