Smorgasboarder_12_July-2012

Unfortunately, offshore and glassy is not a regular part of our
vocabulary. Our biggest surf is generated by strong onshore
winds, which creates blown out disorganized surf… But we
still occasionally go out because it’s big! Our cleanest and
smallest surf occurs with a strong wind blowing the length
of the lake parallel to the shoreline forcing waves to wrap
around a pier. The best surf is when the wind blows at about
a 45 degree angle to the beach which produces a decent size
wave that is cleaned up by a pier or jetty sticking out into the
lake, creating a mini point break.
Another issue is our best surf usually occurs in the fall and
early winter. While you can occasionally surf in trunks with
warm and sunny conditions in the summer, in most cases we
surf on what most people would consider non-beach days.
The best waves typically occur on cloudy, cold gray days with
rain or snow requiring a wetsuit up to 6mm thick by winter.
Because waves are wind generated on a relatively small body
of water, our waves tend to break very close together with
some inconsistency. A seven second period would be about
the best you can hope for with most days closer to 4 or 5
seconds, which can make paddling out a real challenge. Most
people prefer to surf along the backside of a pier or jetty that
blocks and aligns the waves, while creating a bit of a calm
area for paddling out.
Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? Cold water, cold air, wind-blown
onshore surf while fighting for your life just to get out. Believe
me, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Actually, it’s pretty darn good.
There are no crowds. Best estimates put the number of
surfers in the Great Lakes Region at around 500. That means
there is a lot of coastline for everyone. An average day will
have only 4 or 5 guys in the water, on a crowded day there
maybe as many as 10 surfers sharing a long beach break with
many peaks. On about half my surfing days, it’s just my buddy
Derek and me with the waves all to ourselves.
There are no contests or competitions. I have to believe
surfing the lakes is closer to the true roots of surfing.
People surf for the pure pleasure of riding waves. They
simply enjoy being in the water and being in harmony with
nature. As a result, you have a real sense of community
among lake surfers with virtually no localism. In most cases,
people welcome your company and are eager to share their
knowledge.
There are no sharks! No one has ever been attacked or killed
by a shark or stung by a ray or jellyfish. The Great Lakes
have been called sweet water seas. One of the real treats of
surfing the Great Lakes is the freshwater. There is no salty
taste in your mouth, residue on your wetsuit or the critters
that live in the ocean. It gives you a real peace of mind
knowing as you enter the water that your surfboard is the
most dangerous thing in the water.
While I love to watch videos of perfect waves in tropical
locations in hopes of visiting someday, I feel very fortunate
to be a part of a community of surfers that truly appreciates
the experience and are passionate about surfing regardless
of the quality of surf. Every so often, however, it all comes
together and we have near perfect waves with warm water
on a beautiful summer day. When this occurs we realise
how truly fortunate we are to be able to surf these amazing
freshwater seas.
Find out more about Great Lake Surfing
GRAND HAVEN SURF CAM
Website for webcam at my local break
http://surfgrandhaven.com/cms/
UNSALTED
The trailer for Unsalted, a movie about lake surfing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl4f3JlWdHQ
THIRD COAST SURF SHOP
A local surf shop with a photo section and forum
will give you a feel for what it is like on the lakes.
www.thirdcoastsurfshop.com
jul/aug 2012
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