The Great Lakes, USA
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
15
Cost of living
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Unique freshwater experience
- Rare crowds
- Quality surf possible
- Inland surf culture
- Great local camaraderie
Negatives
- Inconsistent Long drives required
- Ice and thick rubber
- Pollution
- Private access to some breaks
Where to surf in The Great Lakes, USA
For surfers who haven’t tried it, the idea of surfing on a lake might seem like a bit of a joke. But if you’re one of the hardcore freshwater surfers that rely on the wind-driven waves of the Great Lakes, well, you’re smiling too – because you know.
Straddling the USA/Canada border and perched at altitude way above North America’s saltwater coasts, this massive system of lakes is the biggest on the planet, containing six quadrillion gallons, or one-fifth of the world's freshwater supplies. Gouged out by glaciers, the five Great Lakes total shoreline, including islands and channels, extends for some 10,900 miles (17,549km), more than the US West and East coasts combined! The sheer size and concomitant fetch of these lakes measuring 700mi (1120km) from W to E and 500 miles (800km) from N to S, explain the presence of surprisingly large, surfable waves when the wind blows strong enough for long enough.
The American heartland is like a vast earth-ocean, exposed to massive seasonal weather systems. No less than on the open seas, these energies transfer readily to these expansive lake waters, transforming them from summer placidity and small-wave surfing in boardshorts to overhead surf in winter maelstroms that hurl snow at the thick-rubbered surfers dodging ice slabs in the line-up.
Wave heights are often marginal and conditions are usually onshore, but there is a growing posse just happy to paddle out and catch a few freshies. Freshwater surfing might not appeal to everyone, but the men and women who ride these waves – no matter the conditions – are undoubtedly among the most dedicated, stoked surfers on the planet. Despite poor consistency (about 10 surfable days per month in season) and often inhospitable conditions, crowds are actually becoming a problem at the most popular spots.
Surf spots in The Great Lakes, USA
Research the 15 surf breaks in The Great Lakes, USA and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in The Great Lakes, USA.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to The Great Lakes, USA
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14. Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
Getting There
No visa. Coming from abroad, most int'l flights will land in Chicago (ORD) or Detroit (DTW). Toronto (YYZ) can be another option. It's easy to get cheap flights from all over the Americas or Europe.
Getting Around
Public transport exists, but it’s not convenient with boards. Due to huge distances between spots, rent a car with unlimited mileage ($200/wk). Driving from Chicago to Sheboygan takes 2.5h, 4h to Detroit and 8h to Duluth or Toronto. Heavy traffic around major towns.
Accommodation
Basic motels ($70/dble) to luxury hotels. Lower rates out of summer. Try Fountain Park Motel (down to $40/dble) in Sheboygan. The cultural diversity means a huge variety of food in the Great Lakes region.
Activities
The lakes are exploited for their natural resources and mistreated for economic gain. Water quality across the lakes is variable. Sewage systems are designed to overflow into the lakes. Introduction of many non-native and invasive species like sea lampreys or zebra mussel are a real threat. Heaps of culture in major towns (Art Attack in Sheboygan, early May).
Hazards & hassles
Cold shock and hypothermia are real dangers. Wave action can break up frozen sheets of shoreline ice sending big chunks into the line-up, creating heavy obstacles. Piers and jetties concentrate wave energy, but surfing close to them can be risky. The lakes are prone to sudden and severe storms, particularly in the autumn. Access to the coast can be a problem.
Handy Hints
From boardshorts in summer to hooded 6 mil wetsuit for late fall and winter, along with thick gloves & booties. Rental and lessons only available at the great Third Coast Surf Shop (New Buffalo, Michigan). Also Windward Sports in Chicago, Superior Surf System in Duluth, and TWC near Detroit. Use Vaseline on your face in winter.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
Surf Culture
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