Only a Great Lakes surfer can truly relate…
A life revolved around anything other than the water is a concept I’ll never be able to grasp. Growing up in a small beach town on Lake Michigan, I was lucky enough to have one really unique experience: that of a Midwest surfer. It taught me things I wouldn’t have experienced anywhere else. With that said, here are eight things I’ve learned over the years that you probably didn’t know unless you grew up surfing Lake Michigan.
1. Wind is a good thing.
Lake waves are generated by wind. Conditions are more or less similar to a washing machine, but when that’s your only option you’ll be more than stoked to mosh in the water for a few waves.
2. There is no marine life.
Instead of worrying about dodging reefs and sharks, you worry about colliding with icebergs, massive fallen trees, and driftwood. And believe me when I say they all sneak up on you.
3. Lake waves can top 20 feet. Seriously.
These are found farther out in the lake but can reach shore with 10-12 foot faces; more than shred-worthy.
4. You can’t have a potato chip for a surfboard.
Freshwater equals far less buoyancy so a thicker board is necessary to keep you afloat. And yes, it does make for greater difficulty in duck diving.
5. The sand sings.
Walking the beach is soothing by itself, but when your feet trudge into the gold crystals along the shores of Lake Michigan, the sand lets out high pitched squeaks. It sounds as if it’s “singing” to you. Yeah, it’s sick.
6. There is never a crowd.
The surfing community may be small, but the comradery is immense. It’s nice knowing that wherever you and your board end up, you will likely run into a friend.
7. You are basically a professional weatherman/woman.
With no need for tide charts to watch, your iPhone becomes a congregation of weather and radar apps. Constantly looking for approaching and developing storms and warnings is a hobby for sure.
8. It’s easy to forget you’re actually in a lake.
When you look out toward the horizon you see nothing but water, just like the ocean. Once you get a mouthful of fresh water and realize you can drink it, that’s when you remember, “Oh yeah, I’m in a lake.”
I promise, if you ever find yourself with the chance to surf Lake Michigan, you’re in for one of the most unique experiences of your life.
