Every fall and winter, photos and videos of surfers riding the waves on the Great Lakes capture headlines, go viral on social media and appear on national TV. What grabs attention isn’t just the size of the swells but the sight of surfers braving freezing temperatures, often sporting dramatic “ice beards.” Surfing happens in every season, but fall and winter bring the strongest winds and biggest waves, making them the peak months for this phenomenon. It’s one of the Upper Peninsula’s most talked-about seasonal sights, and some of the best happen right here along our shorelines.

 

Cold-Weather Surfing in the Upper Peninsula

Surfing the Great Lakes isn’t new. Enthusiasts have been paddling out here for decades, building communities that celebrate the power of freshwater waves along what is often called the Third Coast, a nickname that comes from the vast shoreline stretching thousands of miles across the region. Unlike the ocean, where storms far offshore generate long swells, Great Lakes waves are shaped by intense local winds. In fall and winter, those winds are at their strongest, producing rolling surf that challenges even experienced riders.

Thanks to advancements in wetsuits, gloves, hoods and booties, surfers can ride year-round. Fall and winter are now considered prime surf seasons, when the biggest waves roll in. The length of the season changes each year; it all depends on when the lakes begin to freeze up. Once chunks of ice start forming, it’s no longer safe or possible to surf. These cold, powerful conditions are best left to experienced surfers, while beginners often enjoy the milder seasons. For those on shore, it’s an impressive sight to watch as dedicated surfers take on the waves of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Where to Surf and Watch Surfers in the U.P.

One of the most popular and cleanest breaks in the UP is in Marquette at Presque Isle Park, known as The Zoo among surfers. Other great Lake Superior rides can be seen at: 

  • McCarty’s Cove, Marquette
  • Trowbridge Park, Marquette: Little Presque Isle Beach and Big Bay
  • Hot Pond Beach and Shiras Park, Marquette
  • Laughing Fish Point Beach and Gitche Gumee RV Park east of Harvey
  • Grand Marais Beach, Grand Marais
  • Munising: Twelve Mile Beach, Grand Sable Dunes, Au Train Bay and Shelter Bay
  • Sand Bay, Baraga
  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon
  • McLain State Park, Hancock
  • Great Sand Bay between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor
  • Bete Grise Bay, Bete Grise
  • Whitefish Bay, near Sault Ste. Marie

Lake Michigan

  • Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse near Gulliver
  • Delta County: Garden Peninsula and Rock Island near Escanaba 

Lake Huron

  • Horseshoe Bay near St. Ignace.

Check the surf before you go by viewing conditions and forecasts on Surfline.

Watching the Action

You don’t have to step into the water to enjoy the show. Dress warmly, bring a camera with a telephoto lens and watch from safe points along the shore. The dedication and energy of Great Lakes surfers are inspiring, and the freezing spray makes for photos you’ll want to share.

Plan Your Visit

Book a room nearby and turn your surf trip into a getaway. After time on the shore, warm up with a cup of coffee, enjoy a hearty meal or settle in with drinks as you share the day’s highlights. In the fall, pair your visit with hikes through vibrant foliage or a trip to one of the U.P.’s many waterfalls. In winter, the adventure continues with ice fishing, snowmobiling and both downhill and cross-country skiing, giving you even more reasons to stay a little longer.