Understand the Risks
Surfing the Great Lakes can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but surfing Lake Superior comes with a unique set of risks and challenges. While the lake is often calm, it is subject to sudden changes in weather, making it easy to become off-balance and capsize. Additionally, it is far from the most consistent of surfing spots – surfers will have to navigate challenge terrain such as sand bars, rocks, and shallow water.
Lake Superior is about four times larger than the largest Great Lakes and its temperatures are much colder than warmer lakes. The summers in particular bring unpredictable swells with higher winds and chop. Due to the colder temperatures, hypothermia is a real risk for surfers. Unseasoned surfers should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
Surfers should also understand potential dangers posed by the lake’s aquatic inhabitants. While sharks and whales aren’t a part of the equation, surfers should be aware of the dangers posed by jellyfish, stinging nettles, or other potentially dangerous marine life.
Prepare for the Conditions
Lake Superior is about 300 miles in length and covers an area larger than the entire state of Connecticut. Surfers should educate themselves on the best times and places to surf and be prepared for changes in the water conditions. The lake’s surface is generally moderated by the cold waters of the north and the warm waters of the south.
Wave heights and conditions depend largely on the wind direction. During the summer months, Lake Superior can be relatively calm, with light onshore winds in the mornings and a few surfable swells in the afternoon. In winter, the lake can be much harsher, with big, clean swells and powerful winds.
Surfers should familiarize themselves with the equipment they will need to ride the waves. This includes protective gear, such as wetsuits, as well as surfboards and other related items. It is important to check the forecast before heading out and to check the local conditions at the beach.
Consider the Prerequisites
Surfing Lake Superior requires certain prerequisite skills and abilities. Beginners should sign up for an introductory surfing course or find an experienced Instructor to help them get started. It is important to understand the fundamentals of surfing, such as choosing the right board, recognizing the various surf conditions, and performing varying maneuvers.
More experienced surfers should understand the fundamentals of wave riding, including paddling, popping up, and reading the wave. They must also know how to stay safe, avoid hazards, and identify signs of danger. While there are a few surfing charters in the area, beginners should stick to the more controlled environments of an organized class.
Surfers of all experience levels should pay attention to local laws and regulations, such as buoyancy laws, and respect private property boundaries. The Great Lakes are full of interesting biodiversity and should be respected as such.
Know Your Limits
It is important to be aware of your own physical limits. Beginners should understand the risks and choose appropriate spots to surf. When in doubt, it can be helpful to have an experienced friend along for advice. Strong swimmers should start with less onshore spots and gradually work their way up to choppier, bigger waves.
Surfers must also be aware of their location in the ocean. It is important to note the depths of each wave, understand undercurrents and be alert to the presence of larger waves. While it is possible to ride some of the biggest waves in the Great Lakes, it is not recommended for inexperienced surfers.
Train Effectively
For serious surfers, it is essential to train your body and mind for the physical demands of surfing in the lake. Practice on basic surfing exercises such as paddle-boarding, pop-ups, and carve turns.
Fitness can be a critical factor in surfing Lake Superior. Surfing is physically demanding, so strength and agility are crucial. Good physical fitness will help you stay afloat and in control when the waves come along. In addition, fitness will make you a more confident and effective surfer.
Familiarize Yourself with Safety Procedures
Finally, surfers should always be well-versed in general safety procedures before heading out. This includes knowing survival techniques, rescue techniques, and the ability to handle difficult situations. It is also important to make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment and know how to properly use it.
Surfers should also remember to bring a companion so that someone is present should an accident occur. Safe surfers are also aware of other surfers and swimmers in the water and alert to oncoming swells that could come up unexpectedly.
Identify Responsible Surfing Locations
As with any activity, responsible surfing begins with identifying the most appropriate locations. Surfers should look for spots that are away from busy shorelines and navigational channels, as well as away from reefs, breakers, and shoal waters. The best surfing spots can be identified by local surfers and professionals who are familiar with the currents and sea floor in the area.
In addition to choosing the right location, surfers should also be familiar with basic surf etiquette. This includes things like staying out of other surfers’ way, not littering, and respecting the environment. With the right conditions and the proper preparation, surfing on Lake Superior can be an unforgettable experience.
Choose Quality Equipment
Finally, it is important to have quality, appropriate surfing equipment. Surfers should have the right boards, fins, and wetsuits for the water and the weather conditions. Knowing the type of board that best suits your ability and style of riding can make a big impact on how well you surf Lake Superior.
Equipment should be well-maintained and regularly serviced, especially the wetsuit, which needs to be air-dried and inspected after each use. Proper board maintenance is also important, including cleaning and waxing. Being properly equipped and maintaining your equipment will help you stay safe and have a successful surf trip.
