Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes of North America, is the most surreal and majestic lake ever. It’s the largest Great Lake by volume and size, making it the world’s largest freshwater lake. With an average depth of 483 ft and over 2,500 miles of shoreline, Lake Superior is the perfect backdrop for some serious waves. But just how big do these waves get?
The World Surf League (WSL) named Lake Superior the “World’s Largest Wave Park” for a reason. When the wind picks up and Lake Superior’s surface gets whipped up into a frenzy, the waves can reach heights of up to 10 ft – and as much as 20 ft under the right conditions. While these aren’t the biggest waves in the world, they’re still something to be reckoned with, even for the most experienced surfers.
According to Chris Lundeen, a surf enthusiast who has spent a lot of time on Lake Superior, “Surfing on Lake Superior is an incredible experience. The waves can come out of nowhere and can easily wipe you out if you’re not paying attention. But once you get the hang of the lake, it’s easy to find yourself ridding some big waves. We’ve seen 20-footers here, which is no small feat.”
That’s not all – Lake Superior can also create some devilishly difficult conditions to surf in. While most of the waves come from quickly shifting winds that can be hard to predict, there’s also the variable temperature of the water to consider. Since Lake Superior is naturally cold, surfers must wear thick and protective wet suits to remain in the water for long periods of time.
All that said, Lake Superior has become a mecca for surfers around the country. With the right conditions, it can even be home to some of the best surfing waves in the world. Surfing here also offers a unique experience due to the incredible setting and amazing wildlife that surrounds it. It’s no wonder that the World Surf League chose it as their “World’s Largest Wave Park”.
Wave Formations in Lake Superior
The waves in Lake Superior can be classified into two groups – swells and chop. Swells are larger waves, generated by an external source like the wind. This can be a result of strong storms or high pressures in the atmosphere. The waves tend to be larger, more fun to surf, and with a regular crest that is constant for a longer period of time.
Chop, on the other hand, are more common and are caused by surface tension in the lake. This is usually due to a change in winds or weather. The waves tend to be smaller and rougher, with a much shorter duration.
Interestingly, because of the lake’s size, the waves can come from a variety of directions. A strong wind on one side of the lake can create waves on the opposite side. This means that surfers must be especially vigilant when surfing in Lake Superior as waves can come out of nowhere and catch you off guard.
The waves on Lake Superior can also be affected by the lake’s unique shape. As the lake is shallow near the shore, the waves can be comparatively larger. However, as the lake is much deeper near the middle, the waves can be smaller. This means that even the same conditions can produce different sizes of waves depending on where you are.
Overall, the waves in Lake Superior can be unpredictable and dangerous. But for those who are experienced, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With its large and dynamic waves, Lake Superior offers so much for surfers of any level to enjoy.
Surf Spots in Lake Superior
If you’re looking to surf in Lake Superior, there are plenty of great spots to try out. One of the most popular spots is near Silver Bay in Minnesota. Here, the conditions can provide up to 10 ft waves, making it an ideal spot for novices and experts alike.
Marquette Michigan is another spot with waves over 10 ft. It’s not as popular as Silver Bay, but it’s still a great spot to try out. Plus, the scenery here is stunning and will make for some great memories.
There are also some great spots in Wisconsin. These can be hard to access as there aren’t any nearby roads, but they can offer some truly huge waves. Chief among these is Apostle Island National Lakeshore, which is home to some of the biggest and most beautiful waves around.
No matter where you decide to surf in Lake Superior, you can be sure that you’ll have an incredible experience. The waves are powerful and unpredictable, but with the right safety precautions and respect for the lake, you can create some truly wonderful memories.
Safety Advice for Surfing in Lake Superior
Though surfing in Lake Superior can be a great experience, it’s important to take the right safety precautions before going out. First of all, it’s important to always watch the weather. Lake Superior is renowned for its quickly changing weather, so it’s best to be prepared. Especially in severe weather, it’s always best to stay on shore.
It’s also important to always wear a wetsuit and booties when surfin in Lake Superior due to the cold water temperature. Not only does it help keep you safe, it will also make your experience much more enjoyable. Make sure your wetsuit is one that fits you properly and is thick enough to keep you warm.
Finally, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings when surfing in Lake Superiour. The waves can be huge and they can come out of nowhere, so it’s important to stay alert and be ready to react.
By following these safety precautions, you can have an incredible time surfing in Lake Superior. Just remember to respect the lake and your fellow surfers, and the adventure of a lifetime will await.
How to Celebrate after Surfing in Lake Superior?
Surfing in Lake Superior is an unparalleled experience, one that you won’t soon forget. After a rewarding day of surfing, it can also be nice to celebrate and take in some of the local culture of the Great Lake.
If you’re in Minnesota or Wisconsin, then some great spots to check out include Bayfield, Duluth and Ashland for some great restaurants and bars. In Michigan, Traverse City, Marquette, and Copper Harbor are all great choices for nightlife.
If you’re looking for something a bit more laidback, then a staycation at one of the lakefront cabins or hotels can be a great choice as well. These cities have some gorgeous scenery and rustic charm, and make a great place to relax at the end of the day.
No matter what you choose to do after your day of surfing in Lake Superior, you’ll be sure to have an incredible time. With its stunning scenery, great waves, and interesting culture, Lake Superior is the perfect place to make lasting memories.
What are the Best Breaks in Lake Superior?
When it comes to finding the best breaks in Lake Superior, there are a few spots to consider. One of the most popular breaks is at Taboo Beach, near Marquette, Michigan. This spot has waves over 10 ft in size and can be great for experienced surfers.
Another great spot is at Outer Island, which is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. This is perhaps the most iconic spot for surfing in Lake Superior and is known for its treacherous waves. It’s best for experienced surfers who can handle some serious waves.
The same can be said of Granite Island in northern Wisconsin. This spot is renowned for its large waves, but keep in mind that it’s also a bit of a haul to access as it’s quite remote. Still, if you’re looking for some truly challenging waves, this is the spot to go.
Fortunately, there are also some other breaks in Lake Superior that are perfect for novice surfers. Silver Bay, Minnesota is one of them. The waves here can be surprisingly large, but they can also be a bit unpredictable. But if you’re looking to hone your surfing skills, it’s a great spot.
Regardless of where you choose to surf in Lake Superior, one thing is for sure – the waves here can be some of the most fun and thrilling in the world. With its size, power, and variety, Lake Superior is the perfect place for an adventure of a lifetime.
