Surfing

Surf the “Malibu of the Midwest”

So how do you surf Sheboygan? Lake Michigan is 310 miles long and 110 miles wide with 22,440 square miles of fresh water. It’s not a lake. It’s an inland ocean! Surfers call it the “Malibu of the Midwest” or COTU, which stands for the “center of the universe” because of its importance in freshwater surfing.

Advanced Surfing

Centrally located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan County juts out five miles into the lake with winds of 20-25 mph or more pushing from the north, northeast, south or southeast, sculpting incredible, ridable waves. With low pressure systems producing high winds and periodic storms, a great surf can kick-up in minutes! Several times a year Lake Michigan produces an open water swell of 24 feet or better. In Sheboygan, surf season starts in late August and stretches through early April. Peak surf season is mid-September to early January. Winter surfing is recommended for advanced level surfers only with proper equipment. Water temperatures of 33 degrees and sub-zero wind chills with moving ice flows and icebergs create a winter adventure only seasoned knowledgeable veteran surfers will enjoy.

Recreational Novice Surfing

While the official Sheboygan surf season starts in the fall and moves into spring, the winds can kick up into a whirling splendor any time. During the summer months, novice surfers will enjoy warmer water temperatures heading toward a pique from late July through early September. Calmer waves at North Pier near Deland Park offer a serene paddle board experience or a fun-filled day of honing those balancing skills. (Remember, you will be less buoyant on the fresh waters of Lake Michigan.) Beginners are encouraged to start their surfing experience in the Aloha spirit with a community gathering of surfers from all skill levels at the Dairyland Surf Classic. Test the waters or stay on shore, observe and gain some insight from other freshwater surfers at this annual Labor Day event.

The Dairyland Surf Classic presented by PACIFICO

In 1987 at a surf contest in Grand Haven, Michigan, Oscar Wolfbrandt (Director of the Eastern Surfing Association) asked us to host a contest on our side (West Coast) of Lake Michigan. We said “sure – we’ll have one next year on Labor Day weekend.” Oscar asked, “Why Labor Day weekend?” We told him that it was the end of the summer and the beginning of our surf season (Fall). This was pre-Internet so everything was word of mouth or through surfing organization newsletters. Little did we realize what the “D-Land” would become! The Dairyland Surf Classic has become the largest gathering of freshwater surfers in the world. The main focus has always been the gathering of surfers from all the Great Lakes to share stories, photos and celebrate the passion we all share and love. Most of us have surfed many breaks around the world but this, the Great Lakes, is what we call home.

–Lee “Waterflea” Williams

Everyone is welcome to attend the Dairyland Surf Classic presented by PACIFICO. In the true meaning of the Aloha spirit, it’s a gathering of community to celebrate freshwater surfing. It’s a great place to meet new friends and check out the surf scene. You can watch the competition from the beach, or you can join the competition for a nominal registration fee. Either way, all are welcome to the annual Aloha Awards Banquet at Deland Park. It’s a classic evening under the stars with pot-luck dinner, live music and camaraderie. It’s open to the public and the only admission is bringing a dish to pass or something to grill! Click here for the 2011 Dairyland Surf Classic schedule of events.