Lake Michigan
Various (Illinois) locations
| Difficulty | I-V |
| Length | 59 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 1, 2025 |
When the winds switch around to having some Easterly component (NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE) check out the wave reports. When sailboats are heading for cover due to 'Small Craft Warnings', experienced kayakers might want to head to the lake.
Forecast wave heights are generally reported in ranges.
At 1-2', generally forget it -- things are too tame to really get any surfs.
At 2-4', tame entertainment may be found.
At 3-5', you'll start catching some more worthwhile rides.
At 4-7', expect some sweet rides.
Above that, things start to get epic.
(See 'Flow Info' tab for info on lake reports.)
DO NOT TAKE LAKE SURFING LIGHTLY! This is a whole different challenge than the river! On the river, each feature (wave or hole) is relatively 'constant' at a given flow. On the lake, every wave changes as it heads toward shore. When waves break, they can have powerful force as the weight of many gallons of water crash down on you. Having some sort of anti-implosion device for your sprayskirt is imperative at larger wave heights. Especially when waves are up, there will likely be strong currents sweeping out and down the shore. If your skirt implodes and your boat fills with water, each successive wave will hit you, making it like trying to run a class III (or higher) river with a swamped boat, but here there are NO EDDIES! Any time waves are larger than 2-3' you should not boat alone. The combination of wind and waves and currents can make self-rescue far more difficult than on any river you'll encounter in the Midwest.
Obviously there are innumerable locations in Illinois (on the 'West Shore' of Lake Michigan) where one could access the lake for possible surfing action. What follows are just a few known, popular spots.
Do you know of a location where the surfing action is just 'too sweet' (when the wind and waves are right)?
Please feel free to 'Add a Comment' or 'Report' detailing any additional 'hot spots' you are aware of on 'the big pond'.
Just to have some consistent means of logical order, locations are being listed from South to North, from the Illinois/Indiana border to Winthrop Harbor. (Listed 'distance' is derived from Google driving directions, using a starting point of the Illinois/Indiana state line and ending as close as possible via road access to each beach.)
Boating in the shadow of the Museum of Science and Industry. Between Promontory Point and the breakwall for the 59th St.Harbour lies a fine stretch of beach in a cove. Waves should wrap into here from Northeast or Southeast winds.
Where W.Montrose Ave. hits the lake, a breakwall and fine sandy beach will catch NorthEast winds.
There are two different beaches here. Reportedly they get good, consistent waves.
No 'point', but a fine sandy beach.
There are signs about asbestos on the north side of the park
