Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Cortes Bank is surfing's most remote big wave venue—an underwater mountain rising from the seafloor 100 miles off the San Diego coast. When massive Pacific storms generate huge W-NW swells, waves break on the shallow reef at heights that rival anything on Earth: 70-100 foot faces have been documented. Getting there requires a major boat expedition and perfect weather windows. The wave breaks maybe 3 days per year. Cortes Bank represents big wave surfing at its most logistically extreme and potentially largest scale.
🚤 100 miles to nowhere • World's largest waves possible • 3 days per year
This is a big wave break, breaking right.
Works best with swells from 281° (W). Workable range: 270°-292°.
Ideal size: 20.6m. Too small below 18.3m, too big (closeout) above 22.9m.
Needs at least 18s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
Unknown minutes drive from SAN airport. Requires boat access ($2000/day).
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Mavericks is Northern California's big wave proving ground—a cold, shark-infested, boulder-strewn reef off Half Moon Bay that produces some of North America's most dangerous surf. The wave breaks over a submerged rock field, creating an unpredictable playing surface that has claimed lives. When winter storms send massive NW swells down the coast, Mavericks holds waves in the 40-60 foot range. The competition here has become one of big wave surfing's most prestigious events. Paddle-in purists still consider it the ultimate test.
🐻 Northern California's monster • Boulder reef • Where legends test themselves
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-315°.
Ideal size: 12.9m. Too small below 7.6m, too big (closeout) above 18.3m.
Needs at least 16s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Ghost Trees is Pebble Beach's secret big wave—a right-hand slab named for the white, ghostly Monterey Cypress trees that frame the break. The Carmel Canyon focuses swells to produce waves in the 40-60 foot range on rare winter days. The spot is controversial: jet-ski bans limit access, and the exclusive Pebble Beach community has mixed feelings about the surfers. When conditions align, Ghost Trees produces some of California's most photogenic big wave barrels.
👻 Ghostly cypress backdrop • Carmel Canyon power • Restricted access
Ideal size: 11.0m. Too small below 3.7m, too big (closeout) above 18.3m.
Offshore wind from 101° (E). Offshore range: 56°-146°. Best window: morning.
Cox Bay is Canada's surf capital—a beautiful beach break surrounded by old-growth rainforest on Vancouver Island's wild west coast. Tofino has become a surfing mecca, drawing everyone from beginners to experienced chargers. The water is cold year-round (thick wetsuits required), but winter storms deliver consistent Pacific swells that light up the sandbars. The setting is stunning: rainforest, black bears, and pristine wilderness. Canadian surfing at its finest.
🍁 Canada's surf capital • Rainforest beach • Pacific wilderness
Works best with swells from 260° (W). Workable range: 220°-300°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Winter storms deliver consistent swell. Cold water year-round.
Cold water (9-14°C). Strong currents. Rocky outcrops at ends.
Lower Trestles is the world standard for high-performance surfing—a cobblestone point break in San Clemente that produces perfect, rippable waves with mechanical consistency. The wave has hosted more world championship events than any other spot, and the level in the water reflects it. A 20-minute walk from the parking lot keeps some crowds away, but Lowers is still often packed with some of the best surfers on Earth. California's high-performance mecca.
🏆 World's best high-performance • Cobblestone perfection • Pro proving grounds
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 180°-240°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 0°-90°. Best window: morning.
Southern hemisphere groundswell season (Apr-Oct) is best.
Incredibly crowded. High-performance standard. Cobblestone entry.
The Wedge is one of surfing's most terrifying freaks of nature—a shore break in Newport Beach where swell reflects off a jetty, doubling in size and creating massive, violent peaks. When South swells hit at the right angle, waves can reach 20+ feet, exploding onto steep sand and creating brutal, backwash-filled mayhem. It's primarily a bodyboarding wave, but fearless surfers charge it too. More injuries happen here than almost anywhere else. A spectacle of surf's raw power.
⚠️ Newport's beast • Jetty wedge chaos • Shore break fury
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 170°-210°.
Ideal size: 3.8m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 6m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Requires large South swells to reflect off the jetty.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, ⚠️ Shallow, 🪨 Rocks, 👥 Crowded
Extremely dangerous shorebreak. Violent backwash. Jetty rocks.
Park at the end of the Balboa Peninsula.
Huntington Beach is Surf City USA—the epicenter of American surf culture that has hosted the US Open of Surfing and shaped the sport's identity for generations. The pier and surrounding peaks produce remarkably consistent waves, catching both winter northwest swells and summer southern hemisphere energy. This accessibility means crowds that can make every session a contact sport, but also means there's always someone to surf with and an energy that defines California beach culture. The wide sandy beach, vibrant downtown, and year-round warmth create the quintessential SoCal surf experience.
🇺🇸 Surf City USA • US Open home • California quintessential
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 240°-300°.
Winter NW swells best. Summer S swells also work.
Very crowded, especially at pier. Strong rips during big swells.
Easy beach access. Pier and multiple peaks.
Rincon is the Queen of the Coast—a world-class right-hand point break on the Ventura-Santa Barbara county line that produces some of California's longest, most perfect waves. When winter northwest swells wrap into this sheltered cove and north winds blow offshore, Rincon transforms into machine-like perfection, with rides connecting through multiple sections for hundreds of meters. The wave has shaped California surf culture for generations, producing champions and creating memories. The crowds are legendary when it's good, and the localism is real, but the wave quality justifies every bit of its reputation.
👑 Queen of the Coast • World-class point • California royalty
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 260°-320°.
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 315°-45°. Best window: morning.
Peak winter. Needs big NW swell to wrap into the cove.
Extremely localized. Cobblestone bottom. Very crowded when good.
Park at Bates Beach. Short walk to point.
Black's Beach is Southern California's power center—a world-class beach break where Scripps Canyon focuses and amplifies swell energy to produce some of the heaviest waves on the West Coast. The deep submarine canyon offshore acts like a lens, concentrating wave energy and creating peaks that tower over typical beach breaks. Access requires a 300-foot cliff descent that filters out casual visitors, leaving the lineup to committed surfers willing to earn their waves. The nude beach above and the unrelenting power below combine to create one of California's most unique surf experiences.
🏔️ Scripps Canyon power • Cliff descent required • SoCal's heaviest
Works best with swells from 280° (W). Workable range: 250°-320°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Offshore wind from 70° (ENE). Offshore range: 30°-110°. Best window: morning.
Best on big NW swells. Scripps Canyon focuses swell energy.
Steep cliff access (300+ stairs). Strong rips. Nude beach above.
Steep trail from Torrey Pines or La Jolla Farms.
Malibu is California's most iconic wave—the birthplace of the modern longboard and ground zero for 1960s surf culture that changed the world. Three sections (First Point, Second Point, Third Point) offer different experiences, but First Point is the showcase: long, peeling right-handers that allow nose-riding and trim surfing at its finest. The crowds are legendary, sometimes comically intense, but the wave quality on a clean summer south swell explains why generations of surfers have made this pilgrimage. Surfing history lives here.
🏄 California icon • Surfboard birthplace • Summer perfection
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-250°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Summer S swells. Flat in winter unless big W wraps in.
Extremely crowded. Cobblestone point. Longboard priority.
Surfrider Beach parking. Three sections: First, Second, Third Point.
Swami's is Encinitas' spiritual surf experience—a classic right-hand reef break named after the Self-Realization Fellowship temple perched on the bluffs above. The wave breaks over a rocky reef, producing long walls that work on both winter west swells and summer south swells. The steep staircase descent and the golden temple domes create a unique atmosphere, while the quality and consistency have made this one of San Diego County's most beloved breaks. The mix of high-performance shortboarding and soulful longboarding coexists in the lineup.
🕉️ Spiritual surf • Temple backdrop • Year-round quality
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Works on W swells in winter, S swells in summer.
Park at Self-Realization Fellowship. Long stairs down.
Windansea is La Jolla's historic heart—a reef break with an iconic palm-thatched surf shack that has served as the meeting point for San Diego's most committed surfers since the 1950s. The wave offers both lefts and rights over a rocky reef, producing quality walls when conditions align. The local crew has earned a reputation for protecting their break, and visitors should approach with appropriate respect. The shack, the parking, and the waves combine to create one of California's most atmospheric surf experiences.
🌴 Historic shack • La Jolla heart • Local crew
San Onofre is the birthplace of California surf culture—a mellow point break where surfers have gathered since the 1930s, establishing the beach-going, wave-riding lifestyle that would define a generation. Old Man's section provides gentle, forgiving waves perfect for longboarding, while the general atmosphere retains an old-school camaraderie that has become rare at most crowded California breaks. The summer south swells roll through with metronomic regularity, creating the kind of easy, accessible surfing that introduces beginners to the sport and keeps veterans returning for pure soul sessions.
🏕️ Original surf camp • Mellow longboard • Old-school soul
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Summer S swells best. Mellow longboard wave.
Crowded but friendly. Old-school longboard vibe.
San Onofre State Beach. Multiple areas: Old Man's, Dogpatch.
Oceanside is San Diego County's accessible workhorse—a consistent beach break where the pier focuses swell energy and creates reliable peaks for surfers of all abilities. The wide sandy beach provides easy entry and exit, while the pier itself creates a defined takeoff zone that helps beginners position themselves. Camp Pendleton to the north adds an interesting backdrop, and the working-class beach town atmosphere provides a more authentic California experience than some of the wealthier coastal communities. Year-round waves make Oceanside a reliable daily driver.
🌊 Pier consistency • All-level access • Working-class waves
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 240°-310°.
Crowded near pier. Rips during big swells.
Ocean Beach SF is California's cold-water crucible—a powerful beach break directly exposed to the full fetch of the North Pacific, where San Francisco's most committed surfers battle freezing water, closeout sets, and the knowledge that great white sharks patrol these waters. The wave is not for the faint-hearted: massive paddle-outs, heavy lips, and conditions that can go from fun to survival in minutes. But when winter storms send clean groundswells and east winds blow offshore, OB delivers some of Northern California's most powerful beach break surfing.
🦈 Cold water crucible • North Pacific power • SF's test piece
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 260°-330°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 5m.
Big swells year-round. Massive in winter storms.
Powerful closeouts. Cold water. Great white shark territory.
Steamer Lane is Northern California's premier point break—a world-class wave system with multiple sections that has served as the proving ground for generations of NorCal surfers. The lighthouse cliff provides a natural amphitheater for spectators, while the wave offers everything from gentle walls to hollow pits depending on section and swell. Cold water, kelp forests, and a fierce local crew add intensity to the experience. The Santa Cruz surf culture centered here rivals anywhere on Earth, with a history and competitive spirit that has produced champions and shaped the sport.
⬛ NorCal's finest • Lighthouse point • Cold-water champions
Winter swells best. Multiple sections from Indicators to The Point.
Rocky bottom. Heavy localism. Kelp can be thick.
Lighthouse Point. Cliff jumping entry or paddle from Cowell's.
Pleasure Point is Santa Cruz's mellow alternative—a long right-hand point with multiple peaks that provides a more approachable experience than intense Steamer Lane just up the coast. Multiple access points along East Cliff Drive allow surfers to choose their section, from the fast walls of Shark Cove to the more forgiving peaks toward the end. The vibe is generally friendly despite crowds, and the wave works on both winter northwest swells and summer south swells, making it one of the region's most versatile options.
😊 Santa Cruz mellow • Multiple peaks • Year-round variety
Works best with swells from 280° (W). Workable range: 250°-310°.
Works year-round. Multiple peaks along the point.
Rocky reef. Crowded but generally mellow vibe.
Multiple access points along East Cliff Drive.
Jalama is California's wind-swept secret—a remote Central Coast beach break that rewards those willing to drive the long, winding road to reach it with uncrowded waves and spectacular isolation. The famous Jalama burgers at the beach park provide sustenance, but the real draw is the wave: exposed to the full Pacific, capable of excellent conditions when winds cooperate. The problem is that winds rarely cooperate—fierce afternoon howlers are the norm—making morning sessions essential. For those who time it right, Jalama offers empty California perfection.
🌬️ Wind-swept isolation • Central Coast secret • Morning essential
Works best with swells from 260° (W). Workable range: 230°-300°.
Winter NW swells. Often windy afternoons.
Remote location. Strong rips. Wind can be fierce.
Jalama Beach County Park. Long windy drive.
Sebastian Inlet is Florida's crown jewel—the best wave on the state's east coast, where the jetty creates a defined point break that produces genuine quality when swells arrive. First Peak offers the showcase: fast, hollow walls that can rival waves from better-known surf destinations. Monster Hole, further inside, provides a heavier option on bigger swells. The inlet current can be brutal, and the rocks demand respect, but for Florida surfers seeking to prove their skills, Sebastian is the proving ground.
🏆 Florida's best • First Peak perfection • Jetty quality
Works best with swells from 80° (E). Workable range: 45°-120°.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 225°-315°. Best window: morning.
Hurricane season and winter cold fronts.
Strong inlet current. Rock jetty on north side.
Sebastian Inlet State Park. North and south sides.
New Smyrna Beach is Florida's consistent cornerstone—the most reliable surf on the state's east coast, where sandbars produce workable waves more days per year than anywhere else in the region. The drive-on beach access and inlet peaks attract crowds, while the designation as "shark bite capital of the world" adds a certain frisson to every session. The bites are typically minor—more nuisance than danger—but they keep things interesting. For Florida surfers seeking daily waves without the drive to Sebastian, New Smyrna delivers consistent mediocrity with occasional excellence.
🦈 Shark bite capital • Florida consistent • Drive-on beach
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 30°-110°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Hurricane season best. Winter cold fronts.
Shark bite capital of the world. Many attacks but rarely serious.
Cape Hatteras is the East Coast's swell magnet—a remote barrier island jutting into the Atlantic that catches more swells than any other US East Coast location. The lighthouse backdrop provides iconic imagery, while Cape Point and various beach breaks along the National Seashore offer variety depending on conditions. Hurricane season brings the goods, winter nor'easters fill in the gaps, and the relative remoteness keeps crowds manageable. For East Coast surfers seeking consistent waves without the California crowds, Hatteras rewards the drive.
🏗️ East Coast's best • Lighthouse icon • Swell magnet
Works best with swells from 90° (E). Workable range: 45°-150°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Hurricane season and nor'easters. Best East Coast consistency.
Strong rips. Remote barrier island. Limited services.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Many peaks.
Montauk is New York's surf escape—the end of Long Island where city surfers flee for quality waves and the illusion of wilderness. Ditch Plains is the main draw: a beach break that catches south swells and wrapping hurricane energy, producing some of the best waves in the Northeast. The cold water, rocky points, and occasional hollow sections add seriousness to what might otherwise be a beach town vibe. For NYC surfers, the three-hour drive to Montauk is a pilgrimage worth making when the forecast shows promise.
🗽 NYC escape • End of Long Island • Hurricane season gold
Works best with swells from 160° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-200°.
Hurricane season and fall nor'easters best.
Ditch Plains and various beach access points.
Ruggles is New England's legendary wave—a heavy right-hand reef break in Newport that only comes alive when solid swells push into Rhode Island's south-facing coast. When it turns on, Ruggles produces world-class barrels over shallow reef with Gilded Age mansions as a backdrop. The localism is fierce, the conditions fickle, and the danger real—shallow reef and rocks on the inside make every wipeout consequential. But for New England surfers who have earned their place in the lineup, Ruggles represents the pinnacle of Northeast surfing.
🏛️ New England legend • Mansion backdrop • Needs size
Works best with swells from 150° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-190°.
Hurricane season best. Needs solid swell to break.
Heavy localism. Shallow reef. Rocks on inside.
Long Beach is New York City's most accessible surf—an LIRR-reachable beach break where city dwellers can score waves without a car. The wave is a standard beach break with multiple peaks, nothing special but consistent enough to build a dedicated local community. Summer crowds can be intense, but fall hurricane swells bring the goods and thin the crowds. For New Yorkers seeking regular water time without the Montauk commitment, Long Beach provides a reliable daily driver.
🚃 NYC accessible • Train to waves • Urban surf
Crowded in summer. Rips during bigger swells.
LIRR accessible. Multiple beach entries.
Tofino is Canada's surf capital—a Pacific Rim National Park beach where temperate rainforest meets consistent North Pacific swells to create one of the world's most atmospheric surf destinations. The water is brutally cold, requiring 5mm wetsuits even in summer, but the waves are remarkably consistent and the scenery is world-class: old-growth forests, bear-frequented beaches, and a genuine wilderness feel that has become rare in developed surf destinations. The drive from Victoria is long but beautiful, and the rewards justify every minute.
🇨🇦 Canada's surf capital • Rainforest meets ocean • Cold consistency
Year-round swell but winter is most consistent.
Cold water. Remote. Bear and wolf country.
Pacific Rim National Park. Multiple access points.
Yakutat represents the northern frontier of North American surfing—a remote Alaskan community where Gulf of Alaska storms produce powerful waves that break with glaciers visible in the distance. The setting is primal: rainforest meets ocean, bears wander the beach, and the water temperature hovers just above freezing year-round. The small but dedicated local community has carved out a surf scene in this unlikely location, proving that dedicated surfers will find waves anywhere. For those seeking the ultimate adventure surf experience, Yakutat delivers waves and wilderness in equal measure.
🏔️ Alaska's surf frontier • Glaciers in the lineup • Northernmost waves
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 150°-220°.
Fall is best. Winter too stormy. Gulf of Alaska swells.
Extremely cold water. Bears on beach. Very remote.
Lawrencetown Beach is Eastern Canada's premier surf destination—a provincial park beach east of Halifax that catches every hurricane swell and nor'easter that sweeps up the Atlantic seaboard. The Nova Scotia surf community has built a legitimate scene here, surfing through winters that require the thickest wetsuits, hoods, boots, and gloves. When autumn hurricanes track northward or winter storms churn offshore, Lawrencetown produces powerful, quality waves that rival much of the East Coast. The setting is quintessentially Canadian: rugged coastline, cold water, and the satisfaction of earning every wave.
🍁 Eastern Canada's best • Nova Scotia grit • Hurricane and nor'easter power
Works best with swells from 110° (ESE). Workable range: 70°-150°.
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 230°-310°. Best window: morning.
Fall hurricanes and winter Noreasters. Cold water year-round.
Very cold water. Strong currents. Rocky headlands.
The Zoo at Presque Isle is the crown jewel of Great Lakes surfing—a reef break in a sheltered bay that produces remarkably clean waves when northerly storms sweep across Lake Superior. Named for a historic zoo that once stood nearby, this spot benefits from Superior's deep water and long fetch, generating swells up to 12 feet in major storms. The local crew is dedicated and welcoming, braving sub-zero temperatures in full winter gear. When the wind shifts offshore and the swell lines up, The Zoo delivers wave quality that rivals ocean spots.
🦌 Great Lakes flagship spot • Deep water reef break • Fall/winter storms
Works best with swells from 350° (N). Workable range: 300°-45°.
Needs at least 4s period. Ideal: 7s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 135°-225°. Best window: morning.
Fall and winter storms bring the best swells. NE-N winds create waves.
Cold water, ice possible. Reef break near rocks. Historic zoo site in park.
Park at Presque Isle Park. Short walk to break.
Stoney Point is the premiere surfing location on Lake Superior—a gnarly reef break that catches the full fury of northeastern storms. Located on the scenic North Shore between Duluth and Two Harbors, the spot features exposed granite shelves that create powerful, lined-up waves reaching 10-12 feet in major weather events. The remoteness means you'll rarely encounter crowds, but the tradeoff is frigid conditions and no facilities. When NE gales rake across the lake's 350-mile fetch, Stoney Point delivers some of the most impressive freshwater waves on the planet.
⚡ Premiere Lake Superior reef • 10-12ft in storms • Remote wilderness
Works best with swells from 45° (NE). Workable range: 0°-90°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Offshore wind from 225° (SW). Offshore range: 180°-270°. Best window: morning.
NE winds generate best swells. Peak storms October-February.
Exposed granite reef. Very cold water. Remote location between Duluth and Two Harbors.
Along Scenic Highway 61, 10 miles north of Duluth. Multiple rocky access points.
Grand Marais sits on a remote stretch of Lake Superior's southern shore, where a natural sandbar and breakwall create one of the Great Lakes' most reliable surf setups. The small harbor town is surrounded by the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, adding stunning scenery to your surf session. When NW winds push swells into the bay, waves line up nicely with both left and right options. The local scene is small but stoked—this is surfing at its most pure, far from crowds and hype, just you and the lake.
🌲 Pictured Rocks setting • Sandbar + breakwall • Pure Great Lakes soul
Works best with swells from 330° (NNW). Workable range: 310°-25°.
Ideal size: 1.5m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Needs at least 4s period. Ideal: 6s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 90°-180°. Best window: morning.
Fall and winter storms. NW-N swells work best.
Waves break near line of rocks. Take precautions to avoid collisions.
Small harbor town. Beach access from waterfront.
The Elbow is the epicenter of Sheboygan's surf scene and the reason this Wisconsin town earned the nickname "Malibu of the Midwest." Named for the angled pier that connects to the historic lighthouse, this spot features a slabby granite reef that produces surprisingly punchy waves when conditions align. Sheboygan juts out into Lake Michigan, exposing it to winds from nearly every direction, which means more surfable days than almost anywhere else on the lake. The dedicated local crew surfs year-round, breaking out 6mm suits and icicle beards in winter.
🏄 Malibu of the Midwest • Slabby granite reef • Sheboygan's best
September through April. NE and SW winds both work.
Angled pier structure. Granite reef shelf.
Deland Park, adjacent to North Pier and lighthouse. Easy beach access.
Sheboygan North Beach stretches half a mile north of Deland Park, offering multiple shifting peaks that are more forgiving than the nearby reef breaks. Part of Sheboygan's legendary 22 breaks along 5 miles of coast, this sandy beach is where many Great Lakes surfers learn their craft. The soft golden sand and gradual bottom make it ideal for beginners, while the outer bars can produce quality waves on bigger swells. When The Elbow is too gnarly, North Beach provides a mellower alternative with plenty of room to spread out.
🌊 Freshwater Surf Capital • Beginner-friendly • 22 breaks in 5 miles
Works best with swells from 60° (ENE). Workable range: 20°-100°.
Ideal size: 1.2m. Too small below 0.4m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
September through April peak. Multiple peaks along half-mile beach.
Standard beach conditions. More forgiving than reef breaks.
North Beach at Deland Park. Half-mile sand beach with multiple peaks.
Grand Haven is Lake Michigan's oldest documented surf spot, with a scene dating back decades. Located at the mouth of the Grand River where the historic South Pier extends into the lake, this beach break offers remarkably consistent surf by Great Lakes standards. SW and NW winds both generate rideable waves, and the pier provides some organization to the swell. Grand Haven State Park makes access easy, with a beautiful beach, lighthouse views, and the famous Musical Fountain nearby. A perfect introduction to freshwater surfing.
🏛️ Lake Michigan's oldest spot • Historic pier break • Consistent
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 225°-315°.
SW and NW winds create waves. Pier provides some protection.
Pier structure. Standard beach rips on bigger swells.
Grand Haven State Park at South Pier. Easy access from pier parking.
St. Joseph's Silver Beach sits at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, about 90 minutes east of Chicago, making it the go-to Great Lakes surf destination for Midwest urbanites. The beach break picks up W and SW winds well, and the pier at the river mouth helps organize incoming swells. The charming downtown, Silver Beach Carousel, and lighthouse add to the experience. Not the most powerful waves on the lake, but reliable, accessible, and with a growing local scene. Perfect for Chicago surfers escaping the city on storm days.
🌆 Chicago's escape • Silver Beach vibes • Southwest Michigan reliable
Fall through spring. SW Michigan reliable.
Standard beach conditions. Pier at river mouth.
Silver Beach at mouth of St. Joseph River. 90 minutes from Chicago.
Sandbanks Provincial Park on Lake Ontario's north shore claims the longest wave periods in the Great Lakes—a bold statement backed by the lake's unique geometry and SW fetch. The park features dramatic sand dunes, crystal-clear water, and a mix of beach, reef, and point break options. When SW winds blow across Ontario's length, Sandbanks lights up with clean, surprisingly powerful waves. The wine country of Prince Edward County surrounds the park, making this one of the more civilized Great Lakes surf trips. Just bring your thickest neoprene.
🍷 Wine country waves • Longest Great Lakes periods • Provincial park
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 180°-270°.
Offshore wind from 15° (NNE). Offshore range: 330°-60°. Best window: morning.
SW winds create best waves. Longest periods in Great Lakes.
Very cold water. Full winter wetsuit required.
Sandbanks Provincial Park. 3 hours from Toronto.