The Elbow
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.
The Elbow surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 0° - 90°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.95×
- Ideal period
- 6s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 225° - 315°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
10°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Deland Park, adjacent to North Pier and lighthouse. Easy beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is The Elbow?
The Elbow is a beach break in Deland Park, Sheboygan, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at The Elbow?
The Elbow picks up swell from the N round to the E, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NE. It starts working at around 0.5m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.4 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 6s or longer, as anything under 4s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at The Elbow?
A W wind is dead offshore at The Elbow, and anything from the SW round to the NW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at The Elbow?
The Elbow isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf The Elbow?
The most reliable run of swell at The Elbow comes Sep to Apr. September through April. NE and SW winds both work.
How cold is the water at The Elbow?
The water at The Elbow averages around 10°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is The Elbow good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Angled pier structure. Granite reef shelf.
How do I get to The Elbow?
The nearest airport on our list is GRB, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Deland Park, adjacent to North Pier and lighthouse. Easy beach access.
What other surf spots are near The Elbow?
The closest breaks we track are Sheboygan North Beach (0.4 km), handy when The Elbow isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
September through April. NE and SW winds both work.