Choosing Your First Lake Michigan Surfboard – Best Boards for Lake Michigan Waves

Thinking about learning to surf on Lake Michigan? You’re in the right place.

This guide is for anyone who’s looked at the lake on a windy day and thought, “Wait… can I actually surf that?” The answer is yes, and it’s better than you think.

We’ll walk you through exactly what kind of surfboard works for Midwest waves, how to read conditions, when to paddle out, and where to get started. Whether you're grabbing a rental for your first session or ready to buy your own board, we’ve got you covered.

 

Why Surfing Lake Michigan Is Totally Worth It (Even If You’re a Beginner)

People are always surprised you can surf Lake Michigan, but yeah, you absolutely can. We get real waves, especially in summer and fall, and they’re actually great for learning.

No salt, no sharks, just fresh water and miles of beach. Spots like Muskegon, St. Joe, and Holland get fun little peelers when the wind lines up. You don’t need a perfect forecast either. Just waist-high waves and a soft-top board is enough to get going.

The waves might be smaller and shorter than what you'd find in the ocean, but that actually makes them perfect for learning. When you’re starting out, you want mellow, manageable conditions, not head-high barrels.

If you can learn to read the wind, paddle in chop, and ride these variable freshwater waves, you'll build skills that transfer anywhere. As we like to say, if you can surf here, you can surf anywhere.

What Type of Surfboard Works Best on Lake Michigan Waves?

Lake Michigan waves aren’t like ocean waves. They’re usually wind-driven, a little messy, and don’t last long. Which means your board needs to do more of the work.

For most beginners, that means going with something bigger and floatier. Soft tops are ideal because they’re stable, easy to paddle, and forgiving if you wipe out (which you will, and that’s fine). An 8-foot foam board is kind of the gold standard for your first few sessions here.

Hard tops, like fiberglass or epoxy boards, can work too,  but they’re usually better once you’ve got the basics down. Epoxy boards are lighter and more durable than fiberglass, so they’re a solid option if you’re ready to invest in your own gear but still want a little help catching waves.

The main thing is paddle power. You want a board that glides into small waves without needing a perfect takeoff. Lake surf doesn’t wait around,  so the more help you can give yourself with size and volume, the better.

Top Beginner Surfboards for Great Lakes Conditions

If you’re just getting started, don’t overthink it. You need a board that’s stable, floats well, and makes it easy to catch short-period waves, and there are a few that nail it for Great Lakes conditions.

Here are some go-to options we’ve seen work great around here:

• Wavestorm 8' Soft Top
  Super affordable, super forgiving. It’s basically the gateway board for Midwest surfing. You’ll see them everywhere for a reason, they work.

Wavestrom is a very popular model. It’s not one we carry right now but it’s worth an honorable mention. This is not your forever board. We prefer models our team has tested and used on the Great lakes. Our current favorite is the creative Army Cruz. This single fin longboard has the right shape and volume to get speed on our mushy Lake Michigan waves. Local Legends have been using shapes like this since the 1990s and for good reason. You’ll paddle less, get good speed when dropping in and have a better day on the water. Best of all it’s a forever board unlike a soft top that has a limited use case and shelf life. One of my first surfboards was a softtop and it slowly rotted away on me in the garage.

• Creative Army Cruz
  The Cruz is perfect for Lake Michigan’s small, punchy waves. With plenty of volume (67–76L), it paddles easy and catches waves early, even on mellow days. It’s stable enough for beginners, but has the shape and glide for noserides or smooth turns as you progress. If you want one board that works in most Great Lakes conditions, this is a solid choice.

• Critical Slide Fun Guy Surfboard
  The Fun Guy is perfect for Lake Michigan surf,  stable, easy to paddle, and super forgiving in small, choppy waves. But it’s not just a softie. With vee-to-double concave and a touch of rocker, it can still turn when the waves shape up. If you're moving up from a foamie or just want one board that balances control and fun, this one's a solid choice.

• Modern Double Wide
  The Double Wide packs longboard-style paddle power into a shorter, wider shape, perfect for catching Lake Michigan waves early and staying on them longer. With tons of volume, flat entry, and boxy rails, it’s super stable and easy to ride, even in whitewater. If you're looking for something that makes wave-catching feel effortless without going full longboard, this board delivers.

Not sure what size to get? As a rule of thumb:

• If you're under 150 lbs, go 7’6”–8’
  

• 150–200 lbs, stick with 8’–8’6”
  

• Over 200 lbs, you’ll want 8’6” or longer
  

If you’re still figuring it out, renting a few boards first is the way to go. We’ve got beginner surfboards ready to try, just swing by and grab one for the day. Shop beginner-friendly surfboards or try a board from our rental fleet.

 

When Is the Best Time to Surf Lake Michigan for Beginners?

If you're new to surfing, summer and early fall are your sweet spot on Lake Michigan. The water's warmer, the waves are smaller, and the vibes are way more forgiving.

July and August bring in occasional waist-high wind swell. It’s perfect for foam boards and learning the basics. It’s not consistent, but when it hits, it’s mellow and fun. You’ll often catch those random clean days when the wind dies down overnight and leaves just enough wave to paddle into.

Then there’s September and October, the real season for local surfers. Fall brings stronger winds and more reliable swell. The water stays warm longer than you'd expect, but this is when you’ll want to have a wetsuit ready. A 4/3 with boots usually covers it.

If you're serious about surfing here, fall is when it starts to click, but don’t sleep on summer. It’s easier, safer, and just more fun when you’re figuring things out. Check out our gear and stay warm with the right waterwear.

A note for beginners but the fall can get heavy at times but the water is going to be warm. The absolute best time to start getting out there is around September. Try to find the best sandbar breaks and watch how they form on the small days. You can have a really chill session by paddling out to the first sandbar and enjoy mellow waves in boardshorts or a bikini. The spring can have some good waves but our water is frigid. It’s best to save that for when you’ve got used to catching waves. 

What Conditions Should I Look for in a Good Beginner Surf Day?

Lake Michigan has waves, but not all of them are worth paddling into when you’re just starting out.

As a beginner, you want days that are clean, small, and manageable. That usually means swell under 3 feet, light winds, and ideally a spot with some shelter from the breeze. Look for offshore or no wind conditions, when the wind blows from land out to the lake, it holds the wave face up and gives you more time to stand.

The other trick is timing. Our waves are wind-driven, so they often show up fast and fade just as quick. The best surf windows are usually in the morning or right after the wind dies down.

Here's what to check before you head out:

• Wave height: 1–3 feet is ideal to start
  

• Wind direction: offshore is best, or light onshore
  

• Wind speed: under 10 knots is easier for learning
  

• Swell period: anything longer than 6 seconds is a bonus
  

• Water temp: check if you’ll need a wetsuit
  

Apps like Surfline even NOAA marine forecasts are your best friend. They’ll help you figure out if it’s worth grabbing your board, or waiting it out for a better window.

Most of all? Don’t force it. The lake will deliver if you're patient. And when it does, you'll know.

You can also find helpful information at NOAA maintains several buoy stations across Lake Michigan that report wave heights, wind speed, water temperature, and more. A few notable ones include texting:

• 44062 – Southwest of Ludington: Good for Muskegon and Holland conditions
  

• 44057 – Near St. Joseph: Closest to the southern Lake Michigan surf zone
  

• 44011 – Central Lake Michigan: For general lake swell trends

Should I Buy or Rent a Surfboard to Start?

If you’re just getting into it, renting is the move. You’ll save money, try different boards, and figure out what actually works for you on Lake Michigan, without committing to the wrong setup.

A lot of new surfers rush to buy a board, but then realize it’s too small, too slick, or just not fun in choppy conditions. Renting gives you a chance to dial in what you need before you drop cash.

That said, if you’re already hooked, buying your own board can help you progress faster. You’ll get used to the way it paddles, how it feels under your feet, and you can surf whenever the conditions line up, no shop hours to worry about.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Renting Pros:

• Try multiple board shapes and sizes
  

• No need to store or transport a big board
  

• Low commitment while you’re learning
  

Buying Pros:

• Always ready to surf when the waves show up
  

• Gets you dialed into one board
  

• More cost-effective long-term if you’re consistent
  

Still not sure? Come by and chat with us. We’ll help you test out a few boards and find one that fits your weight, ability, and goals, no pressure.

 

Where Can I Learn to Surf on Lake Michigan?

You don’t have to figure this out alone, in fact, we wouldn’t recommend it. Learning to surf on Lake Michigan is way easier (and way more fun) when you’ve got someone showing you the ropes.

We offer private surf lessons at Stoke Riders in St. Joseph, and it’s hands-down the fastest way to get started. You’ll learn how to paddle, pop up, pick waves, and stay safe, all in one session. Plus, we’ll set you up with the right board and wetsuit so you’re not fighting your gear.

Beyond lessons, the Midwest surf community is legit. There are local groups on Facebook and Instagram that post sessions, share conditions, and welcome new surfers. It’s not like the crowded ocean lineups, people here are stoked to help you catch your first wave.

Some of the best beginner-friendly spots include:

• Grand Haven & Silver Beach in St. Joseph - sandbars, mellow waves, easy parking. This is where we teach surf lessons. 

• Pere Marquette in Muskegon - great vibe, wide open beach, works well on southwest wind
  

• Holland State Park - solid sandbar when the wind’s right, especially in late summer

If you're not sure where to go or when, reach out. We’ll point you to the right beach on the right day.

 

Tips for Catching Your First Wave in the Great Lakes

Catching your first wave feels like magic, but there’s a little technique behind it. Here’s what we tell every beginner before they paddle out on Lake Michigan:

1. Start on a mellow day.
Waist-high waves or smaller. Don’t chase the big days, they’ll just toss you around. Look for light wind and a clean swell.

2. Find a good sandbar.
Beaches like St. Joe or Muskegon usually have decent sandbars near the piers. That’s where the waves break evenly and give you more time to get up.

3. Paddle with purpose.
You don’t have to be fast, but you need to be consistent. Start paddling early and keep going until you feel the board lift. That’s your moment.

4. Pop up in one smooth motion.
Skip the knee stage. Think push-up into standing, low and balanced. Eyes forward, knees bent, hands off the rails.

5. Don’t stand too early.
Most beginners rush it and the board stalls. Let the wave catch you first, then pop.

6. Respect the lineup.
Even here, there’s etiquette. Don’t drop in on someone, don’t ditch your board, and always look around before you go for a wave.

On the note of respect, always take note of people on the shore. A lot of our surfing is done on the first sandbar and it can be close to the shore. In the late summer and early fall we have lots of families and kids playing in the water. Be sure to watch what's in front of you and keep respectful distance from kids playing in the shore break. As a waterman or woman, the responsibility falls on you. 

Ready to Ride? Let’s Get You on Your First Wave

Whether you’re catching knee-high peelers in Muskegon or paddling out for the first time in St. Joe, this lake delivers moments that stick with you.

The gear’s approachable, the waves are beginner-friendly, and you’ve got a local crew here to help you every step of the way.

So don’t wait for perfect conditions or some trip to the coast. Start here, start now, and let’s make your first wave happen this season.

FAQ: Beginner Surfing on Lake Michigan

Q: Can you really surf on Lake Michigan as a beginner?
A: Absolutely. Summer and fall bring plenty of mellow waves that are perfect for learning, especially with a soft-top board and some local guidance.

Q: What size surfboard is best for Lake Michigan beginners?
A: Most beginners do best with an 8-foot soft-top or funboard. The more volume, the easier it is to catch short, choppy waves.

Q: Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Michigan?
A: Most of the time, yes. Our water can be cold all the way into the fall some years. There are for sure days where you won’t need one but more often than not it’s a good idea. On the right days In summer, boardshorts usually work. But once fall hits, a 4/3 or even a 5/3 wetsuit and boots will keep you warm and comfortable in cold freshwater.

Q: On lake Michigan, should I buy a surfboard right away or rent first?
A: If you’re surfing the great lakes, you should take a lesson first. Our waves are different, each beach has its own nuances with sandbar breaks or popular breaks that might be dangerous for beginners. You should talk to your instructor to find the right match then see about renting in your area.