Whats the Best Wing Foil Board for Lake Michigan

Whats the Best Wing Foil Board for Lake Michigan

A Guide to Choosing the Best Wing Foil Board for Lake Michigan

Wing foiling on Lake Michigan offers a unique experience with its freshwater, diverse conditions, and stunning white sand shoreline. From the calm waters of Grand Haven, St Joe, and Muskegon to the beaches of Chicago, each spot along Lake Michigan provides something different. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an intermediate rider refining your skills, selecting the right wingboard is essential to maximizing your time on the water.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wing board sizing for Lake Michigan, break down the best board models for different skill levels, and help you navigate the vast array of options to find the perfect board for locations like Holland, Traverse City, or Chicago.

The best wing board for Lake MI: The best board is a shape, not a model. When I first learned to wing in Muskegon between the breakwater. It was flat and easy. As I progressed, I started riding on the south side of the north pier. This is a unique spot because the water is calm and flat by the jetty, but the waves pick up fast as you ride downwind. To top it off, the northwest winds here are shifty! I was testing different shapes, and I came to appreciate the value of a longer, narrower board that maintained stability. 

The Ak Phaser 65 L was more stable for me than a 78 L that was a stubby shape. Some call it a potato chip board or a bar of soap. Pick whatever name you like, but the longer shapes are easier. They have nose-to-tail stability, and the key was a fast takeoff. The waves are different on Lake Mi compared to the ocean spots I ride. Our intervals here are short, so you must get up quickly between them. If your board is slow to take off, you will get knocked down a lot more. We’ll codify these different shapes later in the blog as well. 


Why Wing Board Sizing Matters for Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan presents a variety of challenges and opportunities for wing foilers. With freshwater that’s less buoyant than saltwater, strong seasonal winds, and a mix of chop, waves, and flat-water conditions, the size and shape of your wingboard play a critical role in your overall experience. The biggest challenge is going to be the short intervals and unpredictability of the waves and chop. Shifting sandbars and wind-driven waves are very different here than the ocean. They are prime for foils with their size-to-power ratio! You can ride a massive non non-breaking wave with little power and reap the benefits of a foil. It’s like nowhere else in the world. The trick is getting the right shape so you can rip here. 

  • Freshwater vs. Saltwater:
    Freshwater in spots like Ludington or Sheboygan lacks the buoyancy of saltwater, but with a wing board’s high volume, this difference is minimal. Beginners or heavier riders might benefit from slightly larger boards for added stability. 

  • Diverse Riding Conditions:
    The lake’s massive size means conditions vary widely depending on the location and season. For example, Muskegon has flat water inside the breakwater, while a spot like the Ferrysburg pier has an incredible rolling swell that breaks off the Jetty on a south wind. St Joe also has similar conditions on the north or south side of their pier. On the south side of town, a beach like Grand Haven will have more chop, but depending on the sandbars, you might get an amazing wave break. The Little Sable Point Lighthouse is a beautiful beach that quickly gets deep. The rocky shoreline can be a challenge for foils when exiting the water, and the coast's shape makes for some fun waves here.  

Choosing the right board ensures you’re prepared to handle everything Lake Michigan throws at you. Pick something with a fast take-off and stability within your ability level. 

 

 

Beginner Wing Board Recommendations

For beginners, stability and volume are the top priorities. A wider, longer board allows you to focus on technique without worrying about balance. Locations like Silver Beach St joe or The inside of the Muskegon Breakwater are beginner-friendly, with gentle conditions perfect for learning.

What to Look For in a Beginner Wing Foil Board

  • Volume: At least 30–50 liters above your body weight in kilograms. For example, a 75kg rider should look for a board with 105–125 liters of volume.

  • Width and Stability: Wide boards provide more stability, especially in choppy conditions common in places like Little Sable Beach. 

  • Shape: Long and narrow boards, like the AK Phazer, offer a smoother ride and faster takeoff compared to older, short, and stubby designs. This board is still “Wide” but not to the detriment of speed.

Lake Michigan Beginner Hot Spots:

  • Grand Haven State Park: Known for its wide beaches and manageable winds.

  • Muskegon: A great spot for light wind and calm conditions.

  • South Haven Beach: Perfect for flat water and easy entry points.

 

 

Intermediate Wing Foil Board Recommendations

As you progress, you’ll want a board that balances speed, stability, and maneuverability. Intermediate riders should consider mid-length boards or narrower designs that allow for more dynamic riding. Locations like Milwaukee or Muskegon offer varied conditions ideal for intermediate riders.

What to Look For in an Intermediate Wing Board

  • Volume: Around 65 to 85 Liters is most common on our beaches. 

  • Shape and Speed: Boards with a longer and narrower shape are ideal for faster takeoff and smooth rides in chop or waves.

  • Chop Management: Avoid stubby designs, as they can be too tippy and struggle in Lake Michigan’s choppier conditions.

Lake Michigan Intermediate Hot Spots:

  • North Muskegon Beach: Excellent for big waves on a south wind. 

  • Ferriesburg Fishing Peir: Another amazing wave spot. This is my favorite in the world so far! 

  • Ludington State Park: Offers a mix of flat water and waves for progression.

 


Advanced Wing Board Recommendations

For advanced riders, speed and performance take precedence. These riders often opt for mid-length boards or specialized designs that maximize speed and maneuverability. Boards like the AK Nomad excel in light wind and choppy water.

What to Look For in an Advanced Wing Board

  • Volume: Around 10–20 liters above your body weight in kilograms, allowing for greater control and responsiveness.

  • Shape and Speed: Mid-length boards with narrower profiles plane faster, making them ideal for light winds and advanced tricks.

  • Stability: These boards require excellent balance, as they trade lateral stability for speed and agility.

Lake Michigan Advanced Hot Spots? The most advanced locations will be the big wind days in our prime wave locations. Find a lighthouse and ride downwind of the jetty. Most beaches will stack up. I’ve had some amazing sessions in Frankfort. The waves bounce off the jetty and roll into the bluff along the shoreline. These spots will all have flat water along the pier, and the waves will stack up about 100 feet downwind, sometimes closer. 

 

Wing B oard Shapes and Their Strengths

There are three general shapes we see trending now. They each have strengths and weaknesses, but we recommend 2 and 3 for locals. The nature of the great lakes calls for a faster board with a quick takeoff. 

1. Short and Stubby Boards

  • Strengths: Compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport.

  • Weaknesses: Outdated and unstable in chop, especially on Lake Michigan.

  • Verdict: Avoid these for Lake Michigan. Their tippiness makes them unsuitable for the lake’s variable conditions.

2. Long and Narrow Boards (e.g., AK Phazer)

  • Strengths: Excellent for beginners and intermediates due to their stability, fast takeoff, and smooth ride in choppy water.

  • Weaknesses: May feel less responsive for advanced tricks.

  • Verdict: The go-to choice for most Lake Michigan riders, offering versatility and ease of use.

3. Mid-Length Boards (e.g., AK Nomad)

  • Strengths: Fastest takeoff and best for light wind. Ideal for advanced riders seeking high-speed performance.

  • Weaknesses: Require better balance and skill due to reduced lateral stability. Pro tip: Add a longer high-aspect wing for lateral stability. 

  • Verdict: Perfect for experienced riders who want speed and agility in challenging conditions.

Shop our wing boards here. Please call for a custom recommendation. 

 

Conclusion

Lake Michigan offers something for every wing foiler, from calm beginner spots like Grand Haven to advanced playgrounds like Chicago. Choosing the right wingboard ensures you can make the most of these diverse conditions. Whether you’re just starting on a long and narrow board like the AK Phazer or pushing limits on the AK Nomad, the right gear makes all the difference.

With its fresh water, scenic beauty, and supportive kiteboarding community, Lake Michigan is one of the best places in the Midwest to enjoy wing foiling. Explore the locations, find your perfect board, and get ready for an unforgettable ride.

 

 Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic: 

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing specialist and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.

 

 

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