Windsurfing Lessons on Lake Michigan

Learn to Windsurf: Discover the joy of Windsurfing along the shores of Lake Michigan. Stoke Riders’ lessons are designed for beginners eager to master the fundamentals of Windsurfing.

Multiple Locations: Whether you're in Chicago, Grand Rapids, or nearby cities, we offer personalized windsurfing lessons tailored to get you sailing and immersed in this amazing new sport. 

We cover the basics of windsurfing like rigging, uphauling, starting, stopping, steering and tacking as well as wind theory, right or way rules, and local stop tips.

At Stoke Riders, we provide professional, personalized instruction in 2-3 hour sessions spread across multiple windy days. Our certified instructors help you progress at your own pace, whether you're just starting out or building confidence with water starts.

We can teach on most beaches along the coast of Lake Michigan and some inland lakes. The wind can be fickle but it's usually blowing somewhere.  We can coordinate the best beach for you and work with the wind. 

Learning the wind is a fundamental step and we've developed a process to get you dialed in quickly. 

Why Lake Michigan Is Ideal

Lake Michigan’s calm conditions near cities like Grand Rapids and Chicago provide the perfect environment for learning water starts. The Great Lakes are one of the best places world wide for wind sports and we're truly lucky to have so many amazing beaches with world class windsurfing conditions. 

How Our Lessons Are Structured

Lessons run for 2-3 hours a day, scheduled over multiple windy days. The 3-hour package is ideal for beginners starting their wing journey, helping you cover Levels 1 and 2 with plenty of hands-on practice.

Ready to Start?

The key to learning is consistent practice with guidance from experienced instructors. Join us for Levels 1 & 2 lessons and start your windsurfing adventure today. Whether you’re in Chicago, Grand Rapids, or any Lake Michigan community, we’re here to help you master the basics of windsurfing.

Book your 3-hour beginner package now to:

• Gain foundational windsurfing skills.
• Kickstart your journey with confidence and fun!

Looking for more advanced training? Explore our Levels 1-5 courses for a comprehensive windsurfing experience that will fast-track your skills and open the door to exciting new adventures.

Spots are limited so book now to reserve your place. 

Wind Updates

Please see the lesson information below, and sign up for our periodic wind updates via my newsletter. As an IKO-certified kiteboarding instructor, I can assure you of the most professional winging training, paired with local knowledge and top-of-the-line equipment to get you up and riding.

Gear Rental Fee/Credit

There is a $50 daily gear rental fee during the lesson if you don't own your own gear. This fee is credited back to you upon purchasing gear from our shop.

Pre-Lesson Preparation

Wetsuits

If you need wetsuit gear, let us know your height, weight, waist, shoe, and glove size ahead of time. We are stocked on cold-water wetsuits, boots, gloves, hoods, and other winging accessories. Even in summer, Lake Michigan water temperatures can be cold, so it’s best to gear up with watersport-specific wetsuits.

What do I bring to the wing lesson? 

Please bring the following:

• Warm windbreakers
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• A rashguard (if you have one)

Even in cooler temps, these items will help keep you comfortable during beach sessions before heading into the water.

Email us at info@stokeriders.com with any questions!