Destination

Lake Michigan

United States, North America

It gets Strong winds Either direction From $20/day
Updated:30 June 2020

Kitesurf Season

J F M A M J J A S O N D

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Destination Summary

Lake Michigan

For big air, it's best to go in the Spring or Fall. My favorite months are late April, May, September, October and early November. Remember the you will likely need at least a 3/2 wetsuit most the time. A 5/4 full set is recommend for the colder months.
The typical wind direction comes from the North during these months and the wind is typically cold making is denser than warm wind. Plenty of days with 30+ knots and that equal to amazing jumping conditions.
My favorite spot is Waukegan on a strong North East. Great kickers for jumping regular-footed and has a marvelous flat water spot for more experienced riders.
My second and third favorite spot is South Haven and Grand Haven. They are both very similar and can have slightly different wind strength so definitely check the meters before choosing one. They both are great on a North West wind. Great kickers for goofy riders the waves sometimes get Cape Town sized on big wind days. On these North days, the jetties will form a nice fun zone flat water spot for the more experienced riders. Also a good spot for South West and the occasional Westerly winds. Plenty of beach goers here that will be taking your picture if you're going huge!
Sheboygan and Muskegon are also famous spots. They have a great thermal but I never went there for big air as the other spots are closer and typically have the same big winds.
Michigan city is great for massive waves on a big north wind day if you like boosting in huge waves. These waves get to be as big as Cape Town waves!
All the local kiters are super cool and they have a nice community. Try to link up with Stoke Riders if you can. They have an awesome kite van and are always scoping the best spots on the lake!

Kite Info

Kite shop

Has a Kite Shop

Kite spots

Waukegan; Michigan City; Indiana Dunes; South Haven; Grand Haven; Muskegon;

Best months

january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, october, november, december

Dominant boosting direction

Either direction

Wind Strength, Consistency, Wind Quality, Density

It gets Strong (Up to 30 knots) It's windy Every week Super steady Cold wind

Water temp

Cold (You need a wetsuit)

Water conditions

Flat, Waves

Local riders

Tyler Spence. Edgar Durand. Griedy Diaz. Ryan Ritsema.

Crowd factor

Some waters users around

Woo Record

15.9 by Kirk Ziegler

Travel and life info

How easy is it to get there?

Easy to visit (< 2 hours from airport)

How do you get there?

O'hare International airport or Midway airport is a good one in Chicago. Otherwise; you could fly into Detroit. Theres a train (metra) that can bring you to Waukegan easily. Otherwise; I would recommend renting a car.

Daily cost

Affordable ($20-50 /day)

Party Destination

Yes

Do you need a car?

Yes

Family friendly?

Yes

Other fun and activities

Night life in Chicago. Amazing dunes and camping on the Michigan state side for sand boarding. Surfing. Mountain biking. Sailing. Long boarding.

How easy is it to find cuddle company?

Sorry, no cuddles here

Internet Connectivity

Good (video calls and streaming)

Development

Very High Development (crazy fast internet and somewhere to charge my Tesla)

Thanks to Edgar Durand for submiting the destination

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