Full Frame: How The Recent Atlantic Wind-Blast Created Waves Like This In A Lake

“I don’t know if I’ve seen more barrel rides in one session before on the Great Lakes, it was impressive,” local photographer Brain Tanis (@greatlakessurfersjournal) told us. “The talent pool up here has significantly progressed over the past few years.”

The session he’s referring to occurred at a somewhat fickle tube-fortress in a protected part of the Great Lakes, which fired up as a result of the same storm which had Rob Kelly wondering if he was going to ride a 7’0 in New Jersey.

“We’ve seen similar forecasts but this time was definitely with an El Nino twist — this was an intense one. These waves were generated as part of the same system that brought the energy to the east coast. They were calling for gale force winds here and waves up to 18 feet in certain areas. This push turned on spots that only work maybe once or twice a year. Anticipation was high, it was a mad dash to get to where some of the best gems awake during these big systems. The roads were not exactly conducive to our motivations, and many people drove several hours in snow and ice to get to the prize. Travel times were about double what they usually are, but it all came together and was absolutely worth it.  It was a great score, crystal blue waters and offshore nuggets.”

“There is still quite a bit of sensitivity as far as location and exposure at this particular spot,” says Brian. “There are just handful of folks that know about it and what it takes to work. It has to be the right amount of energy in just the right direction for it to turn on.  It only really gets good once or twice a year at most, but if you know, you go.”

“There were a ton of places going off on all five Great Lakes, people were scoring from Wisconsin to Michigan. Really, with big pushes like this it is more of a focus on trying to find some sort of “shelter” like a bay or a point to clean-up the swell and make the waves more manageable and desirable.”

Despite what Brian says has been an unseasonable run of warm weather, the storm brought brutal temperatures. Air temps in the 20’s (F) and water temps damn near freezing.

“You can probably imagine wetsuits this time of year out here are basically as thick as they get.  6/5/4 – 5/4/3 — one guy even wore his winter hat under his hood.”

“Most people will say there is no tide on the Great Lakes but there is actually a very tiny one, as they are affected by the same gravitational pull as anywhere else.  It is essentially insignificant though — maybe an inch or so.  Bathymetry on the great lakes is typically a little more gradual than the ocean, but it has it’s moments. The bottom and shorelines pretty much run the gamut geologically with everything from rock cliffs to sandy beaches.  As a general rule the eastern shores can be more sandy due to the prevailing winds breaking them down over time.”

“This spot has gained some traction over the past few years but it is still pretty tight knit when it comes to who knows and who goes.  I think the most I counted was 20 surfers in the water at one time which is enough to ruffle some feathers at times.  But everyone had a great time, and got as many waves as they wanted.  Such a fun place.”