Michigan Windsurfing

Windsurfing & Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Michigan

For all you "old salts" from a newbie:

when does the windsurfing season start in SE Michigan if you have a 3/2 wetsuit?  Whenever I can stand it?  looking forward to my first full season windsurfing!!  Thanks for your advice!  Cori

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Cori,

Let us know where you sail, or plan to sail, and maybe some of the locals will chime in.   Some people use a rule that is based on the sum of the air and water temperature, but it's different for everyone.  The water in the big lakes is still pretty cold, you probably need at least a steamer, and of course booties. 

There's a bunch of Michiganders already in Hatteras, or headed there in the next couple weeks, who will likely kick off their season down there. 

Be careful of using the word "old"!  ;~)

Brian

Brian,

I retract the use of the word "old". 

I've been going to Stoney Creek as I don't consider myself ready for prime time (or lakes with power boats).  I live in Lake Orion/Clarkston area.  Scott thought maybe waiting for some warmer temps would be a good idea, so we'll see.

Do you know of any other non-motor lakes/launches in the area?

 

Thanks for your input!

Cori,

Stony is a friendly place and the water warms up there pretty quickly.  Stony is good for:

  1. no power boats
  2. it warms up pretty quickly
  3. nice grassy rigging area
  4. never too far from shore.

The drawback is that the wind can be a bit gusty and squirrely,  and you get weeds later in the season.   If it's close to you it's a good place to learn.  I SUP there sometimes in the mid-summer.  Hope too see you on the water!

Brian

P.S. get some booties!

Too Early? Heck no. The ice has melted!
However, with only a 3/2 wetsuit, you will
probably want to wait a while, or at least until
the air temps get into the 60s.
Also depends upon how much time you will
be spending in the water. If you're really a
newbie, you'll be getting plenty wet, and may
want to wait for high 60s...

There were a number of people out on Cass
Lake on this past Saturday and Sunday, but
they all have at least 5/4 steamers, mittens,
and very warm neoprene boots.

Thank you, Scott!

No mittens, no warm boots and getting soaked with some frequency.  We'll see.  Maybe end of April.

I've been out on Lake St. Clair several times so far SUP and Windsurfing. I use a 4/3 fleece lined wetty. This time of year you won't see any boats!! Or fellow sailers for that matter. They're all in Hatteras I suspect. I enjoyed a sunny day, without mitts last Friday. It was an excellent session. bring a big board you can uphaul so your not chilling in the water waiting to water start.. Wool socks under the booties really helps, and if you have a shorty wear it over your full wetsuit. Go for it! It's been a great year so far!

Thanks, Chris!  Good tip on the wool socks -- I will be sure to try that.  I've not advanced to water starting yet, so uphauling not a problem!

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