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Lake Effect Co: Great Lakes Shred Camp

A beautiful perspective piece by 2 x Shred Camper Katherine Graham of Lake Effect Co. of her experience at Shred Camp: Great Lakes.

Traverse Magazine: Paddleboard Camping on the Au Sable River in Northern Michigan

An ode to the multi-day paddleboard adventure that strengthened our love for the inland waterways of the Great Lakes region, our bond with the ecosystem, and that amidst our tribe.

By , , and | Sep 6, 2018

“Last summer, surf photographer Beth Price pitched the idea of a paddleboard camping trip down the Au Sable to a few likeminded friends. The crew didn’t hesitate for a minute. Ella Skrocki, the put-the-boys-to-shame surfer who runs Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak in Empire; Lindsay Simmons, the well-traveled surf instructor with a steadfast devotion to being on the beach; and Leda Olmsted, the accomplished paddler and stand-up paddleboard Yogi. These women met in the water, and constantly reunite on the water. When you spot another woman surfing on Lake Michigan in a sea of neoprene men, an instant bond is formed.” Paddleboard Camping on the Au Sable River in Northern Michigan

Paddleboard Camping on the Au Sable River in Northern Michigan

“A tribe of Great Lakes surfer women are the happiest campers when they head to the Au Sable to paddleboard, rest and repeat.”

The trip of a lifetime, collectively incapsulated in simple words. The Au Sable taught us to go with the flow, a night under the stars strengthened our bond and the trip played a role in inspiring us to share the power of women on the water through Shred Camp and has kicked off our first backcountry offering.

Get inspired: Read Paddleboard Camping on the Au Sable River in Northern Michigan 

My North: Cranking Waves: Winter Surfing on Lake Michigan

The cold adds a certain element to the adrenaline rush that one can’t find while surfing the warm waters of summer.

Writer Daniel Shepler followed Jake Therrien out to the Pier for a cold season surf.

Read up.

 

 

 

Country Lines: Surf’s Up

Then 21 year old Ella talks surf in the heart of winter in Marquette while going to school at Northern Michigan University.

“When I find the motivation to get out there during a blizzard and catch that one wave, it’s so empowering!” Surf’s Up

Traverse Magazine: Great Lake Surfing in Northern Michigan

Six Northern Michigan surfers talk about why they love to surf in the Lake Michigan waves.

by | Jul 17, 2015

“I used to sit on the beach and watch people surf in Hawaii, and I used to feel sorry for them when there weren’t any waves coming. But once I started surfing myself, I realized that that is part of the fun. It is amazing to be on the water and part of the water. Sometimes, especially when I paddle out, I will just sit on my board and let waves go by, just because it feels good to be there bobbing on the water.” Lori Darling

No matter the conditions, being out on the water, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, “is pretty magical,” he says. “You definitely never surf the same way twice, which keeps it interesting. You can go to Frankfort beach and every day you’ll see a different beach.” Rod Robertson

“Being in the water with my board, either paddling, sitting and watching the waves, taking a drop or cruising down the line of a wave, brings me the greatest, most inexplicable joy. Many surfers will describe it as the stoke, but I believe it to be much more than that. It brings me into a state of meditation—a trance—where I can feel free from all ties on land. Where time ceases to be a virtue, and where I can just merely be.” Ella Skrocki

“What really stokes me the most is when it’s least expected. You go out there just because, and the forecast doesn’t look that good. You get there and no one else is there, and then for whatever reason it turns into an epic day.” Larry Bordine

“I’ve always been the type of person who feels most at home when I’m outside … I think the unforgiving weather that goes hand-and-hand with the waves here on the Great Lakes also makes it more challenging, and ultimately more enjoyable when everything finally lines up and you score a great day. Not to mention, it’s phenomenal exercise.” Nick Brown

“The learning curve is pretty steep. But if you just work at it and work at it, you can get a little better … you walk out of the water and you feel spent. You feel like you’re expending the most incredible amount of energy, but you feel so invigorated, too.” Janet Hessler

 

Read Great Lake Surfing in Northern Michigan

Photos by Beth Price Photograhy