PHOTO:ILDIKO PANZCE
freighter that went down in 3D-foot swells on Lake Superior during the fall of 1975. Frigid water temperatures, unpredictable waves and ice can make the Great Lakes some of the most treacherous waters in the world to surf.
Th e LA KE SU RFER S The aloha spirit is alive in the Midwest. The surfers have
a deep-rooted connection I had never seen before. They show no attitude or hint of localism. They greet unknown surfers with open arms. Jim first met one of his surfing companions, Chuck Ross, on the highway-literally. One spotted the boards on the roof of the other's car and began to engage in conversation while traveling 65 mph on an interstate just outside of Chicago. Maybe their kinship stems from traditional Midwestern
values. Or perhaps because there are so few of them-there are only about 200 surfers on Lake Michigan and less then a thousand across the region. Nevertheless, lake surfers are passionate about their sport and respect each other and their bodies of water. As 1 was leaving the contest, Chuck, searching for a way
to describe his love for the water, said, "I look at waves and 1 just have to stop; they are so beautiful." 1 still can't believe 1 heard those words in Michigan.
L:ook for. Jim and the South
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WAV E INDICATORS
EASTERN SURFING ASSOCrATION. Great Lakes Chapter. 773-582-3057. kemz0808@kacm.com. www.kacm.com/kacm/ESA-GL.html CHAPTER 11 SURF SHOP. Grand Haven. Michigan, 61 6-842-9244. Contact Chapter 11 for Up North Surfboards info. NOAA BUOY READINGS: For the latest swell information: www.nws.fsu.edu/buoy/ WAVE CLIMATE STUDY: Discover the difference between lake and ocean waves at http://funnelweb.utcc.utk.edu/-schmidtg/seascap2.htm THE SURF REPORT: For $6 you can receive SURFER Magazine's detailed report on Great Lakes surf spots. Ask for Vol 14, No 1; 714-496-5922, surfreport@surferpubs.com, www.surfermag.com
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