Surfing Lake Huron: Kincardine, Sauble Beach & Best Spots

Can you surf Lake Huron? Yes. Lake Huron has some of the most consistent surf in the Great Lakes, especially along Ontario's east shore from Grand Bend up to the Bruce Peninsula. Here's where to go, which winds work and what to wear.

Jump to: Where to surf · Which winds work · When to go · Water temperature · Safety · FAQ

Lake Huron at a glance

Best season: September to December, with more surf through winter and spring
Best winds: west, northwest and southwest for Ontario's east shore; north and northeast for Michigan's Thumb
Wetsuit: a hooded 5/4 mm for most of the season
Bottom: mostly sand, with some rock and cobble near points and harbours

Where to surf Lake Huron

Kincardine (Station Beach)

Kincardine is the best-known surf town on Lake Huron. Station Beach, next to the harbour and lighthouse, picks up swell on westerly winds and has a big, friendly crew. The town also has parking, washrooms and a coffee close to the beach, which matters in November.

Sauble Beach and Southampton

Sauble Beach is one of the longest freshwater beaches in the world, with plenty of room for peaks to spread out. It's a good option for beginners on small days. Nearby Southampton and Port Elgin also get waves on the right wind.

Goderich and Bayfield

Further south, Goderich and Bayfield have beaches and piers that catch west and northwest swell. As always, stay well clear of the piers themselves, where currents are strong.

Grand Bend and the Pinery

Grand Bend's wide sandy beach is a classic summer spot that gets fun surf in fall when strong west and northwest winds come through.

Georgian Bay

The south shore of Georgian Bay catches waves on north and northwest winds.

Michigan's Thumb

On the U.S. side, Port Austin at the tip of Michigan's Thumb is the best-known spot. It works on north and northeast winds blowing down the length of the lake.

Which winds work on Lake Huron?

Like every Great Lake, Huron needs strong, steady wind blowing across a long stretch of open water. The rule is simple: the wind should blow toward your beach from far away.

Ontario's east shore (Grand Bend to Sauble Beach): west, northwest and southwest winds. Northwest winds have the longest reach down the lake.
Georgian Bay's south shore: north and northwest winds.
Michigan's Thumb: north and northeast winds.

Aim for sustained winds of 30 km/h (about 20 mph) or more for several hours. When the wind backs off or swings offshore, the waves clean up, and that's often the best window. More in how to read a Great Lakes surf forecast.

When is the best time to surf Lake Huron?

Fall. From September through December, the lake is still relatively warm and big storms come through often, including the famous November gales. Winter keeps delivering on days when shore ice and slush allow, and spring brings waves as the ice clears. Summer is mostly flat, with the odd fun day after a passing front.

Lake Huron water temperature and wetsuit by month

Average water temperatures at Port Huron, Michigan through the surf season. Hooded suits go with 5–7 mm boots and gloves or mitts.

Month	Water	Wetsuit
Sep	68°F / 20°C	3/2
Oct	59°F / 15°C	4/3 + boots
Nov	50°F / 10°C	5/4 hooded
Dec	42°F / 6°C	6/5 hooded
Jan	36°F / 2°C	6/5 hooded
Feb	33°F / 1°C	6/5 hooded
Mar	34°F / 1°C	6/5 hooded
Apr	38°F / 3°C	6/5 hooded
May	46°F / 8°C	5/4 hooded

See all five lakes in our Great Lakes water temperature by month guide and the cold water wetsuit guide.

Staying safe on Lake Huron

Never surf alone, especially from fall to spring when beaches aren't patrolled.
Stay away from piers and breakwalls. Currents along them are one of the biggest dangers on the Great Lakes.
Watch for rip currents on big days, and know how to get out of one by paddling parallel to shore.
Respect the cold. Plan your exit and have warm clothes ready in the car. Read coldwater surfing: how to stay out of trouble.

Lake Huron surfing FAQ

Where is the best surfing on Lake Huron?

Kincardine's Station Beach and Sauble Beach on the Ontario shore are the best-known spots. Goderich, Grand Bend, Georgian Bay and Port Austin, Michigan also get good waves on the right wind.

Is Lake Huron good for beginners?

On small, clean days, yes. Sauble Beach and Grand Bend have long sandy beaches with room to spread out. Start on a soft-top and surf with friends. See our beginner's guide to surfing the Great Lakes.

Does Lake Huron freeze?

Parts of it do. Shore ice and slush often build up along the beaches in mid-winter, which can end sessions for weeks at a time. The middle of the lake rarely freezes over completely.

Lake guides: Michigan · Superior · Huron · Erie · Ontario · Great Lakes Surfing FAQ