Will any of the spots in PC be going off today? Generally, how many km/h does the wind need to be for it to be good. Thanks

Also just going to the beach and exploring brings rewards too. You need to buy a copy of the book, "Surfing The Great Lakes."

Yes, I have the book, but have misplaced it. I was just looking for a simple answer. I know it's best in SW but wondered what PC does in east wind.

Now look at a map. Wind going offshore makes waves on the other side of the lake.

Thanks for the friendly response... you really know how to make someone just starting out feel welcome. Sorry for looking for a little confirmation - I guess I'll waste a tank of gas "exploring" next time.

What's up Duncan.

Erie's pretty shallow, so your best bet for wind direction to generate waves is a SW. It can work on a W, but your best bet is a sustained SW.

If it's built nice and big on a SW and you get a quick shift, anything'll work, but only briefly. Some of the best days were a steady SW flow for a few days, then a quick shift to the north. Remember, Erie is a small lake, so the benefits of an offshore wind'll be short lived. The window is small, so unless you're there right away, the shallow lake will turn back into a pond in no time. Watch the offshore NOAA buoy on a regular basis.

Good luck w/ your search. See you out there!

BUCK

Thanks, I appreciate the information. I'm really looking foward to this season.

Duncan,

If you are not willing to go explore, you will never get the full experiance of what it means to be a surfer, both here on the lakes and elsewhere. If you are always waiting for someone to tell you where its going to be good, you will never develope the knowledge to determine for yourself what spots will be working, and which ones wont. I guarantee you that every surfer on this form has been burned numerous times, checking their favorite spots in hopes of some waves. Exploring when the conditions are iffy is what is going to make your lake surfing career that much more enjoyable. You are gonna have days when you go out thinking there might be waves and you pull up and its flat. But you will also have days when you are not sure, and you pull up, and its firing!! Not only that, if you are not willing to explore, you will never have the joy of discovering your own perfect little secret spot!! The lakes are no different than any other surfing locale, people will send you to spots, but they will never send you to the good spots. Secret Spots tend to be kept secret for a reason, and if you develope the knowledge to figure it out on your own, then welcome to the spot!!! But you will never figure it out if you don't develope your own understanding of what the waves are doing.

You said that you are new to surfing. Well here is some useful advice that applies both here on the lakes, and anywhere else your 'surf EXPLORATIONS' may take you; do your homework, take in as much information as possible, and keep your attitude in check!! Like any other surfing community, there are guys here that have been doing it a lot longer than you have. If you show respect, respect will be shown to you. But if you come in here and start making enemies, well,,, no one want's enemies in the line-up. It makes getting the good waves that much harder!!!


So, get out there and explore, and develope the knowledge for yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions, just don't demand answers.

Johnny

Hey Johnny

Thanks for your 2cents worth. I am well aware of the benefits of exploration. I have been ww kayaking for many years and have spent many a day with a map checking out new rivers.

As far as doing homework, yes I try to talk to people, check websites etc. I was trying to get a SIMPLE answer from experienced people on the board to confirm my thoughts before driving an hour and a half.....that's it. If I'm breaking the surfers creed or code or whatever of exploration by doing this than I'm sorry to offend you.

I didn't care for the condescending answer that I received from the gentleman who runs things with this website. In fact, I was surprised to be treated like this from someone who is supposed to be promoting such a easy-going sport. I had hoped to get a friendly answer from someone much like the one that Buck sent. Thanks Buck.

Duncan,

I didn't have a problem with your original question. But your answers were just as condesending as Magilla's. I don't think that you can give someone the 'verbal stink-eye', and not expect to get razzed about it, especially when you are new and still figuring things out!

As for the explorations, all I meant was that the more time that you put into figuring out waves and weather and the associated spots, the more days you will score rideable waves. And isn't that what we all want??? I was not trying to be all zen-like surf god, straight out of a Rip Curl ad., I just wanted to make a point about getting out there on your own. You wont regret it. Even on the days you get burned.

I am very passionate, and very opinionated about this sport!! I've been doing it for a long time, and every once and a while I get frustrated. I am not trying to pick a fight, or offend you, but I do stand by what I say.


Johnny

I bet it was more fun exploring when gas was .10 cents a litre.

905-346-4480 on Wed p.m. after 9 p.m.

Take me to task either by phone or at the beach thank you.

I remember $1.23 a gallon.

Gas was below $1 for regular when I was in Grad school in Florida back in '99. Made for chasing hurricane swells across Alligator Alley all the much better.

Have you guys been watching the Fiji comp? it looks so nice out there...too bad Slater isnt in it...Irons is looking good.

Hey Magilla..you would know more history than me..has there ever been any Canadian pro surfer to make it in the top 10 in the world? I've been trying to find out but havent came up with anything yet....
if not im going to try to make it a goal of mine.

Why Not? The drive within you is all that matters. The reality check can catch up with you later, or hopefully it never will? Depending on your age, there's probably a good number of people who wish at some point they threw their chips in the bag just to see how far they would advance, but then again a 3rd glass of Portugese wine that a friend recently brought back from a surf trip doesn't help with my perspective either?

mate there to answer you question there has never been a canadian surfer on the WCT or even ranked in the top 100 on the wqs....Peter Devries from Tofino is the first surfer from Canada to really make a name for himself on the world stage he is currently ranked in the top 200 on the wqs and is on the Hurley Pro Team...www.aspworldtour.com...give it 10 years there are groms ripping on both coasts and we do have some hot juniors at the moment...competitive surfing in this country is in its infant stages...

Give it 10 years and there will be Canadian surfers cracking the top 100.


Currently I am working for the Finance government and have been for the past 4 years straight out of highschool....making great money, enough to buy me the things i need and dont need but im sick of the 9-5, and want a perfect carefree way of life....the past year has been great because i am finally going to live my dream..my last day here in the government is August 4th, then i take off to Vancouver Island for an unknown length of time..i have been socking away cash just incase i want to travel around the globe such as Hawaii and Australia (there on my list)..and so i dont have to work for the next few months and can just put everything into my surf and just enjoy the water and atmosphere....

Here's part of a poem I live by:

Don't put limits on yourself,
Your dreams are waiting to be realized.
Don't leave your important decisions to chance-
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.

Man moved out to Vancouver island in January to surf. It's pretty great out here. Alot of people think you can only surf in Tofino but there is alot of great spots and alot of exploration to be done. During the winter, south island goes off all the time so you can live in victoria and score some good surf not far away. When it comes to summer you need to be up in tofino though. The swell doesn't get big enough to go down the jaun de fuca straight and hit the south island spots. I'm working up at a resort there all summer. Would be good to see another lake surfer in the lineup. Let me know if you need any info or anything

Justin, I might be visiting some relatives in Vancouver later this summer (Julyish) and am my cousin is up to driving me out to Tofino for a couple days and hanging on the beach while I surf. Can you recommend any cheap places to stay/camp? Any specific breaks I should be checking out/staying away from? Anything else I should know? Thanks for any and all help

Hi Justin,
do you have a brother Mike? Not sure, but I think I met you a year or two ago surfing on lake erie. Glad to here you moved out west. Let me know if you're the one I'm thinking of.
talk soon,
Mike

Are you kidding? Give me a break.

Hey Duncan:

No worries about the info.; happy to help out!

Funny that the same guy who told you to keep your attitude in check also titled his post 'suck it up'

Don't let it get you down, the lakes are a great place to surf, and everyone is actually super chill, all the lakesurfers I've met have been great.

If you see me on the water, feel free to paddle right up beside me and my boys....you'll be greeted with nothing but smiles and a great vibe, and we'll even make sure that we give you a few waves.

See you on the water, bro.
BUCK.

Thanks Buck!See you in the lake

Call me tonight and let fly.

Seven World titles later has dispelled that theory.

Therefore a Great Lakes surfer from the U.S. or Canada has a challenge or destiny to fulfill.

The ESA is here for them. We are here for that competitor who ever they might be.

The greatest competitor always overcomes the odds and finds a way to make a dream come true. It all starts by thinking that a dream can become reality.

Don't ever except the opinion of one who would deny you with their words or deeds from following your star.

Now I have a Buffalo Hockey play off game to cheer for.

Hey Duncan - I can't agree more with Buck's sentiments. The lakes can give off a great vibe, just give it a chance. I typically surf with Buck - I'd be stoked to see you in the lineup.

Al

No problem but I made the effort to meet someone new on the telephone and offer them assistance. Let me hear their voice or see their face please. The surfers who know me know that I am sincere and a surfer for all seasons.

That's how surfer's get to meet me.

Opportunity was unselfishly presented.