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Sodium Free Surf was created in 2010 by two Michigan girls who ‘kind of know how to surf.’ The sole operator and owner of SFS is now Amber Johnston, a Great Lakes surfer in the Marquette area, passionate photographer and one of the original Sodium Free Surf girls.

Since 2010, Sodium Free Surf has had many adventures! From sponsoring local community events, to being involved with professional Red Bull surfer Jamie Sterling and his visit to the amazing Great Lakes!

Surfing in the Great Lakes is a very unique experience, so it’s no surprise that the Great Lakes surfing community is just as unique. Here, we are family. We want you to feel a sense of belonging and open engagement with other Great Lakes surfers. Please visit our BLOG for shared stories and experiences, our STORE for your very own Sodium Free Surf & Great Lakes surfing gear and our FACEBOOK for interaction with other local surfers!

We always welcome newcomers and veterans alike. If you’re interested in getting into surfing the lakes- give us a holla!

\ooo/ Shaka~

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Great Lakes Surf Forecasting Basics:

There are 3 main factors involved with the production of lake waves:

1. W I N D

- The speed, direction and duration of wind is one of the biggest determining factors in lake waves.

2. F E T C H

- The length of water the wind is blowing over. As a general rule, the longer the area the wind is traveling over, the better.

3. B A T H Y M E T R Y

- The depth and configuration of the bottom of the lake determines WHERE the surf is going to be good.

Predicting waves on the Great Lakes can be a challenge. It takes years of pure experience and trial and error to perfect, and even then- the lakes will surprise you.

Here are some helpful sites to guide you in figuring out when the best time to go surfing in the Great Lakes will be. You can also subscribe to us on Facebook for updates. If the surf is up- we are usually hootin’ and hollarin’ about it!

WAVE FORECASTING SITES:

Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting System

Buoys- Western  &  Eastern

Magic Seaweed

Weather Underground (click marine or surf forecast)

WIND FORECASTING SITES:

Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting System

OFS-  Superior   –   Michigan   –   Huron   –   Erie   –   Ontario

Wind Finder

Sail Flow

iPhone Apps We LOVE:

Surf Watch