Beginner’s guide to surfing in Ontario

Wind and weather patterns across the Great Lakes are powerful enough to create awesome waves, especially in the cooler months, from late summer to spring, when the cool air meets the warm water. And the water is deep enough to sustain consistent surfable conditions.

There’s also a bold coldwater surf community who embrace the chill and chase the winter waves on the Great Lakes in Ontario. 

Surfing hotspots include the breaks on Lake Huron from Station Beach in Kincardine, Lake Ontario swells from Ashbridges Bay in Toronto and Beachway Park in Burlington, as well as the mighty breakers, rollers and whitecaps of Lake Superior.

Whether you’re starting early in the season or practicing your pro moves on winter surf, you’ll need a wetsuit, gloves and booties. Wetsuits come in all kinds of designs. For cold water surfing, look for a steamer or full wetsuit which covers your entire body including ankles and wrists, and could even have a built-in hood. Made from neoprene, the thickness can range between 2mm to 9mm. Here are some surf shops that’ll set you up with all the gear, accessories, advice and lessons you’ll need to catch the best waves on the Great Lakes.