As I said up top, yes, I'm "cheating" here. Including a lake in a "RiverGuide"
site. But let us not forget, and pass up a potential opportunity when it
sits so close for so many of us. When the wind and waves are right, the
surfing can be great.
Caution: keep in mind that while
the dynamics may seem the same, many are completely reversed. Most
significantly, in a river, playable waves and holes are most often caused
by a 'sudden' decrease in gradient accompanied by an increase in depth
(a 'pool'). On the lake, the waves are generally 'created' by a decrease
in depth ('shore break'). In the river, as you surf a hole, you are not
moving (significantly) relative to the bottom (and any rocks which may
be present). It is only if/when you flip that you begin to accelerate to
match the speed of the current (which generally will be diminishing in
the 'pool' below the wave/hole). On the lake, you are moving (relative
to the bottom) at the speed of the wave. If you flip, you only begin to
slow down if/when your boat washes through the wave (which is probably
breaking, and turning into a 'river-wide uniform keeper' type situation
at this point). As a result, you are likely to be pummeled and ground unmercifully
into and along the bottom for a whle, eating whatever sand is being stirred
up, getting it in your eyes (if you open them while setting up for your
roll), and/or bashing into any rocks which may be present.
That said, there are a great many proponents of the fun which
can be had when the lake is 'up.' I recommend you 'start small' (2-4'),
work into moderate (3-5'), before going for the GUSTO (4-7' and up)! It
will also help to 'know your beach.' Some places seem to 'catch' the waves
better than others. I have no specific recommendations, other than I've
heard there is a great beach around Manitowoc, where they actually have
had an annual fall classic surfing 'championship' (surf-boards)! |
