Presque Isle Lake Erie
Pennsylvania, USA
Beach breakBeginner
On Pennsylvania's only Great Lakes coastline near Erie, Presque Isle Peninsula wraps around a bay and its outer beaches catch northwest wind swells from Lake Erie during autumn storms, one of the most underrated freshwater surf spots in North America.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 0.8–2m (wind swell)
Wind
SE
Offshore
Tide
No tides
LowMidHigh
No tidal movement
Season
Oct–Dec for biggest autumn swells
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Beach break
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Wind swell peaks, various directions
Length
30–60m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
- •Why: Freshwater wind swells are manageable but cold and irregular
Hazards
- •Cold water, 4–12°C depending on season
- •Wind swells are irregular and close out more than ocean swells
- •Ice and freezing spray in winter
Local Tips
- •Presque Isle State Park is one of Pennsylvania's most visited, beautiful scenery
- •The lake-effect snow here is legendary, surfing in snowfall is a reality
- •Check the storm forecasts from the west, the biggest swells follow major NW storms
Location
42.1583, -80.1000