Breaks left off very long harbor jetty. Needs a howling S/SE wind, which occur regularly. The wind generates the swell AND blows sideshore/offshore. Parking fees only in summer.
Overview
Atmosphere
Have seen it best during September with clean overhead sets and long rides. It is rare, but if you are in the area, check it out. There is actually a surfing culture centered in nearby town of Grand Haven. Hopefully someone will see this submission and offer a good photo.
General
I lived in the area six years. Once I saw how it could break, I kept checking it whenever conditions looked right. The lake will surprise you. Will frustrate too. Not advisable for beginners/novice due to long paddle and relentless shore break and current. PLEASE SUBMIT A GOOD PHOTO.
Edit this page to correct or complete Holland State Beach.
Geo-localization
Help needed
GPS coordinates not set ! Edit Holland State Beach and use the map selector to add the GPS location !
Photos
Saw lotsa nice photos at website of Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo, MI. Plug into your browser...check it out. Cheers.
comment by mjkrpan@sbcglobal.net, 2007-03-06 20:38:13
Seeing, Believing
Lived on north-side Holland six years while working on degree Hope College. Native of CA. Grew up surfing OC breaks. Describe myself as hardcore. Surfed north-side many times. Surprising amount of surfable days. Mid-Sept can produce wrapping/peeling lefts from fierce southerly winds, which bend to sideshore/offshore at break. Great setup. Saw it overhead more than once. Best single day could be compared with nice overhead day Cotton's Point. Water temps are generally warmer than CA. Summer can have fun waves with nice temps air and water. Hard to describe the dimension of fun riding small dribblers on a beautiful summer day. Really fond of the experience. Should not be compared with surfing other coasts. Imagine consistent thigh to waist high (typical) waves with water temps in mid-seventies, in a unique setting: forest spilling onto sandunes. Fresh water too. Met a few surfers in area. Could not help to feel odd man out. We (CA's) are a bit too hyper for many of them. Much different culture. Large concentration surfers a little ways north in Grand Haven. Check out recent surflick "Unsalted" for more of an image. Great film. Saw it summer '05 Lido Theatre Newport Beach.Glad to see surfing somewhat flourishing in GL's. It is truly worthwhile. Ideal for longboard culture most of the time. Strokes and stokes to all GL surfers!Mike Krpan
comment by Kam Dawg, 2007-01-26 02:02:31
superior is definately the better choice
haha i'd take cold water over bad surf any day... and thats wat a nice wetsuit is for
Read - (6) Comments concerning Holland State Beach.
comment by Anonymous, 2007-11-10 00:23:45