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Mackinac Bridge Slicks kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot
United States · Michigan
Overview
Mackinac Bridge Slicks is a kitesurf spot located in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan, near the famous Mackinac Bridge connecting the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. This unique spot sits at the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, in a narrow passage where currents and winds can be powerful. The 8 km long suspension bridge dominates the landscape. Conditions are demanding and reserved for experienced riders.
Spot forecast for Mackinac Bridge Slicks
Sunrise 08:02 · Sunset 18:44
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Mackinac Bridge Slicks: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
318h
in March · 30 rideable days
The season runs from March to May, peaking in March: 30 rideable days a month and 318 hours of usable wind, at 10 °C. The low point is February, at 22.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 73% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at -3 °C. The wettest month is March, with 82 mm.
Monthly averages: Mackinac Bridge Slicks
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27.0 | 244 h | -3 °C | 26 mm |
| February | 22.5 | 211 h | -1 °C | 23 mm |
| March | 30.0 | 318 h | 4 °C | 82 mm |
| April | 30.0 | 351 h | 9 °C | 51 mm |
| May | 29.5 | 313 h | 16 °C | 36 mm |
| June | 26.5 | 313 h | 21 °C | 69 mm |
| July | 26.5 | 241 h | 24 °C | 42 mm |
| August | 27.5 | 289 h | 23 °C | 23 mm |
| September | 25.0 | 222 h | 21 °C | 22 mm |
| October | 28.5 | 282 h | 15 °C | 43 mm |
| November | 27.0 | 254 h | 6 °C | 75 mm |
| December | 26.5 | 238 h | -1 °C | 69 mm |
Photo gallery of Mackinac Bridge Slicks
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Mackinac Bridge Slicks spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
Straits of Mackinac water body, at the confluence of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Strong and variable currents crossing the strait. Waves can form in complex patterns where the two lakes meet. Very cold water year-round — thick full wetsuit required, drysuit recommended in spring and fall. The strait channels and accelerates wind, creating conditions often windier than surrounding areas.
Hazards
Very strong and unpredictable currents in the Straits of Mackinac. Intense commercial shipping — freighters and ferries crossing the strait constantly. Proximity to Mackinac Bridge — never ride under or too close to the bridge. Very cold water with major hypothermia risk. Weather conditions can change very rapidly in the strait. Complex and unpredictable waves at the junction of two lakes. Spot reserved for expert riders with complete safety equipment.
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Mackinac Island Airport9.6 kmsource noaa
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Additional stations
-
Cheboygan County Airport Airport27.5 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source aviationweather.gov
-
Mackinac Straits West, Mackinaw City, MI5.8 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source NOAA Buoy
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Nearby spots
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