The site has just been updated: reload the page to get everything working again.
Pickers Beach kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot
United States · Michigan
Overview
Pickers Beach is a kitesurf spot located on the western coast of the Leelanau Peninsula, on Lake Michigan, near Leland, Michigan. This spot offers access to Lake Michigan with west exposure, capturing the prevailing west and northwest winds. The Leelanau Peninsula is one of Michigan's most picturesque regions, with its vineyards, cherry orchards, and crystal-clear waters. The Manitou Islands are visible offshore.
Spot forecast for Pickers Beach
Sunrise 08:05 · Sunset 18:49
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Pickers Beach: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
264h
in October · 28 rideable days
Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are March, January and April, at 28 rideable days and 5 °C. The low point is September, at 20.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 71% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at -2 °C. The wettest month is March, with 103 mm.
Monthly averages: Pickers Beach
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.0 | 274 h | -2 °C | 34 mm |
| February | 22.0 | 226 h | 1 °C | 30 mm |
| March | 28.5 | 334 h | 6 °C | 103 mm |
| April | 28.0 | 318 h | 11 °C | 63 mm |
| May | 26.5 | 285 h | 18 °C | 73 mm |
| June | 22.5 | 292 h | 23 °C | 63 mm |
| July | 22.0 | 191 h | 24 °C | 38 mm |
| August | 24.0 | 217 h | 24 °C | 46 mm |
| September | 20.5 | 183 h | 23 °C | 38 mm |
| October | 28.0 | 264 h | 17 °C | 32 mm |
| November | 25.5 | 248 h | 7 °C | 50 mm |
| December | 28.0 | 275 h | 0 °C | 59 mm |
Photo gallery of Pickers Beach
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Pickers Beach 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
- Intermediate
On the water
Lake Michigan water body with west exposure. West to northwest winds create waves of 1 to 2 meters. Very cold and crystal-clear water — full wetsuit required except in midsummer. Sandy bottom. The peninsula can create wind acceleration effects. Excellent surf conditions in sustained west winds.
Hazards
Longshore and rip currents possible in strong west winds. Very cold Lake Michigan water with hypothermia risk. Rocks possible near shore. Violent thunderstorms possible in summer with lightning risk — exit water immediately. Relatively uncrowded area offering more tranquility but also fewer nearby rescue services.
Something out of date? Suggest an edit
Live
Westleland2.5 kmsource noaa
Readings reserved for Premium members
Live readings from Westleland weather station are reserved for Premium members.
- Real-time readings
- Last 48 hours history
- Custom alerts
- Extended weather forecasts
Already a Premium member? Log in
Additional stations
-
Eastleland4.1 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source noaa
-
FW1418 Suttons Bay9.1 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source noaa
All the details of your session on windtracker.app
Webcams near Pickers Beach
Webcams provided by Windy.com
Nearby spots
All spots: MichiganComments 0
No comments yet.