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Esch Road Beach / Lake Michigan kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot
United States · Michigan
Overview
Esch Road Beach is a kitesurf spot located on Lake Michigan, within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near Empire, Michigan. This wild and preserved beach offers access to Lake Michigan in a spectacular natural setting. Sleeping Bear dunes and dense forests border the sandy beach. The west exposure captures prevailing winds that generate waves. A creek runs through the beach, adding to the unique character of the location.
Spot forecast for Esch Road Beach / Lake Michigan
Sunrise 08:06 · Sunset 18:51
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Esch Road Beach / Lake Michigan: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
308h
in March · 28.5 rideable days
Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are March, April and May, at 28 rideable days and 12 °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 — 77% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at -1 °C. The wettest month is July, with 124 mm.
Monthly averages: Esch Road Beach / Lake Michigan
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.5 | 255 h | -1 °C | 52 mm |
| February | 22.5 | 219 h | 1 °C | 31 mm |
| March | 28.5 | 308 h | 7 °C | 100 mm |
| April | 28.0 | 297 h | 12 °C | 52 mm |
| May | 28.0 | 245 h | 18 °C | 72 mm |
| June | 22.5 | 248 h | 24 °C | 95 mm |
| July | 23.5 | 179 h | 25 °C | 124 mm |
| August | 26.5 | 213 h | 25 °C | 45 mm |
| September | 20.5 | 158 h | 23 °C | 8 mm |
| October | 27.5 | 231 h | 17 °C | 25 mm |
| November | 24.5 | 229 h | 7 °C | 53 mm |
| December | 27.5 | 243 h | 1 °C | 69 mm |
Photo gallery of Esch Road Beach / Lake Michigan
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Esch Road Beach / Lake Michigan 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 generate waves of 1 to 2 meters. Very cold water — full wetsuit required except in midsummer. Sandy bottom. Longshore currents possible. Spectacular landscape visible from the water with massive dunes as backdrop.
Hazards
Longshore and rip currents possible in strong west winds. Very cold Lake Michigan water with hypothermia risk. National Lakeshore area — respect regulations. Dunes can create turbulence. Relatively remote area with limited rescue services. Violent thunderstorms possible in summer with lightning risk.
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Frankfort, Frankfort Dow Memorial Field Airport18.3 km
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source noaa
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BEAR MI US1.4 km
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source madis - NOAA
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