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Gills Pier kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot
United States · Michigan
Overview
Gills Pier is a kitesurf spot located on the western coast of the Leelanau Peninsula, on Lake Michigan, Michigan. This small historic pier offers access to Lake Michigan in a picturesque and rural setting. The Leelanau Peninsula is one of Michigan's most beautiful regions, with its vineyards and cherry orchards. The west exposure captures prevailing winds that generate waves. The Manitou Islands are visible offshore.
Spot forecast for Gills Pier
Sunrise 08:05 · Sunset 18:49
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Gills Pier: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
273h
in December · 28.5 rideable days
Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are March, December and January, at 29 rideable days and 1 °C. The low point is September, at 17.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 70% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at -2 °C. The wettest month is March, with 124 mm.
Monthly averages: Gills Pier
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.0 | 278 h | -2 °C | 31 mm |
| February | 23.0 | 232 h | 1 °C | 28 mm |
| March | 29.0 | 336 h | 6 °C | 124 mm |
| April | 27.5 | 314 h | 11 °C | 48 mm |
| May | 27.0 | 293 h | 17 °C | 55 mm |
| June | 23.0 | 295 h | 23 °C | 93 mm |
| July | 23.5 | 206 h | 24 °C | 62 mm |
| August | 22.5 | 217 h | 24 °C | 62 mm |
| September | 17.5 | 170 h | 22 °C | 73 mm |
| October | 27.5 | 268 h | 16 °C | 40 mm |
| November | 26.0 | 249 h | 7 °C | 43 mm |
| December | 28.5 | 273 h | 0 °C | 64 mm |
Photo gallery of Gills Pier
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Gills Pier 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 and rocky bottom. The peninsula can create wind acceleration effects. The pier provides a visual reference from the water.
Hazards
Pier structure to avoid while riding. Rocks possible near the pier and shore. Longshore currents possible in strong west winds. Very cold Lake Michigan water with hypothermia risk. Violent thunderstorms possible in summer with lightning risk — exit water immediately. Relatively uncrowded area.
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Westleland9 kmsource noaa
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Nearby spots
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