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Vans Beach kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot
United States · Michigan
Overview
Vans Beach is a kitesurf spot located in Leland, on the west coast of the Leelanau Peninsula, on Lake Michigan. This spot offers direct access to Lake Michigan from the charming historic village of Leland, known for its Fishtown fishing district. The west-facing beach captures the prevailing west and northwest winds. The setting is magnificent with the Manitou Islands visible offshore and the crystal-clear waters characteristic of this region.
Spot forecast for Vans Beach
Sunrise 08:05 · Sunset 18:49
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Vans 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…)
274h
in December · 29.5 rideable days
Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are December, March and April, at 29 rideable days and 6 °C. The low point is September, at 19 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 -1 °C. The wettest month is March, with 95 mm.
Monthly averages: Vans Beach
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.0 | 275 h | -1 °C | 34 mm |
| February | 21.5 | 221 h | 1 °C | 27 mm |
| March | 28.5 | 320 h | 6 °C | 95 mm |
| April | 28.5 | 310 h | 11 °C | 68 mm |
| May | 24.5 | 261 h | 18 °C | 54 mm |
| June | 26.0 | 289 h | 23 °C | 68 mm |
| July | 24.5 | 186 h | 24 °C | 42 mm |
| August | 24.5 | 212 h | 24 °C | 74 mm |
| September | 19.0 | 169 h | 22 °C | 47 mm |
| October | 27.5 | 264 h | 17 °C | 21 mm |
| November | 26.0 | 249 h | 7 °C | 49 mm |
| December | 29.5 | 274 h | 1 °C | 61 mm |
Photo gallery of Vans Beach
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Vans 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, sometimes more in strong winds. Very cold and crystal-clear water — full wetsuit required except in midsummer. Sandy bottom. The Leelanau 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 significant hypothermia risk. Rocks possible near shore in some areas. Boat traffic near Leland harbor. Violent thunderstorms possible in summer with lightning risk — exit water immediately. Busy beach in summer — watch for swimmers and kayakers.
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Westleland5.5 kmsource noaa
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Additional stations
-
Eastleland7 km
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source noaa
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Lake Leelanau6.7 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source noaa
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Webcams near Vans Beach
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Nearby spots
All spots: MichiganComments 0
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