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California might have bigger waves than surfers in Michigan — but when they wipe out — its saltwater they’re swallowing.

That’s one reason to surf the Great Lakes.

This Saturday’s Great Lakes Surf Festival from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon is another.

“ We are expecting over 2,000 participants and over 100 of those will take surf lessons,” said Joe Bidawid, founder and director of the surfing festival on Michigan’s west coast. 

The event weather is expected to be sunny and warm and Action Watersports of Hudsonville will be making artificial waves ensuring that surfers and paddle boarders have plenty of waves to ride throughout the day.

Families and individuals will find a variety of activities going on throughout the day including yoga, food, music and of course, surfing lessons.

Cost is $20 and that includes a 40-minute lesson, 25 minutes on land and 15 minutes on water to help participants of all ages become familiar with the basics of surfing. Bidawid said they will provide the instruction and board. Participants, however, will need a Personal Floatation Device and an optional wetsuit. 

Previous events offered beach camping but it became cost prohibitive and it overwhelmed the volunteer staff. “We are now focusing on the actual event and to provide the best experience we can,” said Joe.

Admission to the event is $10 or $20 for a family. Note: Anyone 16 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent. 

Also part of the fun are the raffles. This year some lucky surfer will walk away with a new surfboard, paddle board or the grand prize of a surf trip for two to Costa Rica.

“We encourage anyone interested in a fun and family friendly beach day to come out and join us. Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion. That is our goal” said Tammy Bidawid, co-founder of the event. 

The City of Muskegon now charges a parking fee. Those that do not have a Pere Marquette annual parking pass will need to purchase a $10 daily parking pass. The Ovals parking lot directly across from the event site is reserved for GLSF, however, you will still need to pay the parking fee.

Due to the popularity of the event visitors are encouraged to arrive early or consider taking a shuttle to the event. Public transportaion via MATS (Muskegon Area Transit) will have their normal buses running during the GLSF on Route 35 (Lake shore/Sherman). Buses can be boarded anywhere marked with the MATS symbol along route 35 as well as the main terminal located in downtown Muskegon (Herman Ivory Terminal at 351 Morris Street). There is plenty of parking in the Morris street lot across from the terminal (Herman Ivory Terminal parking is by permit only). The parking lots are located near Unruly Brewing & Pigeon Hill Brewing companies. Additionally if you are staying at one of the local hotels you can walk to the bus terminal station from the Holiday Inn or the Shoreline Inn & Suites.

The Great Lakes Surf Festival is at Pere Marquette Beach, 1601 Beach St., in Muskegon.

For more information visit greatlakessurffestival.com/ or email organizers at  info@greatlakessurffestival.com

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