Edgewater Park Beach, Cleveland

Is it possible to surf in Cleveland? It is inside Edgewater Park, at the awesome beach of Lake Erie, Edgewater Park Beach. The shore in winter is almost secluded with a few surfers ready to have 2 in/5 cm icicles clinging to their 5/3 wetsuits, due to overpowering wind and stinging hail.

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In December, the ice is gathering in the lake’s small coves and the temperature dives to 20°F/-6.6°C, leaving the lake perfect for adventurous surfers. Generally, waves are regional classic that sometimes break, allowing all kind of surfers to enjoy a nice session. The wave type is point break with hollow power, creating both right and left hand directions and the bottom is sandy with rocks.

In normal days, the wave length is normal, 50 to 150 ft/15.2 to 45.7 m and in good days it can reach up to 150 to 300 ft/45.7 to 91.4 m long. The best swell direction comes from north, northwest, west, east and northeast with a size that starts working at 3 – 5 ft/1 – 1.5 m and reaches up to 12+ ft/4+ m, allowing all tides.

The best wind direction comes from north, northwest, west, east and northeast. At the lake, you will find a lot of man-made sand, which can be fast and hard. You should watch out for driftwood, rips/undertow, rocks and pollution. The area is also shark protected.

A 5/3 wetsuit is recommended most of the time, booties, bonnet and vaseline for the face will also help a lot. When it breaks big, this spot is as good as anywhere else. Imagine being in Cleveland and a waterman on an inland sea, so take advantage of this place and that is Lake Erie!!