If you’re looking for a “permitted, loosely structured gathering for all types of personal watercraft enthusiasts to enjoy a weekend at the beach,” then the 2015 Watcon 2015 Lake Michigan Surf Ride is exactly what you’re looking for. Planned as a recreational ride set on the shore and waters of Lake Michigan; while it is referred to as a lake, it “really is an inland ocean.” For those who know, wave conditions can be large, which would be ideal for a surf ride of course.
As you might or might not be aware, this is the first ever Lake Michigan Surf Ride. “The weekend is open to all to come out and play in the waves like you can’t legally most of the time.”
Scheduled for Friday, August 28 through August 30th, the beach will be open to participants from 7am until 8pm each of the event. They ask that there be no noise before 7am out of respect the neighbors. All boating laws will be in affect for all riders outside of our area of operation. This will be clearly marked with event buoys. Additionally, all riders must be off the water 1/2 hour before sunset.
According to the official press release, “All watercraft will need to have an event identifying sticker on it to be in the area of operation, all riders will need to have an event wrist band on at all times with in the area of operation. This is necessary because of insurance and Coast Guard requirements. You will be able to get these at registration.
“On site weekend overnight parking is limited to RV’s, Trucks and Cars with Trailers. No tent camping. No open fires. This is a City Park located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Event Parking is located directly behind the beach parking lot in the grass area. You may use your four wheeler to bring your watercraft to the beach area, no other riding of ATV’s is allowed. Site speeds are 5 mph.”
Information for host hotel and other lodging in the area will posted shortly. “We will have a number of items donated by event sponsors for a raffle. We will contribute a portion of the proceeds of the raffle to charity, this charity will announced in the coming weeks.”
