Grand Haven Surf History

The first documented surf activites date back to the 1940's when a returning sailor named Doc Seibold brought his "homemade surfboard" back from Hawaii. Surfing in Grand Haven, Michigan became popular in the 1960’s when a group of surfers began competing in annual surf contests. Many of the surfers were traveling to Hawaii, California, and Mexico during the winter and bringing boards back to Michigan to enjoy the freshwater waves of Lake Michigan.

During the 70’s dozens of surfers could be seen in the early fall on the south side of the Grand Haven pier. The long smooth pier provided easy access to well-formed waves that broke along the pier.

Surfing continued in this area into the 80’s where annual contests were held in the surf spot known as the “Rock Pile”. As the years roll on, new generations of surfers still enjoy the unique experience of surfing in Grand Haven.

The 1990's saw a new wave of surfing where surfers took to the highways both near and far to find waves. The "old-time" surfers were developing their careers, and the annual surf contests were fewer. On any given day, surfers were not gathering in the popular surf spots, but exploring points and bays to find the elusive "perfect wave". Also, the 1990's saw the start of the internet and the significant effect it had on the surf culture. Surfers were making movies with international interest, such as "Unsalted" by legendary film producer Vince Deur. This film chronicled surfing in the Great Lakes through a series of interviews and "home" movies. The internet provided real-time data that recorded pertinent marine data such as wave height and water temperature which was critical to aid the surfers in determining good surf conditions. Also, this was the start of a number of webcams that were positioned to provide visual images of the lakefront in various surf communities such as Grand Haven, Muskegon, Holland and South Haven to name a few.

Today the surf community is as active as any time in the past 50 years, although many changes, mostly for the good, have altered the way we live and surf now. Many surfers in their 50’s and 60’s and their children still surf to this day. The sport has evolved in many ways but surfing is still being enjoyed in Grand Haven after seven decades. It is the hope of Surfgrandhaven.com that everyone may view the weather, surfing, and sunsets at the Grand Haven pier.