SURF
44
LAKE MICHIGAN?
ife is full of questions and incongruities. Why do 7-11's
have locks on their doors if they're open twenty-four hours
a day? Why do we call them buildings if they're already
built? Why do you park in a drive-
way and drive on a parkway?
Why do certain individuals jump
into Lake Michigan as soon as s the
ice melts-and surf? Because it's
there just as if someone had
transplanted a small piece of
Newport Beach onto the shores of
the Great Lakes. The scene boasts
some hot skaters on a local half, an
old hearse converted into a rock
and roll surfmobile and lots of
hodads sportin' nays and jams. As
you enjoy the next few pages, keep in mind that when these
pictures were taken, the water in Lake Michigan was about
fifty degrees, the air was thirty-five degrees and the wind
was blowing fifteen to twenty mph.
Lake waves only happen when there's
a good wind. Big storms mean big swells. Locals boast
of six to seven foot days during fierce squalls..
PHOTOS BY TORIN BOYD
erhaps a hearse is a fitting vehicle for these Michigan
motion maniacs after all. They take their thrills any way
they can get them, often ignoring basic human needs like
warmth and shelter. Don't ask us why. Next time you're
in Grand Haven, however, these warm-hearted, blue-
fingered fanatics would surely be glad to elaborate on
their obsession. Isn't life strange?
Left: The water may be frigid, but at least the tube-hounds don't have to paddle out-the north side jetty provides a perfect walkway
to waves. Above: When they're not flirting with hypothermia, the boys prefer to slap 'em and flap 'em on the Wind, Waves &
Wheels half-pipe. Below: Pall bearers of dead rationality...(L to R) Tom Korrest, Craig Gietzen, Mike Cox and Stephen Homoki.