Great Lakes Surfing Wetsuit Guide

Let's not over-do it with the details. The lakes are cold. You need a wetsuit. Here's a helpful guide to making it through the year comfortably.

Spring - at least a 4/3mm full suit with a hood + gloves and booties some times
Summer - 3/2mm full suit, occasionally swimsuit
Fall 4/3 mm or 5/4mm with gloves and/or booties (up to comfort/wind)
Winter 6/5mm with 7mm gloves and booties

Midwest weather is weird and this is all variable. Some days in July, you might need a 5/4mm suit and some days in December you're in board shorts. Take it with a grain of salt and get out there!

Illustration guide by Giles Schlehuber.