I am going to be moving to chicago this winter. I know a terrible time to move but school kinda dictates it. I was wondering if there were any breaks near chicago that i should be aware of.
Also, I have built a couple boards. Just got some free Eps from the local hardware store ( they said it was damaged). Just wondering what a good shape would be. I built two boards last year. A 6’ 22" wide 3" thick fish. And an 8’ 3" by 22" longboard. Tried em both out around washington and oregon and they work good here. Just looking for a good board for all conditions or if you think those boards might work. Thanks in advance.
Oh any advice on a place good place to live around chicago would be awesome too. Thanks
Josh--------Can’t really help you with the afore- mentioned requests. But, I reccomend you live the dream while in the “Windy City” (my dream that is). Go to a Cubs game, eat Chicago pizza and bar-b-que and visit a good blues club.
Winter is a great time to turn up as it is the middle of the surf season. Just be sure to pack your 6mm and thichest set of booties and gloves.
As far as shapes, think a little extra volume to counter the cold fresh water which will not float you as well and the extra twenty pounds of rubber you’ll be haulin. Fishes are a great option, just add some inches and depending on your ability your funshapes and Longboards will work just fine.
If you like to get an idea of some of the scene up here check out www.thirdcoastsurfshop.com Michigan forum. Everybody friendly in these here parts and will help you with breaks.
I’m in Sheboygan WI so cannot really recomend anywhere to live.
Hey thanks a lot man. I will definitley check out that forum. The surf looks pretty decent in that pic. Nice and clean. I think I might make two boards from this eps. 1 a 6’ 8" thruster style but really wide something like 23 inches. Should add some more surface area and more float. And the other maybe a fun shape 23" by 8 foot or so. Hoping to have both done before winter. As for the wetsuit do you think a 5-4 semi dry suit would be enough? I have gloves and booties but I guess i could always double up. A wettie underneath with a dry on top. Anyway thanks for the post and hopefully I will see around some of those breaks.
Right now I am still wearing a 3/2, though last week the water turned over while I was in California and the guys said it was 5/4 material. Yesterday the temps would have been in the mid 50’s. In December-February think 6mm period. If it’s good think that any waves will be accompanied by a 30 knot wind. We’ve had some epic days where the air temp is below freezing, water temp just above and your average 30 knot wind. You get in, last about an hour and half then get out and warm up.
