A Day In The Life Of A Lake Michigan Surfer

Imagine this. It is January 1st, 2024, 15 degrees outside with water temps just above freezing. Winds are coming out of the NNW at 40 knots. Snow is falling the size of golf balls, kicking up a perfect  8-12ft swell that is about 7-8 seconds apart with what seems like kilojoule energy of about  5000+. Looking out from shore, looks like a scene from D-day. As freshwater surfers, we will take anything that will allow us to be able to drop in on one of the most epic waves that God provides. We woke up at 5am, read scripture, meditated on the word and prayed. We then dawned our 7 mm wetsuits with 9 mm gloves and booties and some with hoodies, like warriors going into battle (Ephesians 6:11) Putting on the full armor of  God. We head out to the beach to set up our Christian Surfer tent which (is a wood stove  heated tent) that will fit about 3 diehard surfers at one time. We studied the surf for a while and contemplated the danger of paddling out. Finding the sweet spot to launch, just South of the pier. No one said a word or made eye contact. Everyone had that 1000-yard stare of emotionless expression.   

Paddling out, that first duck dive hits, giving the absolute worst brain freeze. Everyone is then asking themselves the question “Is this still safe and should I continue,”  Ignoring the pain and cold water that is seeping through the wetsuit, that feels like molten freezing lead. Finally, made it to the (point of no return) which is right outside the lighthouse pier. At this point there are two options. One is sitting in the safe area of the pier and watch your fellow amigos, take off or you can fully SEND IT. This reminds me of Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever  you do, and he will establish your plans.”

We are called by God to commit to Him. No matter what the circumstances of the waves and weather are, He will establish our plans. If we try and fight, what God has called us to do, it we will never make it outside of the pier. We will never experience the true glory of His AWESOME power. We are chosen by God for a reason because as surfers we “send it” no matter what is in our way. We trust in Him who provides. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the  Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to  Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

After the day’s epic session is over, the Lake Michigan Christian Surfers crew takes down the tents and flags. Extinguishes the bonfire on the beach, and heads back to our warm heated cars. We drive away knowing that we have just experienced one of the most amazing days in surfing.  But it’s not the surf and the waves and the weather that we are proud of accomplishing. It is the fact that we were able to represent Christ in one of the coldest places on earth to surf and serve. Showing the state of Michigan and the world, that as Christian Surfers, we are more than just water walkers freezing our brains off, we are warriors of God.  

Matthew is a chapter leader for the Lake Michigan crew. He just got back from the Panama missions trip, where the waves are a little warmer than he is used to.