Tag Archives: Pere Marquette Park

Muskegon’s Great Lakes Surf Festival to return to Pere Marquette Beach in August

The Great Lake Surf Festival will be returning this year to Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach. (GLSF)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Great Lakes Surf Festival at Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach was a great success in 2018 and 2019, and then there was the pandemic year of 2020. But the organizers of the festival recently announced that they will be holding their third event on Saturday, Aug. 14.

And this year, event goers will be able to learn how to surf and paddleboard, along with practicing in yoga directly on the beach. Music, food, and a raffle will also take place. Several surfboards and paddleboards will be given away along with a surf trip to Costa Rica, according to the announcement.

“We are excited to see the Great Lakes Surf Festival grow and to have the support from our sponsors and from the surf and paddleboard industry,” event co-founder Joe Bidawid said in supplied material. “We have one of the most beautiful venue locations on the Great Lakes, in Pere Marquette Beach.”

  

And what if there is no waves? Tommy’s Boats of Grand Rapids Michigan will be making artificial waves — waist high waves to simulate ocean waves — wave conditions ideal for those seeking to learn a variety of boardsports.

“Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion,” Bidawid said in supplied material. “That is our goal.”

For more information visit GreatLakesSurfFestival.com.

Surf’s Up: Muskegon set to host first Great Lakes Surf Festival

 

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Muskegon City Commission voted unanimously to approve beach camping at Pere Marquette Park for the inaugural Great Lakes Surf Festival, to be held on Aug. 18. The City Commission also approved RV camping for a nearby site that is walking distance to the beach.

 

The Great Lakes Surf Festival is expected to draw a large crowd of boardheads and beach lovers, and will offer a family-friendly atmosphere. The event will include workshops, free lessons, product demos, stand up paddleboard and kayak races, and paddleboard yoga. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, as well as merchandise. A large number of retailers and industry brands are expected to host booths and sponsor raffles.

 

The event is the brainchild of Joe Bidawid, a West Michigan resident and a former professional boarder.

 

Riders and visitors are encouraged to register at GreatLakesSurfFestival.com.