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Transom stories: Lake Michigan a secret hotspot for surfers

Sam Corden
A surfer walks along the pier in Frankfort.

Larry Bordine grew up a surfer in California, but when he moved to Michigan in the 80s, he left the surfing lifestyle behind.

 

After a trip to Hawaii, Larry’s childhood passion was reignited, and he wanted to bring that passion back home to Michigan. He bought a surfboard but it didn’t work with the fresh water waves – so he designed his own board just for the Great Lakes.

 

In the coming years, Larry and his wife, Nancy, opened Beachnut Surf Shop in Frankfort, to spread their love of surfing with the Northern Michigan community.

 

He says it’s a misconception that surfing is lousy here. It’s the variety of waves that makes it exciting – you don’t take the big waves for granted.