North Point 3 (Sheboygan County)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
North Point 3 is an exposed reef break on Lake Michigan (Sheboygan County) with fairly consistent surf. The wave breaks on a rock ledge about 3 feet deep, and many drops are described as late and fast/freefalling—characteristics that favor strong surf ability. The rocky bottom is the dominant hazard. Sources also note rips/undertow and, during heavier northeast swells, longshore/strong-current behavior can intensify. In winter, floating ice has been specifically mentioned, further increasing risk around the reef zone. Wave performance is strongest with northeast swell. One key condition for cleaner surf is wind: westerly to west-southwesterly winds are described as offshore and help groom the waves, while cross-shore setups are associated with less favorable quality. Best surfing is therefore tied to waiting for a strong northeast system and then benefiting from a shift toward westerly winds. Because conditions are cold and often icy for much of the season, a substantial winter wetsuit setup is emphasized. Practical safety guidance at the spot includes using appropriate cold-water protection throughout the surfing season and respecting standard reef-hazard awareness and local park rules.
- Fairly consistent exposed reef surf on Lake Michigan
- Best swell direction: northeast
- Rock ledge and late/fast drops (technical, advanced-leaning conditions)
- Exposed reef break with fairly consistent surf.
- Best results align with strong northeast swell, and surf can be groomed with offshore westerly winds.
- Short access and park-based launch logistics.
- Primary hazard is the rocky reef (plus rips/undertow and strong currents).
- Cold freshwater conditions are typical for much of the year, including winter ice hazards.
- Wind direction and wind shifts affect wave cleanliness; cross-shore conditions can degrade quality.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, N, S, SE
- Offshore directions
- WSW, W, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal systems and gradient winds; on some days conditions can also include thermal effects.
- Reliability
- low-profile
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Possible shelter near the point during certain westerly directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Mixed — Rocks/reef with mixed shoreline composition; some sandy patches are mentioned near the park area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Also described as powerful at times for the reef break.
- Launch
- Small — Small parking lot faces the break; instant access (<5 min).
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Also described as moderate in some accounts due to rocky/reef access and exposure.
Through the year
Can get busy with local surfers during peak northeast swell events in the autumn.
Late autumn storm cycles are the primary source of surf.
By sport
What to expect for each.
The area is used for kitesurfing, but this specific reef section is described as hazardous for kites due to rocks and localized wind shadows.
Popular windsurfing spot during high wind events, with bump-and-jump or wave conditions depending on swell size.
Foilers may use deeper sections, but the reef area itself is shallow and rocky, requiring caution.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Deeper areas can work for foiling, but the reef zone is shallow/rocky.
- Min Depth
- Varies significantly over the rocky reef
Exposed reef break with fairly consistent surf. Waves come out of deeper water and break on a rock ledge (about 3 feet deep). Most drops are late, fast, freefalls.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Cross-shore conditions are mentioned; west-southwest winds are described as offshore and provide cleaner, more groomed surf.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold larger lake swells but may become challenging with heavy currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Consistency is highlighted relative to other Great Lakes options.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Rated as powerful at this reef break; also described as moderate in some conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Can present with peeling/mixed wave shapes depending on swell and conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast, late drops/freefalls are commonly described for the rock ledge.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer decent rides for a lake spot, especially on the rights.
- Ride Length Details
- Medium ride lengths; decent rides possible for a lake reef break, especially on the rights.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for North Point 3 (Sheboygan County) in the full forecast view.
North Point 3 (Sheboygan County) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- SSE166°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2614 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.0 m3s period
- Temperature
- 9–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, North Point 3 (Sheboygan County) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.2–1.0 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Rips / undertow
- Shallow reef
- Strong currents
- Floating ice in winter
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level sources indicate no on-site rescue; regional area has year-round maritime rescue services.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services can be reached via 911; nearest facilities are in Sheboygan.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
General park rules apply; standard surfing etiquette is expected.
- Wait for a strong northeast blow followed by a shift to westerly winds for the cleanest waves.
- A heavy winter wetsuit is essential for most of the surf season.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sheboygan
- Nearest Town
- Sheboygan
- Parking
- Small parking lot faces the break; on-road parking if the lot is full.
- Access
- Accessible through North Point Park.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and rentals are available in Sheboygan.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes within a short drive in downtown Sheboygan.
- Equipment Rental:
- Local surf shops in Sheboygan offer gear rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public gear storage; riders typically use private vehicles or stay at lakefront resorts with storage options.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and kite repairs can be arranged through local surf shops in Sheboygan.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Sheboygan blends an established Great Lakes wind/surf culture with cold-water endurance and community-focused events.
A large lakefront resort featuring an indoor waterpark and close access to surfing areas.
Sand dunes, hiking trails, and camping along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
A contemporary arts center focused on artist-built environments.
A local gastropub known for craft beers and regional food.
Interactive exhibits and educational programs for children in downtown Sheboygan.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at North Point 3 (Sheboygan County)?
The best overall months at North Point 3 (Sheboygan County) are September, October, November. The best wind months are September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at North Point 3 (Sheboygan County)?
North Point 3 (Sheboygan County) works with NW, N, S, SE winds. Offshore directions are WSW, W, SW.
What skill level is North Point 3 (Sheboygan County) suitable for?
North Point 3 (Sheboygan County) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.