Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Ogden Dune is an exposed Lake Michigan beach break near Beverly Shores that only comes together when conditions are “just right.” Offshore winds come from the south, and when the wind–swell alignment is favorable the sandbar can produce more workable, cleaner lines for surfing. The overall character is short and punchy, driven by wind and the lake’s fetch. Because the water stays very cold for much of the year, surf sessions require serious thermal protection. Hazards include rocks/submerged rocks and concrete riprap/erosion control features, and currents can intensify during larger swell events. The combination of exposure and cold water makes hypothermia risk a key consideration, particularly in shoulder-season storms and winter conditions. For wind sports, the spot supports kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling, with typical operating windows linked to seasonal frontal passages and enough water depth beyond the first sandbar for foilers. Wind reliability is described as moderate and highly dependent on frontal strength and timing. Kite and sail size guidance is commonly adjusted for stronger frontal setups, and riders should be prepared for chop and shore-break impacts. Access and on-site constraints matter: the beach has nightly closure hours, glass is not allowed, and dog access is restricted seasonally. Parking in the town of Ogden Dunes is notably restrictive, so many visitors plan to park outside residential zones and walk in. If any lifeguards are present, their instructions should be followed; otherwise, plan for self-reliance and conservative entry given rip-current risk and exposed shoreline hazards.

  • Exposed beach break on Lake Michigan that only works when the wind and swell align.
  • Rocks/submerged rocks and strong-current risk during larger events.
  • Offshore wind from the south is linked to cleaner, groomed surf faces.
Great for
Surfing shortboardKitesurfing freerideWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Classic exposed Lake Michigan sandbar-style surfing when the wind and swell align.
  • Supports multiple wind sports (kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling) on appropriate wind days.
  • Offshore wind from the south is associated with cleaner surf faces.
Heads up
  • Only works when conditions are just right, especially requiring correct wind setup.
  • Exposed location with cold water and hypothermia risk.
  • Rocks and submerged hazards near the shore.
  • Parking and access can be difficult due to town restrictions.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW, NE
Offshore directions
S, SSE, SSW
Wind Range
15–35 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Primarily driven by frontal/gradient weather systems (with some seasonal lake-breeze influence in the broader Beverly Shores Coast area).
Reliability
Moderate; highly dependent on seasonal weather systems and frontal passages.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
March, April, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Sources describe small-to-medium, with wind-driven lake swell creating short, punchy waves.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach with some sections featuring concrete riprap and rocks for erosion control.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
1–25 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Mar–Nov: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesJul, Aug: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded on rare high-quality weekend surf days; quiet during the summer months.

Storm/Rain Season

Late fall gales bring the most significant storm activity.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

A versatile spot for Lake Michigan kiters, with wave riding when the wind is side-on and jumping opportunities in chop.

WaveFreerideBig airFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

A classic Indiana windsurfing spot, especially during heavy fall gales.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4–5.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for winging when the water is deep enough beyond the first sandbar; requires careful navigation of the shore break.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters beyond the bars
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break on Lake Michigan that only works when conditions are perfect; involves short, punchy, wind-driven lake-swell waves and can become heavy/disorganized with winter storm gales.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Only works when conditions are just right; shifting to south offshore winds is associated with cleaner, groomed faces. Offshore winds are from the south.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and disorganized with powerful currents during winter storm gales.
Wave Quality
Average — Can form cleaner lines when conditions align, but overall quality is described as average.
Wave Power
Moderate — Wind-driven lake swell can build power when conditions align.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Waves are generally short and punchy, typical of wind-driven lake swell.
Ride Length Details
Waves are generally short and punchy; typical of wind-driven lake swell.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast) in the full forecast view.

Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 16 kts
Direction
S171°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 279 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–0.7 m2s period
Temperature
9–21 °C

Over the next 7 days, Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.1–0.7 m with a period of about 2s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • Submerged rocks
  • Concrete riprap
  • Rip currents
  • Hypothermia/Extreme cold water
  • Icy shorelines in winter
  • Concrete blocks
  • seasonal debris
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestHoodGlovesBootsWetsuitHarnessKnife

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No sport-specific wind-sports rescue coverage for the exact segment is documented.
Emergency Info
Emergency services are reached via 911; nearest medical facilities are in Portage or Michigan City.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Follow lifeguard instructions if present; avoid piers/jetties (100 ft rule); do not swim alone. Users must follow Indiana Dunes National Park and local municipal regulations regarding beach access and water safety.

Restrictions
  • Beach is closed from 12:00am–5:00am daily.
  • No glass allowed on the beach.
  • Dogs prohibited from Friday before Memorial Day to day after Labor Day.
Local Tips
  • Offshore winds are from the south, and the spot only works when conditions are just right.
  • Check the buoy data for Lake Michigan before heading out to ensure the swell has arrived.
  • Town of Ogden Dunes has restrictive parking; plan ahead and avoid getting stuck without access.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Beverly Shores
Nearest Town
Beverly Shores
Parking
Beach access exists, but parking in the town of Ogden Dunes is restricted/enforced; many visitors park outside residential zones and walk in.
Access
Beach access in Ogden Dunes; beach is closed from 12:00am–5:00am daily; no glass allowed; dogs prohibited from Friday before Memorial Day to day after Labor Day.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Vacation rentals in Beverly Shores or hotels in Portage and Michigan City.
Food & Drink
Various options available in the neighboring towns of Portage and Chesterton.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available at the beach; gear must be brought in.
Gear Storage
No public gear storage facilities are available on the shoreline.
Gear Repair
Major repairs typically require shipping gear or visiting specialized shops in Chicago.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A scenic Indiana Dunes area with protected federal parkland and coastal trails.

Best time to visit: Late summer for swimming and beach activities, or autumn for dramatic lake views and hiking.
Indiana Dunes National Park0 miles

A diverse ecosystem featuring massive sand dunes, wetlands, and prairies.

Dune Ridge Trail1 mile

A scenic hiking trail offering views of the Great Marsh and Lake Michigan.

Bartlett's Fish Camp6 miles

Casual seafood dining located nearby in Michigan City.

Washington Park Zoo7 miles

A small lakeside zoo featuring over 90 species of animals.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast)?

The best overall months at Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast) are October, November, December, March, April. The best wind months are March, April, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast)?

Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast) works with N, NW, NE winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE, SSW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–35 kts.

What skill level is Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast) suitable for?

Ogden Dune (Beverly Shores Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.