Stony Point
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Ocean, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Stony Point is an exposed, rocky freshwater surf break on Lake Superior’s North Shore near Duluth. It’s best known for a right-hand wave that can feel hollow and fast when it connects, creating top-to-bottom surf on strong winter northeast swells. The spot is described as a premiere surfing location on the Great Lakes, with sessions most associated with “gales” in late autumn and winter. When conditions align, the wave can hold significant size and power, and long rides are reported on the best days. Despite its reputation, the environment is extremely unforgiving. Access involves slippery boulders and submerged rocks/granite shelves, and winter conditions add extreme cold plus floating ice. Strong currents are also noted during larger swells. There are no lifeguards or facilities at the break, so you’ll need to bring everything you need. Recommended winter prep emphasizes very cold-water protection (including a hood, gloves, and boots) and cold-weather planning for time on site and transport in severe weather.
- Premier winter right-hand reef/point break on Lake Superior’s North Shore
- Works on strong northeast swells during November–February
- Excellent wave quality when conditions align
- World-class right-hand surfing on strong northeast swells during winter.
- Very high water clarity and an iconic, high-quality wave when it’s on.
- Extremely demanding rock-and-ice environment with significant hazards.
- No facilities at the break; gear and supplies need to be planned in advance.
- Wind reliability can be low and conditions are highly dependent on storms.
- Advanced-level experience is required.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, E
- Offshore directions
- W, WSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–35 kts
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February
- Shadow Zones
- The point itself can offer some protection from wind when it shifts slightly more offshore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky shoreline with large slippery boulders; requires careful navigation to enter the water.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Requires careful navigation around slippery boulders and submerged rocks.
Through the year
Can become very crowded during rare days when it is working perfectly.
Peak storms October–February; stormy season peaks in late autumn (November).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Occasionally used by high-wind windsurfers during big gales; rocky launch and wave power make it expert-only.
A right-hand, hollow, fast freshwater reef break over exposed granite shelves and boulders that produces top-to-bottom waves.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 3–10 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point/reef with little shelter; works with strong northeast storm swell.
- Wind Effect
- offshore from the southwest produces clean waves; southwest or west winds also provide clean, groomed offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size and becomes more powerful as swell increases, keeping a distinct point-break shape; also described as holding up to around 10–12 feet during major northeast storm events.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Sometimes described as peeling for the best days/angles.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Also described as medium peel speed depending on session.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer long rides on the best days when sections connect; one source notes rides up to about 100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Stony Point in the full forecast view.
Stony Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ESE116°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2412 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.0–1.0 m2s period
- Temperature
- 5–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Stony Point is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.0–1.0 m with a period of about 2s. 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
- Submerged rocks
- granite shelves
- boulders
- Large slippery rocks
- Floating ice
- Powerful waves
- Strong currents
- Underwater boulders
- Extreme cold
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — US Coast Guard Station Duluth provides year-round rescue services for the Twin Ports and western Lake Superior.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Duluth, Minnesota.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism is described; respect the local lineup.
Rules of the spot
General etiquette for a crowded point break applies; respect the local lineup.
- Only attempt when conditions are favorable and you’re properly equipped for extremely cold, rock-strewn access.
- Bring dry bags, full-change warm layers, and hot drinks.
- Winter driving on the North Shore in a blizzard is not straightforward.
- Wait for the most iconic winter conditions described as the 'Gales of November'.
- Use a thick leash as the rocks can be unforgiving if you lose your board.
- Dress for much colder conditions than the air temperature suggests due to wind chill and lake temperature.
- No facilities are available at the break; plan for what you need before going out.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Duluth
- Nearest Town
- Two Harbors
- Nearest Airport
- Duluth International Airport (DLH)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking available; do not block traffic or private driveways.
- Access
- Access along Scenic Highway 61 (North Shore Drive), about 10–25 miles north of Duluth; multiple rocky access points and limited roadside parking.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various cabins, hotels, and rentals available in Duluth and Two Harbors.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and cafes are found in nearby towns along the North Shore.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals are available at the spot; shops in Duluth may carry surf gear.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is generally not available at public beach launches; most riders store in vehicles.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Duluth’s iconic destination featuring the lift bridge, shipping canal, and the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.
Historic 39-room estate on the shores of Lake Superior, showcasing industrial-era architecture and wealth.
Outdoor recreation area offering skiing/snowboarding and mountain biking with views over the city and lake.
Local staple known for beers brewed with Lake Superior water.
Freshwater aquarium focused on Great Lakes ecosystems and local species.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Stony Point?
The best overall months at Stony Point are November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Stony Point?
Stony Point works with N, NE, E winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW, SW.
What skill level is Stony Point suitable for?
Stony Point suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Expert · Surfing: Advanced.