Yes, you can surf on a lake, and believe it or not Wisconsin arguably has some of the best lake surfing in the world. As a global crew of Land Locked Surfers, one of our goals is to build an archive of Community Leaders passionate about helping others discover the stoke of surfing outside of the ocean. This will help accomplish our vision of having an accessible point person for each surf community, location, and discipline. For example, if you live the United States, especially in the Wisconsin region, and you are trying to get into lake surfing then Tommy Shimenetto is our recommended resource for you. His lake surfing network runs deep in Wisconsin and he is passionate about sharing with others the stoke he finds out on the water!
For questions about surfing in Wisconsin it’s best to contact Tommy through his Instagram: @chicagosurfer
Let’s get to know Tommy, your Wisconsin surf connection!
Q: Give us some background, who is Tommy Shimenetto ?
Tommy: I’m a Dad, husband, surfer, adventurer, and explorer born and raised in Chicago. We moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin in mid 2017. At an early age I began skateboarding. In 2010 I learned to surf on a vacation to Kauai and I haven’t stopped since. Surfing is a HUGE passion of mine. I love meeting new people in the water. I love to spend time outside with my wife Courtney and our daughter Skyler, especially at the beach surfing and just relaxing. We often vacation on Kauai, spreading the stoke and sharing waves!
Q: How and when did you get into Surfing in Wisconsin?
Tommy: I first learned about the surf in Wisconsin years ago, when I came across some photos from a surfer at Third Coast Surf Shop. My wife Courtney and I booked a hotel room in Sheboygan when the winds favored the elbow. We drove up at night, and when we arrived we could hear the waves crashing on the shore. That morning was was one of the most magical moments of my Great Lakes surf experiences!
Q: Through your eyes describe the surf scene in your area, what are you doing to help it grow?
Tommy: The Surf scene in our town needs no help growing! It’s the biggest reason we moved here. Sheboygan has so much stoke!! Totally on autopilot. We are just blessed to be involved in a town where the roots run very deep. Its likely when you’re walking around town you will see boards hanging out the back of a pickup truck or strapped to the roof of a car.
Q: In Wisconsin, what are a few types of surfing riders are taking advantage of, which is your favorite, and why?
Tommy: There are so many surfers charging shortboards and longboards alike. But 11+ foot gliders with a 6” single fin are really magical. People also kite surf here. It’s a great way to take advantage of high wind days and still get on the water. I’m sure I’ll be getting into it one of these days.
Stand up paddle is also something my wife and I enjoy when it’s flat. She loves the glassy glide. When I’m in the line up though I am prone most of the time. There are surfers here who stand up paddle into waves, and it’s all good. The vibe is super welcoming to everyone.
Q: As a Locked Surfing Community Leader, what are your areas of expertise new riders should ask you about?
Tommy: As an LLS Community Leader, I can help with surf spots and how they work, and areas of danger to be aware of. Wind direction and weather are a big part of surfing the lakes. I can help new surfers with wave prediction, apps to use, and which breaks are going off when. It’s a skill that takes some time to develop. I can help new surfers decide what equipment they need to surf the lakes. Based on their experience and needs, I can hook them up to the two amazing surfshops on our western shores: EOS in Sheboygan and Lake Effect in Milwaukee to make sure they have the proper equipment.
Q: What drives you to get better everyday?
Tommy: What drives me is honoring myself with hard training, and nutrition. Striving to find that balance between family, work, and surf.
Q: What are your surfing/life goals for this year?
Tommy: My yearly goal is always to try to make all swells. I’ve had 8 sessions already out of the first 15 days of 2018! This year I also want to stand up paddle 100 miles total.
Q: In your world of surfing, who do you look up to most and why?
Tommy: I really admire all my friends that I’m blessed to share waves with. Mike Killion, Mike Calabro, Dave Benjamin, David Owens, Ian Jacobson of Chicago SUP, B Rian, Garrett, Jack Flynn, Patt Noyes, Amanda Bye, Mike Miller, Grant Davey, Lee and Larry Williams, Ryan Lefever , Chris Bridgman, Peter Lambert, Laird Hamilton, John John, to name a few. I look up to whoever is having the most fun and catching the most waves!
Q: Outside of Lake Surfing what are your other passions?
Tommy: All types of training—Crossfit, Yoga, interval training, cold water breath work. All aspects of nutrition interest me. I love to fish, and be outdoors in general. I’m also a drummer. Since we moved I’ve finally set up my drum kit again. Making music with friends is also a passion of mine. I’ve played and am still playing and writing music with so many talented humans in the Chicago music scene. In recent years I’ve developed a strong interest in photography. The lake is ever changing and I love to capture the waves and the surfers!
Q: What is something funny very few people may know about you?
Tommy: I’m really wanting to add chickens to our back yard! I believe its great that our daughter Skyler continues to see and learn where our food comes from.
Closing Thoughts: I’m stoked to be a part of the Land Locked Surfing community and am excited to network with fellow surfers around the world. I’m always searching for a wave and chasing a great sunrise and sunset.
Questions about surfing in Wisconsin? Best to contact Tommy through his Instagram: @chicagosurfer
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