There is nothing better than seeing a huge line at the local river wave. More surfers means that the sport is progressing. As the sport progresses so do the riders. It is so fun to see surfers getting longer rides and having fun. How long of a ride is too long? If there is a line on both sides of the wave and one is shorter how do you rotate rides? What do you do if someone loses a board in the eddy?
Being able to surf the wave for as long as you want is a great feeling! Taking long rides is perfectly fine if it is just you and a few buddies surfing. When the line starts to get long 1 min rides are a maximum to keep the line flowing. Hack some turns and once you reach your time limit try a trick. This will keep everyone in the lineup happy as well as progress your surfing at the same time!
If your wave has a line on both sides you should rotate riders from each side. If one side has twice as many riders than the other you should rotate 2 riders from the long side to 1 rider from the short side. This will keep things even and keep the lines on both sides flowing.
If someone loses their board in the eddy and it flows back up toward the line whoever is closest should grab it for them. You can put it to the side or if they are on the other side of the river you can toss it over to them. If you are going to toss a board to the other side of the wave please make sure no one is in the wave surfing or swimming in the water around the wave. Let everyone know you are going to toss the board so no one gets hurt.
Lets all work together to progress the sport, keep each other safe and maintain good vibes in the water.
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!
Tyler Rickenbach | Free Soul Studios
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.
Tyler Rickenbach | Free Soul Studios
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
Tyler Rickenbach | Free Soul Studios
About the Photographer
My name is Tyler Rickenbach. One of my earliest childhood memories dates back to flipping through dust covered National Geographic magazines and staring at the images for hours. Since then, I’ve been drawn to visual storytelling and creating authentic images that convey emotion. It may be a strange concept, but it’s how I approach every shoot. I believe an image should be able to put us in that moment, and stop our thumbs from scrolling — which is what I try to do with every image I take. If there was one word that described me, it would be passionate or maybe even obsessed. Visual storytelling is what I live and breath because it takes me out of my comfort zone, and allows me to become the best version of myself.
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 Colorado region, and you are trying to get into inland surfing then Alex Mauer is our recommended resource for you. His inland surfing network runs deep in Colorado and he is passionate about sharing with others the stoke he finds out on the water!
For questions about surfing in Colorado it’s best to contact Alex through his Instagram: @alexandermauer
Let’s get to know Alex, your Colorado surf connection!
Q: Give us some background, who is Alex Mauer?
Alex: I’ve always been drawn to the water. I grew up doing every sport you can imagine. I’m addicted to having fun!
Q: How and when did you get into Surfing in Colorado?
Alex: When I was like 12 or 13 my dad got me and my brother a boogie board and told us to go play down by the river. I saw a kayakers surfing river waves and I knew it would be possible to surf the same waves on a surfboard. After catching my first river wave I was hooked! I would travel around and surf waves the kayakers told me about. I started getting in the stand-up paddling because I could surf smaller waves and paddle down the river to find new waves. I have been helping pioneer the surf and stand up paddle scene here in Colorado ever since.
Q: Through your eyes describe the surf scene in your area, what are you doing to help it grow?
Alex: When I first started river surfing, people looked at me like I was crazy when I tried to explain it to them. Years later, people are starting to recognize the sport in my area. To try and grow the sport I’m always sharing my stoke with whoever I run into you. I help new surfers when I see them on the river. I also, invite new people to come out with me and try the sport for the first time.
Q: In Colorado, what are a few types of inland surfing riders are taking advantage of, which is your favorite, and why?
Alex: In Colorado there are plenty of ways land locked riders take advantage of the surf CO has to offer. We river surf, stand up paddle, wake surf, skim board flat water, and even surf the powder when it snows. We also skateboard.
Q: As a Locked Surfing Community Leader, what are your areas of expertise new riders should ask you about?
Alex: I love anything on the water. I try to be well-rounded when it comes to water sports. You can ask me just about anything and I can help you out!
Q: What drives you to get better everyday?
Alex: Progressing the sport keeps me motivated. I want to push the sport as far as I can and do as many tricks and innovations as possible. I’ve never felt like I’ve hit my potential as a surfer. I think that’s what is cool about surfing, there is always something new to do or try.
Q: What are your surfing/life goals for this year?
Alex: This year I am most stoked for a road trip I’m taking to hit up some river waves I’ve really been waiting a long time to surf. I’m just excited to see where the sport goes in the next year!
Q: In your world of surfing, who do you look up to most and why?
Alex: I look up to John John Florence, Austin Keen, Kai Lenny and Laird Hamilton. All those guys are pushing the limits of the sport that’s exactly what I want to do for river surfing!
Q: Outside of river surfing what are your other passions?
Alex: Family is really important to me.
Q: What is something funny very few people may know about you?
Alex: I love goofing around in the water. I will try and surf anything no matter what shape it is! Watching that stuff is always good for a laugh or too!
Closing Thoughts: I’m honored to be a landlocked surfing Community Leader. I just want to thank Kirk for this opportunity. I look forward to helping many of you on the river and in the water!
Questions about surfing in Colorado? Best to contact Alex through his Instagram: @alexandermauer
