Muskegon
Kiteboarding at Muskegon
Click here for Pere Marquette Beach Kiteboarding Rules
The Lake Michigan mantra states: "if it is blowing south - head north; if it is blowing north - head south". A north wind has a tendency to fire up the southern part of the lake (Muskegon to all points south). A south wind will blow stronger to the north. Muskegon offers the best of both options. A wide friendly beach with a free parking that runs the length makes this a perfect spot to teach a newbie how to body drag. The longer pier offers more protection from the surf. This spot works great on a north or northwest. During the summer months changing rooms, rest rooms, vending machines, and concessions are available. There is also a nice restaurant that is between the road and the South Breakwall.
Best wind directions. South, South West, West, North West. Muskegon always seems to have a little more power on the NW days than any of the other local riding spots.
Things to look out for and avoid. Always give yourself plenty of room, make sure you have plenty of open space and do not launch directly upwind of the breakwalls. The swim area is completely off limits to kiteboarders for obvious reasons. Directly West of the Filtration Plant (Black Box on map below) and along the beach to the South there are several steel jetties that you'll want to say away from. Also, please do not walk your kite back up the beach in front of the filtration plant. The beach is very narrow in this area and is in close proximity to power lines, parking lot, and roadway.
Special thanks to Matt and Skip for the writeup on this kiteboarding location!
Pere Marquette Beach Kiteboarding Rules
Welcome to Muskegon and Pere Marquette Beach. Local kiters and city officials have been working together to establish safe kiteboarding practices for the beach and on the water. Our goal is to proactively promote kiteboarding safety and prevent hazards or accidents. We believe that this is the best way to ensure that our beach remains open to kiteboarders like you. For the privilege of riding at this beach you must follow the rules listed below. Although these rules apply year round, use extreme caution from June-August during busy "beach days". Please use extra caution when flying your kite on the beach and riding near shore. We ask that you be respectful of this area, other kiters, and all beach goers. If this is your first time to our beach, please seek out any local kiters or instructors BEFORE YOU RIDE if you have any questions or concerns. They will be more than happy to assist you. Have a great session and safe kiting.
On the Water
- All kiteboarders must understand and follow the Rules of Navigation. Summary as follows;
- Kiters must give-way and keep a safe distance from all water users.
- Always give-way to less experienced riders otherwise port should give-way to starboard (right hand forward while riding) for experienced riders. When converging with fellow kiters, upwind kiter must fly high and downwind kiter must fly low.
- Incoming kiteboarders must give-way to those who are launching.
- Jumping kiters sacrifice their right of way.
- Avoid jumping and advanced tricks near the shore or upwind of others in the water.
- Keep a distance of 200 feet from the designated swimming area marked with buoys and life guard stands.
- Beginners must maintain 2+ line lengths from beach and/or swimmers when body dragging or preferably move down to Dog Beach or South of Kruse Park which has less beach traffic. (Entrance to Kruse Park is at end of Sherman Blvd)
- All kiters are expected to have weather knowledge, water safety skills, and know how to self rescue properly.
Launching and Landing
- Utilize designated launch/landing area marked by orange cones during "beach days".
- Keep launch/landing area free of clutter;
- Gear storage on beach - Keep kite bags, pumps, etc not in use within 50' of Mack Shack and/or sidewalk. Extra boards can be stored by water's edge.
- Kites must be grounded and properly secured within designated launch/landing area.
- Lines must be wrapped on grounded kites if not re-launching right away.
- Do not practice water starts or body dragging in launch/land area.
- Always utilize assisted launching and landing when other kiters are on the beach. Always make yourself available for helping other kiters with launching and landing. Only experienced kiters should assist with launching/landing other kites.
- Keep it low and go - Limit flying kite straight up on the beach or at the shore. After launching, get in the water immediately.
- Maintain 2+ line lengths from beach traffic when flying trainers and when launching/landing kites on the beach.
General Rules
- Do not practice jumps, kite-loops, un-hooked, or extended flying while on the beach.
- No practice flying inflatable and/or full size kites on the beach without an instructor during "beach days".
- Beginners not able to stay up wind and/or struggling riders must be assisted by an instructor whenever the beach and swimming area is crowded.
- All kiters must use proper safety leash with quick release at all times. All kiters must have hook knife or equivalent on their person while flying a kite.
- No walking a kite over the swimming area or beach goers at any time when swim buoys and life guard stands are in place.
- Kiters who exhibit reckless or hazardous kiting, who do not have the necessary skills for the conditions, or who fail to obey these kiteboarding rules will be reported to the Beach Rangers and may be required to leave the beach. If there are continued incidents your privileges may be permanently revoked.
- All kiters must help enforce the rules and assist one another to keep the beach safe and protect this riding spot.
For emergency call US Coast Guard Search and Rescue – (231)759-8581
