Surfing the icy waves

Thick wetsuits, neoprene gloves, and insulated hoods are essential gear for those who dare to surf the frigid waters of Providence Bay. As winter tightens its grip on Manitoulin Island, the air temperature often plunges well below freezing, and the water itself hovers just above the point of solidifying. Yet, for Matt Akerman and his fellow cold-water surfers, these conditions are not deterrents—they are part of the allure.

Unlike the rolling swells of Australia’s warmer coastlines, the waves here are generated by powerful winter storms sweeping across Lake Huron. These storms create short but intense periods of surfable waves, demanding both patience and readiness. The window for catching a ride is often brief, requiring surfers to monitor weather patterns closely and be prepared to drop everything when the conditions align.

“It’s a completely different experience from surfing in warm water,” says Akerman. “The cold hits you instantly, but once you’re in, the adrenaline takes over, and you forget about the temperature.”

Despite the extreme conditions, the rewards are undeniable. The icy waves offer a level of solitude rarely found in more traditional surf destinations. There are no crowded lineups, no territorial locals—just the raw power of nature and the camaraderie of those willing to brave it. The sensation of carving through a wave while surrounded by snow-covered shores is something few surfers ever get to experience.

Preparation is key to making the most of these sessions. Surfers layer up with thick wetsuits, often 5mm or more, to retain body heat. Booties and gloves are non-negotiable, as exposure to the freezing water can quickly lead to numbness. Even with the best gear, sessions are kept short, typically lasting no more than an hour before the cold becomes overwhelming.

• Checking wind and storm forecasts is crucial for predicting wave conditions.
• Warming up before entering the water helps maintain circulation.
• Having a thermos of hot water ready post-session can help thaw frozen fingers and toes.

For those willing to endure the elements, surfing in these icy waters is an unforgettable experience. The challenge, the isolation, and the sheer beauty of the frozen landscape make every wave worth the effort.

The tight-knit northern surf community

Out on the frigid waters of Providence Bay, a unique bond forms among the small group of surfers who brave the cold. Unlike the bustling surf communities found along Australia’s sun-drenched coastlines, this northern crew is tight-knit, built on mutual respect and shared resilience. With only eight to ten regulars taking on the winter waves, everyone knows each other, and the camaraderie runs deep.

There’s no competition for waves here—only encouragement. Each surfer understands the challenges that come with cold-water surfing, from the biting wind to the ice forming on their wetsuits. They look out for one another, ensuring that no one stays in the water too long and that everyone makes it back to shore safely. In these extreme conditions, teamwork is essential.

“It’s not just about the waves,” says Akerman. “It’s about the people you share them with. We’re all out here pushing each other, making sure we stay safe, and just enjoying the fact that we get to do this in such an unreal setting.”

Gathering before and after sessions is just as important as the time spent in the water. Surfers meet up in the parking lot, layering up in thick neoprene and discussing the day’s conditions. Afterward, they huddle around their vehicles, sipping hot coffee or tea, swapping stories, and laughing about the day’s best (or worst) rides. These moments of connection help make the harsh conditions more bearable and reinforce the sense of belonging.

Newcomers are welcomed with open arms, provided they come prepared and respect the environment. There’s an unspoken understanding that anyone willing to endure the cold for the love of surfing is part of the tribe. The shared experience of paddling out into near-freezing water creates a bond that goes beyond the sport itself—it’s about embracing the challenge together.

• Surfers check in with each other before and after sessions to ensure safety.
• Post-surf gatherings often involve warming up with hot drinks and sharing stories.
• New surfers are encouraged to join but must be prepared for the extreme conditions.

In a place where winter surfing is far from the norm, this small but dedicated community thrives on its shared passion. The cold may be relentless, but the friendships forged in these icy waters are just as enduring.

Embracing the winter challenge

For Matt Akerman and his fellow surfers, winter surfing is more than just a sport—it’s a test of endurance, mental strength, and sheer determination. The cold is an ever-present adversary, seeping through even the thickest wetsuits and numbing fingers and toes within minutes. Yet, rather than shy away from the challenge, these surfers embrace it, finding a deep sense of satisfaction in pushing their limits.

One of the biggest obstacles is simply getting into the water. The shoreline is often covered in snow and ice, making the trek to the break a slippery ordeal. Some days, chunks of ice float in the lineup, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding session. Paddling out requires more effort than usual, as the cold stiffens muscles and slows reflexes. Every duck dive sends a shock through the body, a stark reminder of the unforgiving environment.

“The first few minutes are the hardest,” Akerman admits. “Your body is screaming at you to get out, but once you push through that initial shock, it becomes almost meditative. You focus on the waves, your breathing, and the rhythm of the ocean.”

Beyond the physical challenge, winter surfing demands a strong mindset. The isolation of the frozen shoreline, the relentless wind, and the knowledge that a wipeout could mean an instant loss of warmth all play on the mind. But for those who persevere, the reward is an unmatched sense of accomplishment. Riding a wave in these conditions is not just about skill—it’s about resilience.

• Surfers must train their bodies to handle the cold, often incorporating cold-water immersion into their routines.
• Proper breathing techniques help manage the shock of icy water and maintain focus.
• Staying mentally strong is just as important as physical preparation—confidence and determination are key.

Despite the hardships, there’s an undeniable beauty in winter surfing. The crisp air, the silence of the snow-covered landscape, and the raw power of the waves create an experience unlike any other. For Akerman and his crew, the challenge is not something to be avoided—it’s the very reason they keep coming back.

Surfing the icy waves of Providence Bay

When the mercury plummets and the bay turns to steel, most would think twice before dipping a toe in. But for Matt Akerman and his crew, this is prime time. The waves roll in clean and heavy, fuelled by the fierce winds that whip across Lake Huron. It’s not your typical surf scene—no palm trees, no boardshorts, just thick wetsuits, ice-crusted beards, and a whole lot of grit.

Providence Bay, nestled on the southern edge of Manitoulin Island, transforms into a cold-water paradise when winter storms hit. The waves here aren’t predictable, but when they show up, they bring serious power. The frigid water—often hovering just above freezing—demands respect. A wipeout isn’t just a tumble; it’s a full-body shock that’ll wake you up faster than a double-shot espresso.

“You’ve got about 30 minutes before the cold really starts to bite,” says Akerman. “After that, you either get out or risk turning into a human popsicle.”

Gear is everything. A 6mm wetsuit, hood, gloves, and booties are non-negotiable. Even then, the cold seeps in, numbing fingers and stiffening limbs. But the reward? Empty lineups, glassy waves, and the kind of adrenaline rush that makes the frostbite worth it.

It’s not just about the surf—it’s about the challenge. The kind of challenge that makes you feel alive, that pushes you beyond comfort and into something raw and real. And when you finally paddle in, shaking from exhaustion and cold, there’s no better feeling than peeling off that wetsuit, cranking the car heater, and knowing you’ve just conquered something most wouldn’t dare to try.

The tight-knit community of northern surfers

Out here, it’s not just about the waves—it’s about the crew. The northern surf scene is small, tight, and built on mutual respect. When you’re paddling out in sub-zero temps, you need to know the person next to you has your back. There’s no room for ego, just a shared understanding that everyone is out here for the same reason: the love of the ride.

Matt Akerman and his fellow cold-water warriors form a close-knit group, bonded by the sheer madness of what they do. With only eight to ten regulars braving the winter swells, it’s a community where everyone knows each other’s limits, strengths, and favourite post-surf recovery methods (hot coffee and a heater on full blast, mostly).

“You don’t just show up and surf here,” says Akerman. “You earn your place in the lineup. It’s not about skill—it’s about commitment. If you’re willing to freeze your backside off for a few good waves, you’re one of us.”

There’s no surf shop on the island, no board rentals, and definitely no lifeguards. If you forget your wax or snap a leash, you’re relying on a mate to help you out. And when the session’s over, it’s straight to someone’s truck, cranking the heat and swapping stories about the best rides of the day.

It’s a different kind of surf culture—no crowds, no competition, just a handful of dedicated souls chasing the perfect winter swell. And while the rest of the world huddles indoors, these surfers are out there, carving through icy peaks, proving that the best waves aren’t always found in the tropics.