MUSKEGON, Mich. - Paddleboard yoga on Lake Michigan?
That’s just one of the many activities set for the inaugural Great Lakes Surf Festival at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon on Aug. 18.
Event founder Joe Bidawid described the festival, sponsored by Australian clothing retailer Billabong, as a “celebration of Great Lakes surf culture,” but said the event is not a surfing contest.
The festival, Bidawid said, will feature workshops on activities such as surfing, yoga (including paddleboard yoga) and standup paddleboarding.
What's more, Bidawid said, the event is offering the rare opportunity to camp in tents along the beach — the "backbone" of the event.
Festival goers will be able to camp "basically a few feet away from water’s edge,” Bidawid said.
RV camping also has been approved at a site within walking distance of Pere Marquette Park, according to a news release from the West Michigan Tourist Association. According to the release, festival events will also include: free lessons, product demos, and stand up paddleboard and kayak races.
“In my opinion, I’ve been all over the Great Lakes and I believe that that is one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Great Lakes,” Bidawid said.
Camping will take place Aug. 17-18 and costs $50 per night, Bidawid said. Visitors can also purchase a $30 day pass for full access to all the workshops, a free raffle, and signature t-shirt and sticker, Bidawid said. Food, drinks, and merchandise are available for purchase, according to the release.
A full list of events can be seen here:
SURF
- 9:00 AM - The Great Lakes Circle - Paddle Out
- 10:00 AM - Board and Gear Swap Meet
- 10:30 AM - Intro to Great Lakes Surfing Workshop
- 12:00 Noon - Short Board Surfing Techniques
- 1:30 PM - Great Lakes Wave Forecasting
- 2:30 PM - Great Lakes Water Safety Clinic
- 12:00 Noon - Surfing Lesson for Beginners
- 1:00 PM - Surfing Lesson for Beginners
- 2:00 PM - Surfing Lesson for Beginners
- 3:00 PM - Surfing Lesson for Beginners
YOGA
- 9:30 AM Beginner's yoga Flow - Hosted By Sol+Sage Yoga Studio
- 10:00 AM Yoga Stance Workshop - Hosted by Rootdown Yoga
- 10:30 AM Beginner's yoga Flow - Hosted By Blue horizon Yoga studio
- 11:00 AM - Yoga Breathing Workshop - Hosted by Sol+Sage Yoga Studio
- 4:30 PM Beginner's yoga Flow - Hosted By Rootdown Yoga Studio
- 5:00 PM Meditation yoga Workshop - Hosted By Blue Horizon Yoga studio
- 8:00 PM - Sunset Yoga
MUSIC
MISC
SUP
- 11:30 AM - Intro to Great Lakes SUP Workshop
- 1:00 PM - SUP Wave Riding Basics
- 12:30 Noon - Women's SUP Riding Clinic
- 1:30 PM - Advanced SUP Riding Technique
- 12:00 Noon - SUP Lesson for Beginners
- 1:00 PM - SUP Lesson for Beginners
- 1:30 PM - SUP Lesson for Beginners
- 2:00 PM - SUP Lesson for Beginners
KITE
RACE
- 12:00 Noon - Men's SUP Paddle Race - Fun Slalom Class
- 12:00 Noon - Women's SUP Paddle Race - Fun Slalom Class
- 1:00 PM - SUP Tandem Fun Race
- 1:30 PM - Men's Kayak Paddle Race - Fun Slalom Class
- 1:30 PM - Women's Kayak Paddle Race - Fun Slalom Class
- 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM - Pro AM Paddle Race 5-Mile Downwinder
KAYAK
FAMILY
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