Surf: General: Montrose is Chicago’s largest urban beach, located on the city’s north side at the southwest tip of Lake Michigan. It is a designated surfing beach by the Park District. Surf works on medium swells generated by NW to N winds, all the way to an E wind if powerful enough. Best conditions occur in the fall when sustained, cold NW to NE fronts hold for several hours while winds move off-shore (W to S). Shifting inner, middle, and outer sandbars create multi-sectioned waves and varying takeoff spots from swell to swell. Still, the most consistent lineup is directly off the end of the beach walkway towards the summer buoy. The beach is anchored by a prominent hook-shaped pier on its southeast end. Sections closer to the pier are often more protected from wind and cross-swell, but further north on the beach can be more sizable. Views from the lineup include protected dunes that comprise one of North America’s premier migratory bird habitats and Chicago’s downtown skyline. Tides: N/A Size: Waist to Shoulder high Wind: NW, W, SW Swell: N, NW Bottom: Sand Paddling: Short-period waves and prevailing on-shore winds can create a washing machine effect that makes for an above-average paddling challenge. Shelter from the hook-shaped pier on the southeast end of the beach offers a channel on bigger days. Spot Rating: Note: Surfing is only allowed from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Montrose and Promontory Point/57th Street beaches only. Surfing is allowed from Labor Day until Memorial Day at Osterman, Montrose, Promontory Point/57th Street, and Rainbow beaches. Access: Easily accessible via bus, train, car, and foot or bike via Chicago’s 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Crowds: Crowd Factor: The buddy system is recommended in the winter as cold-water forms ice shelves and ice beards. Local Vibe: Tight-knit, welcoming local crew Environment: Heavy rains can cause runoff, mainly during the summer months. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District posts combined sewer overflow events on its website, and the Park District updates beach water quality online during the summer months. Hazards: Frozen beards Season: Autumn/Winter