The North American continent harbors some of the most thrilling surfing spots in the world. From Hawaii’s Waimea bay to California’s Huntington beach, North America has covered every wave spectacle there is. Not just that, it also houses the world’s largest freshwater stream called Lake Superior. Nevertheless, paddling on it during the winter is equally harder than surfing on a billabong Pipeline. However, a father-son duo thinks otherwise, as both of them paddled with moxie onto the lake in subzero temperatures. 

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The Wisconsin-based father-son pair recently surfed at the Duluth point of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Erik Wilkie and his son Garet Wilkie paddled into the lake when the air temperature is almost at subzero levels. Detailing the frostiness at Duluth, Erik stated, “The ice clings to your face in just a matter of moments, and it’s just so crispy”. However, in spite of such cold climatic conditions, Erik and his son surfed the waves induced by the superior. Interestingly, the incredible act of courage shown by the Wisconsin surfers astounded the surfing community.

Fans praised the Father-son duo for surfing in a chilly climate

Recently, CBS Minnesota took to its Facebook handle to share the unique surfing saga of Erik and his son Garet. Sharing the still of the pair from the Duluth point, the media house penned, “SURFING SUPERIOR – It takes a special breed of surfer to hit the waves when the air temp is below zero!”. 

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Expressing their startle, many converged to the comment section to leave praises for the surfers. Fans wrote:

This is ABSOLUTELY CRAZY!!

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They certainly are the legends!

Read More: “Scratched Into the Biggest Wave of My Life” : Former Women’s Surfing World Junior Champion’s Unforgettable Moment at Eddie

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I’ve seen those guys on the lake and watched a guy navigate through the ice chunks in the harbor on a jet ski

Amazing!!

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Hope no frost bite on the wonker. Lol

Interestingly, Erik addressed all the spectators by expressing his gratitude. He wrote, “Honored Thank You.”

Watch this Story: “Luke Should Have Got 50-100 Thousand Dollars”: Surfing Legend Kala Alexander Points Out the Mistake in 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Winner Luke Shepardson’s Picture

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Now, as it is extremely hard to surf in such frigid conditions, the surfers are advised to surf with safety gear. “Without that equipment, you got about two minutes in the water, and you freeze to death”, added Erik Wilkie. Clearly, it requires fortitude to paddle in such extreme conditions. However, surfers like Erik and Garet Wilkie are certainly versed in handling freezing temperatures.

What do you think about this frosty surfing episode? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Purva Jain

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Purva Jain is the Senior Editor for US Sports at EssentiallySports, heading coverage of Track & Field, Gymnastics, Tennis, Alpine Skiing, Swimming and other verticles. She oversees day-to-day operations and mentors a large team of editors and writers on uncovering unique angles to stories. A writer-turned-editor, Purva began her ES journey with standout coverage of the 2022/23 FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup and went on to capture the excitement of the 2023 Kentucky Derby for American audiences. Her reporting has spanned five major global events, including the 2023 World Athletics Championships, 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Beyond her newsroom leadership, Purva is the author of three self-published books, showcasing her creative range beyond journalism. She also brings expertise in audience engagement and storytelling strategy, helping shape how fans experience sports coverage.

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Pritam Priyedarshi