Fifty Point Conservation Area has become one of our go-to spots when we’re looking for Great Lakes surf. Anyone who paddles here knows how hit-or-miss conditions can be; our waves are all wind-generated, short-period, and often messy. Those long, clean, swell-driven surfers’ waves you see online? Not here. But when the wind lines up just right, Fifty Point delivers some of the best-shaped waves in the western end of Lake Ontario.
When strong winds push toward Burlington Beach, a small, sheltered corner of Fifty Point forms a surprisingly fun miniature point-break. It’s not perfect, but it consistently shapes rideable waves; something we’ll take any day on the Great Lakes.
One windy day we decided to head out as a group to see what the conditions were doing. The forecast called for big winds and short-period waves, and Fifty Point looked like the best spot to get on the water and have some fun.
We’ve always joked that we’re the tallest kayak group on the Great Lakes, but height aside, everyone’s comfortable in rough water and always up for a challenge. It was the first day in surf for two of the paddlers, and they handled it incredibly well. It was fun to be there for their very first session. So when the wind lined up, we loaded up the boats and drove straight to the launch.
When we arrived, the small cove beside the jetty was doing exactly what we hoped, it was transforming that chaotic onshore wind into steep, punchy surf that wrapped around the rocks and broke cleanly near shore.
“Can we work with this? Absolutely.”
Even with the rock shelter, the waves were big enough to test us. Punching through the surf zone was a workout, each wave slammed into the bow, throwing water across the deck and shoving the kayak backwards. But that challenge is half the fun.
When my turn came to break out through the surf, my heart was racing. The first wave hit like a hockey body check. But I made it out, and the payoff was worth it.
The ride back in was fast, bouncy, and pure adrenaline. Not clean surf by ocean standards but perfect by “Great Lakes surf kayaking” standards.
Next up was Blake, who absolutely crushed it for his first surf experience. He charged down the face of every wave, linked rides, and even rolled up in the foam pile before surfing it right back to shore. That one got some cheers.
The rest of us took turns punching out and surfing in. It was tiring, messy, hard, and incredibly fun, exactly the kind of day that reminds you why surf kayaking is so addictive.
Takeaways: Surfing at Fifty Point is a blast. It’s not a clean, predictable surf beach, it’s a Great Lakes surf playground. The waves are short, punchy, messy, and full of surprises, but when they line up, the rides are unforgettable.
It’s one of those rare spots where rough-water paddlers can push themselves, laugh at the wipeouts, and walk away with huge smiles. If you’re into surf kayaking and the wind is right, this place is absolutely worth a visit.
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