It is that time of year again! Surfing is at its prime on Lake Superior, and the University of Minnesota Duluth engages more students each fall! The new enhancement of whitewater flow pumps, introduced this fall semester in the on campus pool, enables more students to participate in lessons over the course of the semester.

Randall Carlson, Surf Coordinator at UMD, has newly established introductory surf lessons that are booked a month in advance. Carlson offers students the opportunity to hone their surf skills through programs affiliated with the school. It began with whitewater kayaking and canoeing in local rivers, then, in the past 20 years, evolved into surfing, surpassing other water sports.

“The whitewater flow pumps allow me to just push a button and turn our pool from a flat water pool into a river”, Carlson says. The enforced 10 person training limit for lessons has now increased due to the addition, allowing for new programming this fall. Every Tuesday from 7:00–9:00 p.m, there is an introduction course consisting of four participants, who have a more interactive experience than ever before.

“In the Duluth area, half of the surfers are affiliated with UMD in some way”,  Carlson says, “which is why I must teach the importance of etiquette and safety before students leave my program.” The purpose of surfing etiquette is to inform surfers how to react while in adverse weather conditions. Before hitting the water without an instructor, many foundational elements are covered in the program in order to be successful.

UMD faculty member, Michael Lindau, learned how to surf from the UMD Outdoor Program. “I have never seen more passion from someone no matter what their hobby is”, Lindau says, “It wasn’t just about the skill, but the love for surfing came out of a lesson with Randy Carlson.” 

Carlson used to be the sole repair man for wetsuits and surfboards until Back Alley, a local surf shop, came to be in summer 2021. Located in West Duluth, the shop recognizes a plethora of communities such as local coffee vendors and Duluth made goods.

“The Back Alley really got the word out and helped gain traction for the sport”, UMD faculty member Michael Lindau states. There are now more opportunities to prepare for Duluth conditions as surfers seek for quality equipment.

Jerome Fischer, founder and owner of Back Alley, created a space for the surf community to engage at an organized storefront. A steady stream of events are coordinated for all of the Duluth community, allowing them to have a firsthand experience with like minded individuals who emphasize the importance of Lake Superior.

“Beach cleanups are always orchestrated during an event”, Fischer says, indicating the community’s desire to keep the Great Lakes purity a top priority. Although toxic pollutants are still prevalent, Lake Superior is known as the cleanest and healthiest lake out of all the Great Lakes.

This sport incorporates a level of pureness, as the main source is the natural element of lakes and oceans. “There is one start-up cost of a wetsuit and board, but other than that, everyday you go out and it’s free”, Lindau says, “There are no rules as far as catching waves or simply sitting out there and enjoying your surroundings. It’s whatever you want to do with it”. 

Environmental sustainability is a natural instinct of surfers, as they consciously engage more with the outdoors. The land in use for the activity is sacred, which inspires the perspective of keeping all natural elements free from human pollution.