Surfing Stoney Point: The Complete Guide

Stoney Point is a reef break located in North Shore, Duluth, USA, offering both lefts and rights along North America's diverse surf scene. Stoney Point is the premiere surfing location on Lake Superior—a gnarly reef break that catches the full fury of northeastern storms. Rated as advanced difficulty with uncrowded conditions, this reef break is a worthy destination for surfers looking beyond the usual suspects.

Best Conditions

Swell Direction: The ideal swell direction is NE (45°), with workable conditions from N to E (0°–90°). Swells outside this window will either miss the break or produce disorganized waves.

Swell Size: Stoney Point needs a minimum of 0.8m / 3ft to start working and handles swells up to 3.5m / 11ft before conditions deteriorate.

Swell Period: Look for a swell period of at least 4 seconds, with 7 seconds being the sweet spot. Longer periods deliver more organized, powerful waves with better shape.

Wind: True offshore here blows from the SW (225°). The full offshore range spans S to W (180°–270°). Glassy conditions under 4km/h from any direction also produce excellent surf. Plan for early morning dawn patrol sessions.

Tide: This spot works best at all tides.

When to Go

Primary Season: The prime window at Stoney Point runs October, November, December, January, February, March (Oct–Mar). This is when swell consistency and direction align most reliably with the break.

Secondary Season: A secondary window opens September, April (Sep–Apr). While not as consistent, patient surfers can still score quality sessions during this period.

Season Notes: NE winds generate best swells. Peak storms October-February.

Water Temperature: Expect water temperatures around 6°C / 43°F. A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit is essential, with boots and gloves for extended sessions.

Getting There

The nearest airport is DLH, roughly 25 minutes by car.

Access: Along Scenic Highway 61, 10 miles north of Duluth. Multiple rocky access points.

Hazards & Tips

Known Hazards:

🪨 Rocks — Rocky entry/exit or in lineup
🏝️ Remote — Far from help
🌀 Strong rips — Dangerous currents

Exposed granite reef. Very cold water. Remote location between Duluth and Two Harbors.

Safety Tips:

Study the currents before paddling out. Know your exit strategy
Carry a first aid kit and emergency communication. Help may be far away

Skill Level: This spot is rated advanced (7/10). Crowd Level: Typically uncrowded (2/10).

Check the Live Forecast

Planning a session at Stoney Point? Check the live forecast on Strike Mission to see today's conditions and the 10-day outlook. Our Strike Score algorithm rates this spot from 0 to 100 every day, factoring in swell direction, size, period, wind, and tide — so you know exactly when to paddle out.

Don't leave your next surf trip to chance. Let the data tell you when Stoney Point is firing.

*Conditions data sourced from Strike Mission's verified spot database.*