St. Joseph, Michigan
Drive time: 1 hour 35 minutes

While Sheboygan is often billed as the Malibu of the Midwest, you’ll find equally good waves more consistently on the other side of Lake Michigan. In St. Joseph, just north of Harbor Country, Tyler Spence of Stoke Riders provides what he calls “real surf lessons in actual surf.” For $90, Spence and his team offer a 90-minute private session, including a surfboard and wetsuit, at an ideal beginner’s spot — likely the sheltered pier area in St. Joe, a favorite for its clean, gentle waves. For more advanced swell, Spence can take you to killer off-the-radar spots frequented by seasoned surfers, provided you follow the first rule of surf club: “Don’t blow up a spot while it’s happening.” Translation: Save your Instagram post for later.

While there No waves? No problem. Stoke Riders can swap your surf lesson for one on an eFoil board (think electric-powered surfboard, with a fin-like hydrofoil underneath; a three-hour session for one person costs $275). Within an hour, you’ll be gliding on water at speeds up to 30 mph. It’s also excellent preparation for wing foiling, a next-level version that involves harnessing wind by holding a sail-like contraption.