Local Legend: Garrett Sowl | Lake Michigan Surfer

Garrett is a local legend because of the way he connects with the water. As a dedicated surfer and lifelong outdoorsman, Garrett has built his life around the rhythm of the Great Lakes. He’s one of the few who seek out waves not on saltwater coasts, but in the frigid and unpredictable beauty of Lake Michigan. He finds joy, solitude, and purpose in each set that rolls through.

Whether he's riding winter swells or casting at his favorite honey hole, Garrett’s appreciation for the outdoors is deep and spiritual. His gratitude is genuine — not just for the surf, but for the place that makes it all possible. Garrett exemplifies what Door Born stands for as a brand. 

I hope Garrett's story inspires others to learn how to have fun in all conditions.

1. What do you love to do outdoors, and why?

My two favorite hobbies are surfing and fishing. I've always been in love with the water, and these are two sports that allow me to fully immerse myself in nature.

Surfing is amazing because there's nothing like the rush you get from chasing the next big swell. The hunt for waves is almost as fun as the surfing itself — you never know where it's going to be best until you start looking. Once you do get into the water and start paddling, you’re literally not thinking about anything else. Just you and your next wave.

Another thing that makes it exciting is the fact that the best time of year for Great Lakes surfing is late fall through winter. We're not exactly going out in ideal conditions. I've surfed in everything from freezing rain and fog to all-out blizzard conditions. It's all part of the thrill!

2. What makes the Great Lakes region special?

Great Lakes surfing is much different than the ocean. For one thing, we are surfing  freshwater! Freshwater is less buoyant than saltwater, so everything is harder — from paddling to catching a wave (not to mention the temperatures).

I have a deep appreciation for lake surfing because of how underrated it is. People usually smirk or roll their eyes when I tell them that we can get head-high waves here! We’re also fortunate to have a lot of different types of breaks. Lake Michigan is special because there are sandy beach breaks, point breaks, and reef breaks — and it all depends on wind direction to dictate what spot will be best.

Yes, the weather can be rough sometimes, but for me and my fellow lake surfers, we'd take a pumping session in Door County over Waikiki any day.

3. How are you connected to this area?

I was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay, and after four years in the Navy, I moved back home and my wife and I settled here.

Something that’s a little funny is that I didn’t actually start surfing until after I moved back home. While I was in the Navy, I lived in Virginia Beach and learned to surf out there. I had no idea that I grew up in an area that has such amazing surf! So I was very happy to continue to surf once returning home — and I’ve never slowed down since.

4. Do you have a favorite memory, moment, or place that stands out to you?

One thing that makes surfing so special to me is that I got into it because of my dad. He learned to surf when he was stationed in Hawaii, and he's still doing it today — 40 years later!

There aren’t too many father-son surf duos on the Great Lakes, and I don’t take a minute of it for granted.

5. How has your passion for the outdoors impacted your life?

Sometimes I think about what I would do for fun if I wasn't into surfing or fishing. Honestly, I don't know what my life would be like without them

They have impacted my life in such a way that when I’m able to get on the water, I feel like my soul has been rejuvenated. I just have so much gratitude for the Lakes. I'm thankful to God that I live in such a place that allows me to do the things I love to do.

If you liked Garrett's story and want to read more like it, or maybe you have a Local Legend you'd like to nominate, comment below!