Categories: Local

Capturing Kenosha: Surf’s up on Lake Michigan

Robin Mattheus, a marine coastal geologist with the Illinois State Geological Survey, spends his days studying Lake Michigan and the affects its sand and sediment has on the area’s shoreline.

In his free time, he enjoys shredding gnarly waves.

While Simmons Island will never be confused with Huntington Beach, the start of fall often coincides with powerful northeast winds and huge waves on Lake Michigan.

Robin Mattheus had some fun on his board in Lake Michigan recently.

Mattheus, sporting a full wetsuit in 66-degree water, started his Friday (Sept. 23) like few others with a sunrise surf in Kenosha.

The North Carolina transplant said surfing in Lake Michigan can be quite a challenge. He tries to set himself up in a position to see the wave’s trough, a good indicator of the size of the incoming wave.

I suppose if you have the right gear and you’re a hearty soul, fall is probably a great time to surf the Kenosha shores because just about every day since the fall equinox the shoreline has had some impressive waves. 

I hope you enjoy the photos and they have inspired some of you to don your wetsuits and grab your boards. 

Who knows? Maybe I’ll be taking your picture in the coming weeks. Well, that’s it for now. I’ll see you again in the next edition of Kenosha.com‘s Capturing Kenosha. 

Have a great week everyone!

The beauty of Kenosha.
Thomas Corrao

After retiring in 2021 with 38 years in public service, Corrao brings a passion for photography with his popular local sunrise and nature photos (available for personal use only). Corrao can be found on Instagram (@straycompasslifeguy) and YouTube (Stray Compass Life Channel).

Recent Posts

Adams Outdoor Advertising Kicks Off Campaign for Shalom Center

First Billboard Was Installed on Roosevelt Road and 26th Avenue

23 hours ago

Dark Web Monitoring

Ultimate Guide to Prevent Identity Theft

3 days ago

Kenosha.com’s Pet of the Week: Oreo

A playful 3-year-old pup looking for his forever home!

3 days ago

Kenosha Unified Receives National Recognitionfor Music Education Support for Eighth Consecutive Year

KENOSHA, Wis. (Monday, May 19, 2025)—For the eighth consecutive year, Kenosha Unified has been honored…

5 days ago

More Milestones for Lamparek Creek Restoration

Creek redesign is almost complete, and restoration is planned for late summer

5 days ago

Memorial Day programs, ceremonies to be held across Kenosha County

Memorial Day will be observed at various events across Kenosha County over the upcoming holiday…

5 days ago