MUSKEGON, Mich. - Surfers and paddle boarders took over Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon for the first ever Great Lakes Surf Festival.
The festivities started on Friday night, where event participants camped on the beach. Then on Saturday morning, the festival kicked off with surfing, yoga, music lessons and more.
Some of West Michigan's veteran surfers were out on the water teaching, hoping to transfer their passion to the children.
Larry Larsen got his start more than 50 years ago. "Bought my first surfboard in '66 and that just started everything," he said.
Now, Larsen is the lead instructor at the Great Lakes Surf Festival, helping kids stand up on surfboards for the first time.
"It gives me a chance to give back to the community. Most of all, the beach I grew up on and being able to share that with the community is really rewarding," said Larsen.
More than 150 people signed up for surfing lessons, riding alongside paddle boarders and kayakers also participating in the workshops.
Even though the waters were calm, the festival brought out increased safety measures.
"We've got lifeguards here, which is something you don't see hardly on any Great Lakes beaches," said the festival's co-organizer Joe Bidawid.
As this year's event wraps up, Bidawid says that he plans to host the festival again next year.
"Just feeding off that energy, we feel like this event can continue to grow, and we're hoping to do so."
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