COLD Lake Ontario

W

Wayne McCown

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
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C Dory Year
1999
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Little Mac
Tuesday afternoon, in a NE wind, I put into L. Ontario and made a quick run. The temp gauge registered 41-42 degrees, and hit a low of 40.5! Apparently, the water had "turned over" (which typically happens when we get a strong wind from the NE).
 
Does it ever warm up enough to swim ? What about the other Great Lakes are they always cold ? We like swimming in 85 degrees . Thats about what it is for the Gulf of mexico from May - Oct . Maybe a wet suit for up north
 
Our daughter and son-in-law are visiting and wanted to go white water rafting... water temp was 41º. Amazing what you can endure for your loved ones. :wink:

Warm wishes,
Jim B.
 
.I will not go out on the lake in my Sunfish sailboat until it is at least 50 degrees.

Yes, L. Ontario does warm up...but never to 85 degrees!! We are happy when it gets over 70.
 
I went swimming in Lake Michigan once and it was a bit chilly but doable. It's such a crazy concept to be able to body surf waves on a lake. (Of course these may as well be oceans).
 
We have a Cottage on Lake Michigan (bay of Green Bay ) - our water temps will normally reach into the 80s. If you go north of us by Fish Creek, then the water is much colder.Lake Michigan side is much colder. We swim all over the Great Lakes - North Channel, etc - it helps to have kids that are fearless of the cold water. Once you are numb, then it is fun...
 
I swim in Lake Superior (Duluth, Marquette, etc.) in July, Aug and Sept. It's still a bit colder than what most would call comfortable, but not too cold to have fun. It helps if it's one of those rare hot days, then it feels good to just dive in.

God doesn't give the Great Lake region a lot of comforts, but some say that's what gives it character.
 
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