For the surfer looking for more of an alpine experience, might we recommend the Tahoe shore. Featuring cold, fresh water, inconsistent wind swell that tops out at four feet, neither tides nor sharks are an issue.

It's not exactly what you would call glassy, but shoulder high is shoulder high.

While this surf is breaking on the western side of the lake, for those who can track the rare bump on the east side, it's actually possible to surf in Nevada, making Tahoe the only real surf spot in the state.

A perfect little point set that catches just about any ripple the blows by. With enough wind swell, it can be a fun little wave.

The March into Emerald Bay. It's not your typical walk to the beach, but the vistas alone make it well worth huffing around with your board in the thin air.

If it looks cold it's because it is. Powder dumps and sub-freezing temps are more the norm in the winter months, but that's not to say the ambitious surfer can't go out and have a little fun.

Surf is where you find it, and if you're willing to keep an open mind and pull on a thick wet suit, even lineups in the shadow of ski slopes are an option.

Wind: It's the key component to surf on the lake. And while it's responsible for creating the waves, if you're not careful it'll blow you right out of the lineup.