PHOTOS: Kitesurfers surf the waves at Green Lake – West Central Tribune

SPICER – Winds of around 25 miles per hour, coupled with sunny skies and highs in the 70s, provided optimal early-season kitesurfing weather for a trio of enthusiasts who gathered on the shore north of Green Lake Saturday afternoon to catch big waves and great air.

Victor Ruotti, above, of Madison, Wisconsin, soars in the sky above his kitesurfing friend Eric Spottke of Loretto as they spend the afternoon kitesurfing in high winds along Green Lake outside Spicer on Saturday May 7, 2022.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

Jerry Sandell of South Haven, along with Eric Spottke of Loretto and Victor Ruotti of Madison, Wisconsin, spent most of the afternoon cruising the shores as big waves were constantly produced by the relentless winds .

Jerry Sandell of South Haven powers up his kite and straightens the lines before kitesurfing along Green Lake outside Spicer on Saturday May 7, 2022.

Sandell, who has been part of the kitesurfing community for 21 years, enjoys kitesurfing in open water in the summer and powder snow in the winter. He’s a bit addicted at this point.

“It’s kind of a unique sport,” he said. “It’s cool to ride with the power of the wind. It’s kind of like a freedom thing there.”

Loretto's Eric Spottke kitesurfs along Green Lake outside Spicer on Saturday, May 7, 2022. — Loretto’s Eric Spottke kitesurfs along Green Lake outside Spicer on Saturday, May 7, 2022.

Sandell said Green Lakes’ clean, clear water and lack of weeds below the water’s surface make it an optimal place to come and spend a day kitesurfing under sunny skies.

Victor Ruotti of Madison, Wisconsin enjoys winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour as he and his friends spent the afternoon kitesurfing along Green Lake outside Spicer on Saturday, May 7, 2022 . — Victor Ruotti of Madison, Wisconsin takes advantage of winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour as he and his friends spent the afternoon kitesurfing along Green Lake outside Spicer on Saturday 7 May 2022.