Located over 2,000 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Lake Michigan isn’t a likely Mecca for surfing aficionados; however, in the 1960s, the Williams brothers created a “Malibu of the Midwest” in Sheboygan, WI and their amazing tale that revolutionized surfing culture comes alive in William Povletich’s Some Like It Cold. This surprising true story recounts how two boys’ implausible love of the long board turned Wisconsin into the site of an unbelievable beach party as body-boarders from around the globe gathered along the lake to brave the breakers in frigid weather, facing frostbite instead of shark bites.

With gale force winds as strong as 25 mph and waves cresting up to 7 feet, the Williams duo’s break into surfing beside the shores of Lake Michigan was anything but typical.  Instead of moving to the West Coast to ride California’s fashionable ocean waves, these local boys preferred to hone their craft near Wisconsin’s waves of grain.  In Some Like It Cold, brothers Lee and Larry Williams live out a fascinating adventure that not only brought dreams of surfing to Sheboygan but also welcomed water wavers from around the world to the state’s short-lived “Dairyland Surf Classic.” This perspicacious story about an extraordinary surfing subculture in Wisconsin is also one of brotherly love that even the iciest critic will find heart-warming.

Some Like It Cold author William Povletich is a native Wisconsinite whose previous sports publications have profiled the popular Milwaukee Braves and Green Bay Packers.  Ironically, in his newest release, Povletich turns his attention to an unexpected Wisconsin sport--surfing.  In addition to writing, Povletich is also an award winning documentary filmmaker and acclaimed television producer. He currently makes his home in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

Boswell Books will welcome William Povletich for an appearance on Friday, May 28 at 7pm.