The Surf Window

Craig

Alaska, USA

Beach breakIntermediate

On Prince of Wales Island in Alaska's inside passage, Craig is a small fishing community surrounded by old-growth Tongass rainforest where the open Pacific coast nearby delivers powerful, completely unridden surf in true wilderness.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–NW 2–4m at 14–20s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and reef break

Bottom

Rock and sand

Shape

Powerful peaks on exposed outer coast

Length

50–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert surfers
  • •Why: Among the most remote and coldest surf in the world, for self-sufficient experts only

Hazards

  • •Water temperature 5–8°C, hypothermia risk is very real
  • •Bears and wolves on the beaches
  • •Boat access required for most breaks, no road access to outer coast

Local Tips

  • •The Tongass National Forest is the largest in the USA, the old-growth trees are extraordinary
  • •Local fishing guides are the best resource for accessing remote coastal areas
  • •Prince of Wales Island has a surprising amount of road access for exploration

Location

Map showing the location of Craig in Alaska, USA

55.4756, -133.1481