The Surf Window

Kodiak Island

Alaska, USA

Beach breakAdvanced

Alaska's Emerald Isle delivers world-class cold-water reef and beach breaks on a remote island where grizzly bears outnumber surfers and the scenery makes every session feel like surfing at the edge of the earth.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–NW 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Apr for consistent North Pacific groundswells

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Rock and sand

Shape

Various, reef peaks and beach break depending on location

Length

50–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert surfers
  • •Why: Extreme cold, remote location, and powerful swells demand full self-sufficiency

Hazards

  • •Water temperature 4–8°C, requires 6mm hooded wetsuit, gloves, and boots
  • •Brown bears frequent the beaches, carry bear spray
  • •Very remote, emergency assistance is hours away

Local Tips

  • •The small local surf community is incredibly welcoming to respectful visitors
  • •A dry suit or 6/5/4mm with hood, gloves, and boots is the minimum, hypothermia risk is real
  • •Combine with fishing charters or wildlife tours, the wildlife is extraordinary

Location

Map showing the location of Kodiak Island in Alaska, USA

57.7900, -152.4072