The Surf Window

Yakutat

Alaska, USA

Beach breakAdvanced

A tiny Alaska panhandle town accessible only by air or sea, Yakutat is North America's most remote surf destination, empty point breaks and beach break in front of retreating glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–4m at 14–20s

Wind

NE

Light to N under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Aug–Nov for best combination of swell and daylight

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand and gravel

Shape

Long beach with multiple peaks, occasional point break

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert surfers
  • •Why: The cold, remote, and powerful conditions are among the most demanding in North America

Hazards

  • •Water temperature 4–7°C, hypothermia without proper gear
  • •Brown bears regularly walk the beach
  • •No surf shops or repair facilities anywhere near

Local Tips

  • •Icy Waves is the local surf shop, the first and only in Alaska
  • •The Hubbard Glacier and Russell Fiord nearby make this a once-in-a-lifetime adventure destination
  • •Bring all gear and backup equipment, there is no resupply

Location

Map showing the location of Yakutat in Alaska, USA

59.5520, -139.7326