Sandy beaches. A shoreline 30 times the size of California’s. Great breaks. Snowcapped mountains. Frolicking seals. Alaska is primed for a surfing Renaissance. Good thing you consider yourself a Renaissance surfer. Here’s how to tackle the final frontier...
The slightest tear in your wetsuit could mean almost-instant hypothermia. Thus, probably best to let a retired US Coast Guard/surf tour operator teach you things like signaling, mental mapping and water-treading technique before you just plunge into 50-degree waters like you’re frolicking in Costa Rica.
There’s a tidal wave coming (see: Bore Tide, July 2 to 6). So if you’re planning to ride the six-foot swell in its wake, you’d better have these guys shadow you by car along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet for good measure. (Or: simply drop you off on a remote island by bush plane. See how you feel.)
Before conquering the state’s roughest surf in Yakutat, drop by this shop and rent a special board they’ve invented in-house called the “Yakutat Model.” It’s built bigger and more buoyant for safer riding. And by safer, we mean more aggressive and flashier.
When you’re finally ready to establish your own mini-society of Alaska surf bums—plus a solid salmon-hunting base for the week—rent one of nine wood-stove-heated cabins throughout Kodiak Island, courtesy of the National Wildlife Refuge. Air mattress: strongly recommended.
Having a grizzled sea captain and local surf guide aboard your vessel is the key for maximizing wave diversity here for a week (or afternoon) on the Prince William Sound. The key to maximizing salmon-dish diversity: a good personal chef. Feel free to include them all.
