Yes, it is possible to surf in Alaska! Along the Alaska coast there are countless surf spots. Most are in good condition. Access to many spots requires travel by boat or airplane.

Outside magazine named Yakutat, a town of 680 people northwest of Juneau, as one of the five best surf towns in America in its June 2005 issue. In its May 23, 2005 issue, Newsweek wrote a small profile on the town in an article headlined: "Travel: Surfing With Sea Otters." Both articles mentioned Icy Waves Surf Shop, run by the Endicott family since 1999.

"Have bush pilot Les Hartley drop you and your gear on one of countless unknown, unnamed and potentially perfect point breaks along the rugged coast," the magazine said.

Another article on surfing in the Yakutat area appeared in the October 2006 issue of Outside.

Yakutat is reportedly visited by about 100 non-Alaska surfers each summer. The best waves can usually be found from mid-April to mid-June, or mid-August to October 1.

The waves near Yakutat are also being evaluated as a potential source of energy.

Recognition by State

Although the state does take recreation (swimming, kayaking/canoeing, surf fishing, hiking, camping, boat fishing, hunting, berry picking, wildlife viewing) into consideration during coastal planning, Alaska does not recognize surfing as an economic, cultural, and recreational resource.

District coastal management plans have enforceable policies for recreation that proposed development activities must comply with. The policies tend to require measures that will minimize adverse impacts to identified recreation activities or resources. DNR area plans also include policies that address impacts on identified recreational values.

Under the Yakataga area plan one of the management intents is to protect or enhance conditions for dispersed recreation, particularly for hiking, wildlife viewing, surfing, and beachcombing. All activities will, to the extent feasible and prudent, avoid significant adverse impacts to recreation users.

Surfrider Foundation Chapters

Ten people attended an organizational meeting of Alaska's first chapter of the Surfrider Foundation Oct. 29, 2010 in Homer. The chapter's first official meeting Wednesday was March 2nd, 2011 at Captain’s Coffee in Homer, Alaska. Although not currently active as a Surfrider Foundation chapter, the organizers' goals remain to empower a growing base of engaged users by connecting the Alaska surfing community and promoting active and responsible use of the coastline; educating members and others about the conservation issues affecting the coastline of Alaska; and introducing opportunities for responsible use of the coastline through wave-riding. For more information see Surf Alaska's Facebook page or blog.