An Alaskan Adventure with Anna

December 31, 2021

Photos: Sarah Lee

The northwestern corner of Canada was our destination. Our largest state, Alaska, reaches out towards Russia with a handful of islands swimming distance to the Kamchatka Peninsula of eastern Russia. Some of those Islands have been explored for fishing, birding, military outposts and native people. Surfing, though, is relatively new in Alaskan waters, somewhat coinciding with the invention of good wetsuits. Funny how that works.

The first half of our week-long surf trip aboard Milo, a 58ft converted fishing vessel, we surfed waves that undoubtedly never been surfed before. Coming in February meant a decent amount of winter swell in the water, giving us ample opportunities to surf around every nook and cranny.

Nothing world class, but exceptionally cool getting to scope out surf spots from out at sea and name them whatever comes to mind. "Barabara" was a chunky right that breaks alongside a steep cliff. We named it after the tuft of high grass growing atop the cliffs that looked like the partially underground shelters built and named by the Aleut tribe who inhabited the Aleutian Islands.

Some spots were better than others. As we neared Seward, we scored some unbelievable waves. Cobblestone A-Frames that reminded us of the cold water cousin of Lowers. Left point breaks that'd give Malibu's mirror image a run for its money, etc.

All while aboard the most insane boat I'd ever been on. We slept below deck in the bunks just passed the engine room with a roaring noise that lulled us into deep sleep every night. Despite the bitter cold and the need to restock food and gas, it was one of those trips you never want to end. If I was captain, I might never have returned.

Thank you to Alaska Surf Guides for keeping us safe, stoked and scoring on this Alaskan Adventure.

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