The suspense was excruciating.
The swell forecast looked strong for three to four days over the weekend but the flying forecast was marginal. For the first three days the clouds were hanging thick around the Kenai Mountains preventing us from flying through them to our favorite fly-out surfing paradise in the wilds of Alaska. The morning of the last promising day of the swell also brought some hope for a flight.
Finally, late Monday morning we had the opportunity to go for a day trip. Mike, Gart and I couldn’t talk anyone else into filling the empty fourth seat so there we were, just the three of us with head high to a couple feet overhead Petrof peelers all to ourselves. the surf was good all day long, but especially hot around mid tide this time. Below is a photo report captured between my sessions.

Mike McCune - gets of the bus after his commute over the mountains and glaciers to another day on the job.

Mike McCune surfing Petrof Glacier, Alaska

Mike McCune surfing Petrof Glacier, Alaska

Mike McCune surfing Petrof Glacier, Alaska

Mike McCune surfing Petrof Glacier, Alaska

Gartly Curtis surfing Petrof Glacier, Alaska

Snow covered mountain peaks peaking over a swell as Mike paddles out.

Mike McCune surfing Petrof Glacier, Alaska

Sitting around the campfire waiting for the plane when we could surf no more.

The flight home over the mountains and glaciers at sunset was stunning.
For those of you interested in joining us on one of these trips here are some answers to FAQs.
- Cost is usually around $150-$250 each for the flight.
- We can camp, but often the weather suggests that we best get in and out lest we get stranded for more days than planned.
- The swell is fairly predictable, but the flying weather is flaky which leaves us often waiting with packed bags. If you want to come from Anchorage or somewhere else I’d suggest just planning on being here waiting with us because when it’s time to go we usually only have a couple hours of notice.
- It’s a sweet right break that seems to hold up pretty well for anything from waist high to a few feet overhead on the faces. We haven’t seen it bigger but suspect it could handle it fine as well. It can be hollow and barrelling or just nice steep and fast depending on the shape of the bar that day and the swell/wind
There is a killer swell over there right now, bigger than we’ve seen, but it’s no fly weather so just enjoy the photos and get back to work . . .
OMG I cannot believe how beautiful that water is! Working an extra job now just for surfing money. I will make it at least once this summer!
great pics again scott. thanks. i’m jealous.
Beautiful pictures Scott. Sweating my ass off in Africa; what I would give to get smacked in the face by one of those cool refreshing head-high salty alsaskan gifts from god. Keep up the great work!
This are just beautiful! I’m from Alaska, but have been living in Hawaii and I’m learning to surf right now so I can surf in Alaska when I get back, hopefully go on one these trips with you guys. I was wondering though if you use wet or dry suits? And getting a surfboard there?
Aloha
Kaytlin
Great pictures Scott.
The 5th picture down of MIke should read…
“Mike McCune gets the washer machine treatment out at Petrof Glacier.”
Did you make it out of that barrel or what Mike?
Katylin, wet suits are a must. Dry suits are too buoyant and won’t work while surfing but are great for kiteboarding or kayaking. Getting a surfboard there is just a matter of putting it on the plane.
I meant, are there any good surf shops in Alaska to buy a board? Or would I be better off just bringing one back from here
Icy Waves has boards, if you already have one then I would just bring it up. Certain boards do work better in colder conditions so you might want to do a little research but I am sure you would be fine.
Looks great….weather/swell windows do not lend well to trip planning unfortunately for us non-Homer types. Appreciate the invitation though as this appears to be a special place.
Great photos!Looks like Alaska is the best place to be to relax and surf after tiring days at work
Hey, I was wondering if you guys are planning a trip in the beginning of July. I live in Seward and my brother is coming to visit me from Philly and would love to surf. He is already shipping his board up here. please let me know or any other spots I could take him on the road system or off. Thanks and great job on the photos.
Fantastic surf trip guys. I would love to do one of these one day…maybe when the kids are a little older. I think I would rather surf Alaska than another crowded lineup in Hawaii, I don’t care if the water is cold. I have to wear a fullsuit where I’m at anyway.
I love seeing the aerial views and fly-overs of the beaches and points!
[…] video was shot on a surf trip which I reported on in this post – Fly-out surfing Petrof Glacier. And you can see all the posts on SurfAlaska.net about this magical surf destination here – […]