Three Mile (Kodiak Island)
- Longboard, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Three Mile (Kodiak Island) is a remote, rugged Alaskan beach break known for its very consistent surf on a sandy bottom, typically producing both left and right waves. It’s commonly described as working from small set sizes (around under 1m) and holding up to about 3m+ on better swell. Wave quality is generally rated as good to regional-classic, with fun peeling sand-bottom sections. Ride lengths are usually short (under 50m), but on good days sets can extend into the roughly 50–150m range. Many surfers also describe the setup as best when the tide and swell line up; sources conflict slightly on whether low/mid or rising/high tide is most favorable, so treat tide timing as an important variable. Wind is primarily described as frontal/low-pressure-driven with north winds being optimal. Typical wind ranges are about 10–25 knots, with a fair reliability. When the wind comes from the North/Northwest, it can groom the swell and improve cleanliness; conditions can deteriorate quickly during stormier weather or larger-swell days. Safety planning is crucial here: cold water is a year-round factor, and currents can be strong (including rip/cross-current risk during larger swells). The area is also prime Kodiak brown bear territory—plan for secure food storage and maintain situational awareness. With limited on-site services and a remote location, be prepared to be self-sufficient and to manage emergencies carefully.
- Very consistent (about 150 days per year cited)
- Sandy beach break with both left and right directions
- Works from sub-1m to 3m+ swell
- Bear territory—plan for wildlife safety and self-sufficiency
- Very consistent beach break with both lefts and rights on a sandy bottom
- Works from under 1m to over 3m swell
- Mostly uncrowded sessions (few surfers on weekends; often empty during weekdays)
- North winds can be favorable for cleaner surf conditions
- Cold water year-round with hypothermia risk without proper thermal protection
- Bear territory and remote access increase self-sufficiency requirements
- Currents can be significant (rip/cross-current risk, especially with larger swells)
- Rescue availability can be limited on-site
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW
- Offshore directions
- N, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal systems with north-facing offshore/grooming flow on better days.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Marked gusts are possible (site-level reliability described as fair).
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs and inland terrain can create near-shore turbulence.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe surf working from under 1m up to about 3m+; another listing characterizes typical as medium.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space; instant access with parking on sand.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — One listing says easy; another describes access/launch difficulty as moderate. Expect variability with conditions.
Through the year
Generally empty or with very few local surfers even on weekends.
Rain and storms are common from autumn through winter.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Occasionally used for foil boarding on small-wave, casual days.
Very consistent beach break with fun sand-bottom sections; breaks both left and right.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.3–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Some sources emphasize low/mid and rising tide; another set favors high. Plan to check tide closely.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Shelter varies by swell/wind setup; one description characterizes the spot as semi-sheltered while another calls it exposed—expect change with conditions.
- Wind Effect
- North winds are described as favorable; offshore winds from the North/Northwest can groom the swell for cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold size up to around 3m, but storms/large conditions can become out of control and conditions may get heavy with strong currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Often described as a regional classic with consistently fun quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power; can hold and get heavy as currents build.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling sand-bottom beach break.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Peeling sections; other descriptions note medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typical rides are short, with longer sessions possible on good days.
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length short (<50m); on good days rides commonly extend into the 50–150m range (with up to ~100m noted).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Three Mile (Kodiak Island) in the full forecast view.
Three Mile (Kodiak Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–14 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- SSW204°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2814 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.7 m8s period
- Temperature
- 3–11 °C
Over the next 7 days, Three Mile (Kodiak Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.6–1.7 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Significant cross current / strong rip currents possible during large swells
- Cold water (hypothermia risk)
- Kodiak brown bears (remote, bear territory)
- Remote location / limited rescue on the water
- Rocks and reef patches in certain areas
- Creeks flowing into the ocean
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Site-level sources indicate limited rescue availability; regional baseline notes strong national search-and-rescue capability from Kodiak-area services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Kodiak (about a one-hour drive). Emergency services are available via 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism/access friction indicated.
Rules of the spot
No specific local regulations beyond standard etiquette.
- Best for small waves and casual surf; surf near creeks where they flow into the ocean for better setups.
- Bear area: store food securely and stay aware of your surroundings.
- In colder conditions, prioritize full thermal protection and manage fatigue carefully.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kodiak
- Nearest Town
- Kodiak
- Nearest Airport
- Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport (ADQ)
- Parking
- Parking on the sand; unpaved parking areas near access points are indicated.
- Public Transport
- extremely limited; a rental vehicle is essential for accessing beaches
- Access
- Drive southeast out of Kodiak for about 1 hour; pass Pasagshak and you'll see the big beach. Instant access (<5 min walk) with parking on the sand/unpaved access areas.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is common in the area; otherwise lodging is in Kodiak.
- Food & Drink
- None at the beach; bring all supplies from Kodiak.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited availability; better to bring your own gear.
- Gear Storage
- None indicated.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized repair indicated.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tourism in the wider Kodiak area centers on wilderness experiences—wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and photography in a rugged Alaskan setting.
Vast wilderness area covering two-thirds of the island, home to Kodiak brown bears.
Guided tours to observe Kodiak brown bears in their natural habitat.
Local brewery offering a variety of craft beers in central Kodiak.
Historic WWII ruins, scenic hiking trails, and tide pooling opportunities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Three Mile (Kodiak Island)?
The best overall months at Three Mile (Kodiak Island) are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Three Mile (Kodiak Island)?
Three Mile (Kodiak Island) works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.
What skill level is Three Mile (Kodiak Island) suitable for?
Three Mile (Kodiak Island) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.