Three Mile (Kodiak Island)

WingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing longboardSurfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
42–52 °C
Water Temperature
-3–16 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm or 6/5mm year-round (hooded) with boots and gloves + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Generally empty or with very few local surfers even on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain and storms are common from autumn through winter.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WingfoilingSkill Level

Occasionally used for foil boarding on small-wave, casual days.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Very consistent beach break with fun sand-bottom sections; breaks both left and right.

Beach break
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).
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHoodBootsGlovesLeash

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Tourism in the wider Kodiak area centers on wilderness experiences—wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and photography in a rugged Alaskan setting.

Best time to visit: June through September for mildest weather and peak wildlife viewing.
Kodiak National Wildlife RefugeVariable

Vast wilderness area covering two-thirds of the island, home to Kodiak brown bears.

Bear Viewing ToursVariable

Guided tours to observe Kodiak brown bears in their natural habitat.

Kodiak Island Brewing Co7 km

Local brewery offering a variety of craft beers in central Kodiak.

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park12 km

Historic WWII ruins, scenic hiking trails, and tide pooling opportunities.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.