Three reef peaks breaking off a lava rock island near Sitka, Low Island delivers punchy, rideable surf when a medium SW swell fills in across Southeast Alaska's exposed outer coast. It works best at 2-8ft on S to SW swell, going offshore in NW to NE winds, and runs on all tides without much drama. Intermediate surfers are the target audience here, and with no parking or facilities on site, the crowd usually thins to near-zero. Getting out requires a boat, which keeps the lineups genuinely quiet on most swells. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: fall through winter. Consistency: medium. Come prepared with everything you need, because once you're out there, the nearest help is a boat ride away, and Alaska's cold water demands a quality thick wetsuit no matter the month.
No parking, no facilities, and boat-access-only means Low Island sees very little traffic. The surfers who make it out here tend to be self-sufficient and experienced in remote settings. Localism is effectively a non-issue, but boat logistics naturally ration the lineup. Respect the effort others have made to get here.
Boat access only. There are no facilities, no parking, and no beach infrastructure of any kind. Sitka is the main hub for organizing a trip. Water temperatures in Southeast Alaska run cold year-round, typically 7-12°C, so a 5/4 wetsuit with hood, gloves, and booties is essential. Pack food, water, and emergency supplies. Lava reef hazards are real on wipeouts.
Shoals Point operates on similar conditions and is more consistent but becomes dangerous in bigger swell. Red Tree Reef handles larger SW swells if Low Island is too small. Kai's Place offers a rocky left option when the swell angle suits west-facing breaks.
Forecast by Windy.app
