Fossil Beach surf guide

Fossil Beach is a black sand beach located about a 50-minute drive from Kodiak City. It's known for its consistent waves, making it a popular spot for surfers on the island. The beach has a pretty laid-back vibe, and you can often see bison grazing nearby as you get ready to hit the waves. If you’re looking for a place to surf away from the crowds, this might be a good option, but keep in mind it doesn’t always have the best conditions.

The surf at Fossil Beach works best with a west swell direction. It can handle swell sizes from 1 ft (0.3 m) and up, pulling in waves that break over both boulders and sand. You’ll find both left and right-breaking waves here, which is nice for variety. The peaks can get a bit sucky at times, but they usually mellow out, providing fun rides for longboarders, especially during moderate swells. The preferable wind direction is from the east, and you can surf all tide heights—low, mid, or high. Beginners will also feel comfortable here, as the waves aren't too intimidating most of the time.

At either end of the beach, there are some boulder reefs that can get pretty good when the swells come in moderately. If you venture north from Fossil Beach, you’ll encounter 3 Mile, an open beachbreak that’s also worth a look. Just be aware that conditions can change, and it can get blown out if it’s too big, so keep an eye on the forecast before heading out.