Overview :: eXtreme Surfing Adventure
Kruzof Island
Join us on our seven-day eXtreme Surfing Adventure, and surf pristine and uncrowded waves on the Gulf of Alaska. This adventure starts in Sitka, and focuses on several breaks near Sea Lion Cove on Kruzof Island. Depending upon wind and swell direction, there are rights, lefts, point and beach breaks. You’ll surf under the shadow of the extinct volcano Mt. Edgecomb, with one of the most dramatic backdrops in the world. Exploration adventures are possible, where we'll search for undiscovered and unridden waves aboard the Kirsten Anne, a luxurious 49' sailboat operated by our captain Neil Nickerson, and Alaska Sailing Charters. Big waves can be expected during our April and October dates, but other dates and lessons can be arranged for summer fun.
Sitka, Alaska
Sitka, Alaska
Seven days
80 miles
see 2012 Schedule
- . Private Queen Berth, Private Head with Shower.
- . Shared V-Berth (two single beds), Shared Head.
- . Vertical Berth (small bunk bed), Shared Head.
Surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, surf kayaking, sailing, whale watching, wildlife observation, sea kayaking, hiking.
Uncrowded waves, whale watching, sea otters, observing bears on the beach, photography, viewing fantastic scenery, wilderness solitude, hiking through true wilderness.
Please contact us for more information about this sailing adventure!
We require a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost at time of booking. The full balance is due 30 days prior to the trip departure date.
Please be sure to buy trip insurance at the time of your booking. Due to the limited operating season in Alaska (plus the fact that the majority of our trips are planned and booked well in advance), we strictly adhere to the following cancellation/refund policy:
- Cancellation 60 days or more prior to scheduled departure: We will refund 50% of the initial deposit (equivalent to 25% of total trip cost)
- Cancellation 30-59 days prior to scheduled departure: Forfeiture of initial deposit.
- Cancellation 1-29 days prior to departure: Forfeiture of entire trip cost.
Trip Itinerary
The Outer Coast
While we have a carefully planned schedule, each trip may differ slightly, depending upon wind and tides, weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the goals of participants. Plan to arrive in Sitka, Alaska on a regularly scheduled Alaska Airlines flight, on the day prior to our trip departure. You will have the afternoon and evening free, to explore the sights in Sitka! We will provide you with a list of lodges, including the Westmark Sitka.
Day 1: A long and exciting day awaits us. After an early breakfast (on your own), passengers are invited to come aboard the Kirsten Anne at 8:00 a.m. The crew will familiarize you with your quarters, and show you where to stow your gear.
Soon we're underway, cruising through Hayward Straights and Salisbury Sound, and in mid-afternoon we arrive at Kalinin Bay, on Kruzof Island. As we navigate the narrow entrance to the bay, a groups of playful sea otters often paddle slowly past us. We’ll discover pristine Alaskan wilderness on Kruzof Island. Our first stop will be at Iris Meadows estuary. The meadow is full of Alaska’s beautiful vegetation and wild flowers, and is a great place to look for brown bears and sitka black-tail dee. We’ll observe whale spouts and sea otters in the distance, and view a rushing river where salmon can be seen during spawning season. The trail to Sea Lion Cove is a 1.25 mile hike through forest and muskeg, to a lovely white sand beach. The cove is on the Pacific Ocean, and big waves are always breaking. Locals come to here to ride the extreme surf of the outer coast. But it’s also a wonderful for beach coming, hiking, photography, relaxing in the sand, or just simply taking in the views.
Our inflatable skiff will provide access to the bay, and can ferry us to shore, where we will observe spruce and hemlock old growth forests. Experienced kayakers can explore the area by kayak. Harbor Seals will keep a close eye on us as we quietly paddle by.
From our protected anchorage at Kalinin Bay, we’ll explore Kruzof Island for the entire day. Working our way around the island, we’ll explore the coves, points and waterfalls which ring the northern part of the island. Majestic Mt. Edgecomb looms in the distance, a beautiful dormant volcano. The size and beauty of Mt. Edgecomb is mesmerizing. Dinner will be aboard the Kirsten Anne, and our evening anchorage gives us the opportunity to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Alaska.
Kruzof Island
Day 2-6: After an early breakfast and our daily orientation, Kirsten Anne is underway in the early morning hours into the Gulf of Alaska. Along the way we will be alert for gray whale, humpback whale, and Orca sightings. We are bound for an area nears the beautiful beach at Sea Lion Cove, on the outer coast of Kruzof Island. Every day, we'll look for several breaks which form on the outer coast. Depending upon wind and swell direction, there are rights, lefts, point and beach breaks. We’ll surf under the shadow of the extinct volcano Mt. Edgecomb, with one of the most dramatic backdrops in the world. Exploration adventures are possible, where we'll search for undiscovered and unridden waves.
Optional excursions to visit the scenic wonders in the area abound. Big Bear Bay and Baby Bear Bay are designated as State Marine Parks, and are located near Peril Straits, about thirty-five miles north of Sitka. Attractions include a protected anchorage, with opportunities for camping, hunting, and fishing. Halibut Point State Recreation Site is four miles north of Sitka, and is a popular recreation area. A short hiking trail provides an opportunity to walk through the coastal spruce and hemlock forest. The ocean beach offers people a chance to beach comb and explore the intertidal zone. Magoun Islands State Marine Park is located near Krestof Sound, approximately twelve miles northwest of Sitka. Attractions at this marine park include protected island sheltered bays. with opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, exploring, and beach combing.
At the end of each long day, we're back aboard the Kirsten Anne, cruising into Kalinin Bay, where the sounds of crashing waves, breathing whalesand screeching eagles drift in, across the evening calm. Beautiful, remote and protected from outer waters, Kalinin Bay is pristine and serene. We'll take in the magnificent vistas, enojoy a great meal of fresh Alaskan seafood, and share stories of each day's adventure.
The Outer Coast
Day 7: After breakfast, we plan to sail quietly into the protected waters of Olga and Neva Straits. Today we'll return to the downtown marina in Sitka. Along the way, we’ll see the delightful puffins at St. Lazaria Island, and watch humpback whales and mischievous sea otters – right in Sitka Harbor.
In the early afternoon, we’ll arrive in Sitka, the former capital of Alaska in the 1800's. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water's edge, Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town. The scenic community is nestled between forested mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, on the outer waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Sitka offers an unparalleled combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness.
There's plenty to see and do around Sitka. You'll want to visit the Alaskan Raptor Center, for a close encounter with the local wildlife. The Center does great work rehabilitating injured birds of prey, especially bald eagles, and then retrains them to return to the wild. The flight training center includes a huge indoor coastal rainforest, long enough and tall enough for rehabilitating eagles to relearn their flying skills without leaving the facility. If you like fishing, bring your fishing tackle, because Sitka boasts the highest saltwater sport-fishing catch rate for king salmon in the nation. Novice or expert, you can be guaranteed a first-class fish story! Fishing is best from June through August, and commonly hooked fish include king salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon, halibut and ling cod. Licenses are required, and can be obtained at one of the sporting goods stores in Sitka.
National Park Service provides guided tours of the restored Russian Bishop's House, one of the few surviving examples of the Russian colonial architecture in North America. The National Historical Park includes details of Battle of Alaska in 1804 between the Tlingits and Russian colonists. The Park was established in 1910, as a place to also display totem poles. In the center of the 106-acre park a 35-foot totem pole marks the original Tlingit Kiksadi Fort. The Park also has an interpretive and visitors center, where Native artists design red alder bowls, helmets, silver and gold jewelry, and weave the threads of a raven blanket. The Totem Pole Park is a lovely one mile trail with carved poles standing amongst the Sitka spruce and Western hemlock. The Visitor Center has a substantial collection of Tlingit art and artifacts.
In the early evening, join us in the lobby of the Westmark Sitka. You'll be able to catch an Alaska Ariline flight tomorrow from Sitka, with connections to Juneau or Seattle.
If you need additional information about this trip, please contact us.
