Alaska FAQ
Logistics & Packing
What kind of surfboard should I bring?
Bring one to two boards—whatever you’re comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. The waves will likely be on the smaller side, so something with volume, like a mid-length or longboard, is a good idea.
Where will surfboards be stored?
The crew will help us store our boards for our journey. They’ll be secured on top of the boat.
Can I rent a wetsuit, or should I bring my own?
You can rent a wetsuit from the boat or bring your own. A 5/4mm with booties and gloves is ideal. If you run warm, you might be able to get by in a brand-new 4/3mm, but booties and gloves are essential.
What gear should I bring?
- Dry bag or backpack (for shore trips on the paddle boards)
- Extra leash if you tend to break them
- Cold-water surf wax
- Seasickness medication (patch, pills, or wristbands)
- Layers you can re-wear (merino wool is a great option)
- Rain jacket
- Closed-toe shoes for hiking
- Comfortable shoes you can wear inside and outside on the boat
- Camera or phone for photos
- Binoculars (if you’re into wildlife spotting)
- Wool socks for warmth
- Headlamp – Helpful for moving around the boat at night without disturbing others.
- Book, journal, or notebook – There will be downtime on the boat, and it’s a great place to read or write.
- Towel or changing poncho
- Reusable water bottle – There are plenty of insulated mugs on board, but a water bottle is good for any land missions.
How much space do we have for luggage?
Each person can bring a surfboard bag, a suitcase, and a small backpack or personal item. We’ll store everything in the changing room, which stays warm and helps dry gear. It’s best to pack light, but more importantly, pack smart—bring clothes you can wear multiple times over the trip.
Surfing & Conditions
How cold is the water?
August is known for having the warmest water of the whole year. Expect temperatures in the mid-50s. It can drop into the 40s near river mouths or glaciers.
What if I get too cold while surfing?
You can paddle back to the boat anytime. There’s a ladder to climb up, and Captain Mike will show us how to get our boards on and off the boat. You can rinse off with warm water and change in the heated changing room.
Are there any hazards I should be aware of?
Like any surf trip, there are rocks, currents, and the need to manage your energy paddling back to the boat. We recommend wearing a leash. The captain will go over boat safety, and we’ll be using the buddy system while surfing.
Alaska has wildlife, including orcas and bears.
What happens if we don’t get good waves?
This is an adventure surf trip. We’re going to be in the wild, and conditions will change. Captain Mike has decades of experience finding surf, and we’ll move around to get the best conditions possible. That said, there will likely be some down days.
If that happens, we’ll explore the coastline, paddle to shore, check out glaciers, pick berries, and enjoy being in Alaska. There’s plenty to do, even when the surf isn’t working.
Will there be surf coaching or guided surf sessions?
No, there’s no surf coaching or guiding. This trip is for experienced surfers who are comfortable in the water. Sarah and Anna will be there to offer support, but this isn’t a structured coaching trip.
Life on The Milo
What’s the sleeping setup?
We’ll be sleeping in a bunk room in the bow of the boat. It has five narrow bunks with warm bedding provided. If you’re claustrophobic, this might not be the right trip for you. Otherwise, it’s cozy and dark, and most people sleep well down there.
Is there space to spread out and relax?
Yes! While the boat isn’t huge, there are comfortable places to hang out and get personal space when you need it.
- There are two enclosed lounge areas with comfy couches where you can stretch out, read a book, or listen to music.
- There are also open-air deck spaces where you can step outside, take in the fresh air, have a drink, or enjoy the view.
- The boat is designed for adventure, but it also has places to unwind between surf sessions.
What’s the bathroom and shower situation?
There’s a communal bathroom on board. For showers, there’s a warm outdoor rinse station on deck. Most of us will rinse off in our wetsuits or swimwear after surfing. There’s no indoor shower.
Where will wetsuits dry?
There’s a warm storage area below deck where wetsuits dry quickly between sessions.
Will there be Wi-Fi or cell service?
No. You’ll be fully offline for the trip, but we do have a satellite phone in case of emergencies.
Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is a possibility, especially during open water crossings. If you’re not sure, bring motion sickness medication.
Adventure & Exploration
Do I need experience with paddleboarding or hiking?
Not really. We’ll use paddleboards to get to shore, but we won’t be doing anything extreme. The hikes are more like exploring—no long or technical treks.
Is fishing gear provided?
Yes, but you’ll need to get an Alaska fishing license to legally catch fish.
Will we go on land and explore?
Yes. If the surf isn’t great, we’ll explore the coastline, watch salmon swim upstream, pick berries, and look for wildlife. The landscapes are incredible, and there’s plenty of time to experience them.
Safety & Emergencies
What happens if there’s a medical emergency?
The crew is trained in emergency response, and we have first aid and safety gear on board. That said, we’ll be far from hospitals, so common sense and travel insurance are required. If you have a medical condition that could require urgent care, this may not be the right trip for you.
