Most surfers dream of warm water, tropical reefs, and palm-lined coastlines.
Blair Conklin headed in the opposite direction.
In his latest vlog, the world champ skimboarder and surf adventurer traveled deep into the wilds of Alaska, chasing waves in one of the coldest and harshest surf environments on Earth. Water temps hovered around 3°C (37°F), requiring serious cold-water gear, and a grit to face conditions that would send most surfers running for warmer latitudes.
But for Conklin, that’s part of the appeal.
The video documents a journey through Alaska’s rugged coastline, where towering mountains plunge directly into the sea and wildlife encounters are as common as surf sessions. At one point during the trip, Conklin and the crew even came across a bear roaming the shoreline—a reminder that in Alaska, the dangers don’t end when you paddle in.
The ocean itself is equally intimidating.
The Gulf of Alaska is notorious for producing enormous swells generated by powerful North Pacific storms. During major events, wave heights in offshore waters can exceed 50 feet, creating a raw and unpredictable environment unlike almost anywhere else in North America.
Despite the harsh conditions, Conklin remained characteristically enthusiastic throughout the adventure.
Related: ’30ft Tidal Wave’: Surfers Ride Rare Phenomenon in Alaska (Video)
The vlog showcases snow-covered peaks, floating ice, frigid surf sessions, and long stretches of wilderness where human civilization feels very far away. It’s the type of trip that perfectly aligns with Conklin’s approach to wave riding: finding unusual waves in unlikely places and having fun along the way.
The Alaska mission also continues a trend that has made his YouTube channel one of surfing’s most entertaining destinations. Whether he’s skimboarding shorebreak, surfing novelty waves, or exploring remote corners of the globe, Conklin consistently gravitates toward experiences rather than traditional surf scores.
For most surfers, 37-degree water and bears on the beach would be reason enough to stay home; for Conklin, it was apparently enough reason to buy a plane ticket.
And as the latest vlog makes clear, some of surfing’s best adventures happen far from the tropics.
This is just the first in a three-part series; stay tuned for more Alaskan adventures.
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