Overview
Shoals Reef/Wall is the premier wave among the southern reefbreaks off South Kruzof Island, reached by boat about 30 minutes from town. It's an offshore lava reef, primarily a right-hander that breaks over uneven rock.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from south through west and comes alive best on a south (S) swell, though a west swell will also break. It's usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft, holding size right up to the top of that range on the biggest days. Surf here can be somewhat inconsistent, so it pays to time a trip to a solid south swell.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind, which lets the reef hold size when it gets big. It's an exposed setup that blows out easily, so glassy or light north conditions are the call. The wave works on low and mid tide, with mid tide the best of the two and a rising tide generally the better window.
Local Tips
This is an expert-level wave, and the lineup stays fairly quiet when it's breaking.
Access
Getting out here means joining the surf shop's boat trips, which handle the crossing to the island.
