Al Gal
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Al Gal is an exposed sandbar/beach break in Bat Yam, known for fairly consistent surf that tends to peak seasonally. The spot is sandy and generally offers straightforward entry, which helps support lessons and training programs. Overall conditions are commonly described as usable for a broad range of sessions, with a beach-break character and multiple potential peaks along the shoreline. Surf quality is often characterized as reasonably consistent, with peeling wave shapes reported and an overall wave power described as moderate. One dataset notes better performance with West to Northwest swells, while wind tends to be more helpful for shaping than determining whether the waves show up—sources emphasize that Mediterranean swell is the main driver. There is also a warning that on larger swells (around or above 2 meters) the wave face can close out. Wind at the coast follows a seasonal pattern: summer brings afternoon sea breezes, while winter can bring stronger systems. East winds are described as tending to groom waves, whereas West winds can make conditions choppier at the break. Wind speed ranges are reported in the low-to-moderate knot range, but reliability is described as only moderate for surfing, reinforcing the idea that swell management matters most. Safety at Al Gal centers on rip current risk, crowding, and hazards near the stone jetties/breakwaters. Rules prioritize swimmers in designated swimming zones, and surfing is restricted to the permitted surf area during lifeguard hours. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal and rescue availability as limited; the local emergency guidance points to contacting emergency services and using nearby major medical facilities if needed.
- Exposed sandbar beach break with reasonably consistent surf
- Accessible sandy entry and easy launch
- Works well with West/Northwest swell
- Seasonal improvement in winter or summer depending on the dataset; generally the spot is most consistently surfable in peak seasons
- Popular and well-known exposed beach break with reasonably consistent surf
- Accessible sandy launch/entry and easy self-launch
- Works across a range of swell sizes; peaks seasonally
- Local surf schools and rentals are available right on/near the beach area
- Surf can get crowded, especially weekends and summer holidays
- Rip currents are possible
- Stone jetties/breakwaters and submerged rocks add hazard near structures
- Wind reliability is only moderate for surfing; swell is the main driver
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE, ESE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Sources describe an offshore-from-the-east pattern (offshore winds from the East) and strong Mediterranean/frontal winds in winter.
- Reliability
- Moderate; surfing relies more on Mediterranean swell than local wind.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Some protection provided by jetties depending on swell angle.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Wave size varies by swell; typical working window is described with small-to-medium conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample room for surfers to enter the water
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy self-launch
Through the year
Very crowded on weekends and summer holidays; quieter during winter weekdays.
Rainy season occurs between November and March; winter swells can coincide with stronger conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Occasionally used during winter storms; primarily a surfing beach.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Sandy bottom and medium depth make it accessible, but surf crowds can make foiling difficult near the break.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed sandbar/beach break with reasonably consistent surf; can handle various swell sizes. Training ground with relatively consistent waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break; stone jetties/breakwaters to the north and south provide limited local variation.
- Wind Effect
- East winds groom the waves; West winds create choppy conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swells exceed 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — One source rates wave quality as good; another as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — One source also describes reasonably consistent, exposed sandbar surf.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Short-to-medium waves with multiple peaks along the beach.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves tend to be short to medium length, offering multiple peaks along the beach.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Al Gal in the full forecast view.
Al Gal wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- WNW301°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.6 m5s period
- Temperature
- 19–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Al Gal is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.3–1.6 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rip currents
- Crowded lineups
- Stone jetties
- Submerged rocks near breakwaters
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are reported as seasonal; professional lifeguards are active during the official swimming season (typically April to October).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited; marine rescue support is mentioned via national coast guard and local police units.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital noted: Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. Emergency numbers: 101 (medical/ambulance) and 100 (police).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — One source indicates localism level is none; another describes mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Priority is given to swimmers in designated swimming zones; surfing is restricted to the designated surf beach area. No motorized watercraft.
- No surfing in swimming-only zones during lifeguard hours
- No motorized watercraft
- Respect the local surf schools and their students.
- Winter mornings often provide the cleanest offshore conditions.
- The northern end near the jetty can offer a more defined peak.
- Summer is the best time of year for surf conditions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Bat Yam
- Nearest Town
- Bat Yam
- Parking
- Available near the beach
- Access
- Direct beach access from Bat Yam
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Hebrew
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and vacation rentals are available within walking distance in Bat Yam.
- Food & Drink
- Nearby beach bars and restaurants are located along the Bat Yam promenade.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available at the local surf club located on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Lockers are available at the surf club for members and students.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs are offered by local shops in the Bat Yam and Jaffa area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Central Bat Yam waterfront with quick access to Tel Aviv and nearby sightseeing areas; visitors can combine sessions with promenade life and short trips along the coast.
Modern beachfront walkway and recreational areas with cafes and parks.
Historic port city area with galleries, cobblestone streets, and a famous flea market.
Coastal cycling paths connecting Bat Yam toward North Tel Aviv.
Casual beachfront dining options serving Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine.
Large park in nearby Holon with museums and lake-related activities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Al Gal?
The best overall months at Al Gal are November, December, January, February, May, June, July, August, September, October, March. The best wind months are January, February, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Al Gal?
Al Gal works with E, NE, ESE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, NE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Al Gal?
Recommended equipment sizes at Al Gal: Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 5–15 kts.
What skill level is Al Gal suitable for?
Al Gal suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.