Ashdod Hshover
- Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ashdod Hshover is a river-mouth surf break near Ashdod Port known for long, peeling right-hand waves that run along the breakwater. Winter is widely considered the best time of year for consistent surfing conditions, with the setup benefiting from offshore east-southeast winds and a favorable west swell angle. The breakwater plays a major role in wave quality: it helps shield the peak from north and north-west winds that can otherwise make conditions messy on more open coastline. With the right swell, surfers report rides that can stretch to around 50–100 meters, and the wave is described as peeling and moderately powerful rather than chaotic. Safety is important here due to the nearby Lachish stream mouth and the port/breakwater environment. After heavy rainfall, the stream mouth area can be contaminated—avoid the water for 48–72 hours—and expect sharp rocks along the breakwater plus stronger currents near the jetty, especially during larger winter swells. Conditions can also get busy during peak swells, and local etiquette often prioritizes the breakwater-side peak. For planning, note that the spot is best with west (and often west to north-west) swell directions, while east/south-east winds tend to groom the waves. Lifeguards are generally seasonal (April–October), and rescue support is described as limited outside declared bathing conditions—so it’s wise to paddle smart, avoid the no-go port shipping lanes, and check local water quality after the first winter rains.
- Long right-hand peeling waves off the port breakwater.
- Winter-focused: most consistent season for surf quality.
- Breakwater protection improves wave cleanliness during NW wind conditions.
- Very small tide range means swell/wind setup matters more than tidal change.
- Long, peeling right-hand waves alongside the port breakwater.
- Winter is typically the most consistent season for surfing.
- Breakwater protection can keep conditions cleaner than more exposed beaches during NW wind periods.
- Minimal seasonal tidal impact (very small tidal range).
- Pollution risk near the Lachish stream mouth after heavy rainfall (avoid for 48–72 hours).
- Sharp breakwater rocks and strong currents near the jetty/breakwater during larger swells.
- Can become crowded during peak swells.
- Seasonal lifeguard coverage.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, SE, E
- Offshore directions
- ESE, SE
- No-go directions
- N, NW, NNW, NNE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Offshore east-southeast winds in winter; wind suitability improves when the breakwater protects the peak from NW winds.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on winter storm systems for better surf.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- The port breakwater provides significant protection from north and north-west winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach launch with plenty of space.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
High during winter swells and summer weekends.
November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not a primary kitesurfing setup due to the port/breakwater environment, but it can be possible in certain conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Occasionally used for wave sailing during winter storms; other Ashdod beaches may be more common depending on conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Foilable in lighter wind conditions, though surfers typically occupy the best peak by the breakwater.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A reasonably exposed river break near Ashdod Port, best with a west swell and offshore east-southeast winds. Favors right-hand waves alongside the breakwater.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Breakwater protection improves wave cleanliness compared with more open beaches during NW wind conditions.
- Wind Effect
- East/South-East winds tend to groom the waves; north to north-west winds are blocked by the breakwater.
- Bigger Swell
- The setup handles larger swells better than open beaches due to breakwater protection.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Long, peeling right-hand waves off the port/breakwater area.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer rides up to about 100 meters on good winter swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Reports indicate rides around 50–100 meters on good winter swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ashdod Hshover in the full forecast view.
Ashdod Hshover wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- WNW302°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.6 m5s period
- Temperature
- 18–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ashdod Hshover 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
- Pollution from the nearby Lachish stream mouth after heavy rainfall (avoid for 48–72 hours after heavy rain).
- Sharp rocks along the breakwater.
- Strong currents near the jetty/breakwater area (especially on larger winter swells).
- Potential debris from the nearby stream mouth.
- Crowded conditions during peak swells.
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Professional lifeguards are provided at declared bathing beaches during the official bathing season (April–October).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Outside official bathing hours/months, offshore emergencies may be handled primarily by national marine services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility: Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local surfing hierarchy tends to prioritize the breakwater-side peak.
Rules of the spot
Priority is usually given to those closest to the breakwater; respect local hierarchy. Avoid port shipping lanes—do not surf within designated port shipping lanes.
- No surfing within designated port shipping lanes.
- Swimming may be prohibited during high pollution alerts.
- Check water quality after the first rains of winter; contamination risk is higher immediately after heavy rain.
- Park at the northern end of the beach for the shortest walk to the breakwater.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ashdod
- Nearest Town
- Ashdod
- Nearest Airport
- Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
- Parking
- Large public parking lot available near the beach entrance.
- Public Transport
- Ashdod is well-connected via Israel Railways plus frequent bus services from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; local buses/taxis also serve the coastline.
- Access
- Easily accessible by car via the Ashdod coastal road; the spot is located at the northernmost point of the public beach area.
- Local Language
- Hebrew
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and apartments available within Ashdod city center.
- Food & Drink
- Several beach bars and restaurants are located within walking distance of the surf break.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at local surf clubs along the Ashdod promenade.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some local surf schools for members.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can be handled by local surf shops in the city.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ashdod is a modern port city with urban leisure by the sea and accessible local history.
A large waterfront park with a musical fountain, playgrounds, and walking paths.
The world’s only museum dedicated to Philistine culture, with archaeological insights into regional history.
The highest point in the city with panoramic views of the port and coastline.
A vibrant promenade lined with diverse restaurants, including Mediterranean seafood and international cuisine.
A scenic river park with an animal corner and shaded picnic areas.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ashdod Hshover?
The best overall months at Ashdod Hshover are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Ashdod Hshover?
Ashdod Hshover works with ESE, SE, E winds. Offshore directions are ESE, SE. No-go directions are N, NW, NNW, NNE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ashdod Hshover?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ashdod Hshover: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 5–15 kts.
What skill level is Ashdod Hshover suitable for?
Ashdod Hshover suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.