Ashkelon (Ashkelon)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ashkelon is a low-profile, rarely crowded Mediterranean beach area where setup is generally straightforward thanks to long, wide sandy beaches. For surfing specifically, the spot is described as a fairly exposed sandbar break that can be hit-or-miss, with conditions that do not work very often. When it does work, surfing is associated with sandbar/bathymetry changes that can produce peaks breaking both left and right at all tide stages. Waves are described as waist to shoulder-high (when within the working window), with a short, punchy ride character over shifting sandbars, and wave quality characterized as average. Wind patterns vary seasonally: summer conditions are associated with reliable afternoon thermal/sea-breeze winds, while winter can bring more storm-driven/fronts. Wind is generally described as moderate overall, with light gusts; thermal winds build from early afternoon into late afternoon. Safety considerations are important near the marina and coastal infrastructure. Hazards noted include breakwaters and groynes, occasional rip currents, submerged rocks near the marina, and jellyfish during June and July. Rescue availability is limited, lifeguards are seasonal, and water sports zones may be separated from swimming areas during summer—so always check local signage and current conditions before entering the water.
- Rarely crowded riding conditions compared with the wider region
- Afternoon thermal/sea-breeze wind builds seasonally for wind and foil sports
- Sandbar-created peaks can offer both left- and right-breaking surfing (when working)
- Long, wide beaches provide space for gear prep and entry
- Long, wide sandy beaches make setup and launching easy.
- Summer sea-breeze/thermal winds develop reliably in the afternoon for wind sports.
- Surfing can feature sandbar-created peaks that can produce both left- and right-breaking waves at all tide stages (when the spot is working).
- Surf (sandbar) does not work very often; conditions are described as inconsistent.
- Winter storm/frontal vs summer thermal patterns mean conditions vary by season.
- Rips and hazards can occur near man-made structures (breakwaters/groynes/marina area).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, SSE, SE, SW, W, NW, N
- Offshore directions
- E, S, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze winds; also described as thermal and frontal depending on season.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gusts described as light.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Surf/wave size described as small to medium depending on source; surfing notes commonly indicate small-to-waist/shoulder-high waves.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Wind can create chop; generally associated with chop in the water.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beaches provide ample space for preparing gear and entering the water.
Through the year
Beaches can be very crowded with swimmers in summer, while surf spots are described as rarely overcrowded.
Rainy season occurs between November and March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A popular spot for local kiters during winter storms and summer afternoon winds. The sandy beach offers launching that suits riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and bump-and-jump conditions; breakwaters can provide some protection from chop.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Open sandy sections are foil-friendly; stay clear of breakwaters.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are described, with attention needed around breakwaters.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters beyond the shore break
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A fairly exposed sandbar break that does not work very often, with sandbars creating multiple peaks at different tide stages. When it works, waves can break left and right and typically produce short, punchy rides over shifting sandbars.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works at all tide stages.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Also described as exposed; breakwaters can provide some protection in sections.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the East and Southeast groom the waves; Northwest winds create chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells; breakwaters help maintain shape in some sections.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave shape described for surfing conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves with medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, punchy rides; also described as breaking over shifting sandbars.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–70 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves typically offer short, punchy rides over shifting sandbars; left/right breaking noted for the sandbar peak.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ashkelon (Ashkelon) in the full forecast view.
Ashkelon (Ashkelon) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NW315°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2912 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.5 m5s period
- Temperature
- 19–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ashkelon (Ashkelon) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.3–1.5 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
- Breakwaters and groynes
- Occasional rip currents
- Jellyfish during June and July
- Submerged rocks near the marina
- Inconsistent surf conditions that do not work very often
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Municipal coastline is patrolled by professional lifeguards during the official bathing season.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; municipal coastline patrolled during bathing season and maritime safety monitored in the broader area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. Emergency numbers: 101 (ambulance) and 100 (police).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as mild.
Rules of the spot
Water sports zones are sometimes separated from designated swimming areas during the summer season. Keep distance from the marina entrance; avoid swimming zones during lifeguard hours.
- Keep distance from the marina entrance
- Avoid swimming zones during lifeguard hours
- In summer, check the wind in the afternoon for a more reliable thermal session.
- Conditions can be inconsistent; plan for the possibility the sandbar break doesn’t work.
- Can handle any wind up to 15 knots (local guidance).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ashkelon
- Nearest Town
- Ashkelon
- Nearest Airport
- Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) (~60 km)
- Parking
- Ample parking available in public lots near the marina and Delila Beach.
- Public Transport
- Well-connected via Ashkelon Railway Station and municipal/intercity buses.
- Access
- Long, wide beaches in Ashkelon provide long beach approaches for setup and entry.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Hebrew
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Hotels and holiday apartments are located within walking distance of the marina area.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars line the marina and beachfront.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental services for surfing/stand-up paddleboarding are available via local schools; wind-specific gear may require specialized shops in the marina area. Some notes also describe limited rental on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities primarily offered to members of local clubs near the marina.
- Gear Repair
- Basic board repairs handled locally; major kite/sail repairs may require transport to specialists.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ashkelon offers a mix of ancient history and a modern seaside leisure atmosphere centered around the marina and promenade.
Vast archaeological site with ancient Canaanite gates and Roman ruins set against the sea.
Modern leisure hub with boat docks and cultural events.
Outdoor activity park with climbing walls, cycling paths, and extreme sports facilities.
Promenade lined with cafes and bars with Mediterranean views.
Broad sandy beaches with dedicated play areas and shallow entries for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ashkelon (Ashkelon)?
The best overall months at Ashkelon (Ashkelon) are November, December, January, February, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Ashkelon (Ashkelon)?
Ashkelon (Ashkelon) works with SE, SSE, SE, SW, W, NW, N winds. Offshore directions are E, S, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ashkelon (Ashkelon)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ashkelon (Ashkelon): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Ashkelon (Ashkelon) suitable for?
Ashkelon (Ashkelon) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.