Awuali Rivermouth
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Awuali Rivermouth is an exposed sandbar surf break at the mouth of the Awuali River near Bramiyeh (north of Sidon). The break is known for being intermittent—its sandbar shape shifts—so it tends to work only once in a while rather than reliably every session. Surf performance is most associated with winter storm swell. The best swell direction is reported from the west-southwest / west to northwest, with working swell heights in the ~1–2 meter range. Ride sessions, when it hits, are typically short and punchy over shifting sandbars, and conditions can vary significantly from one swell event to the next. Wind is reported as low-reliability in the area, with typical speeds around 5–15 knots. East wind is described as providing cleaner/offshore conditions, while West/Southwest winds are associated with more choppy results. The biggest safety concern is water quality and debris at the river mouth: pollution can be very high, especially after storms when the river brings down waste and sediment. Avoiding the water immediately after heavy rain is strongly recommended, and users should also be alert for submerged debris and river outflow/rip-current behavior during higher swell or higher discharge.
- Exposed sandbar break that is only occasional
- Winter is the most consistent period for swell-driven surfing
- East wind tends to be more favorable; other directions may get choppier
- Pollution/debris risk is highest after storms—plan accordingly
- Potential winter swell window (reported as November to April / winter-only reliability)
- Easy to find and access from the main coastal road near Sidon
- Fun sandbar riding when the swell and sandbar shape line up
- Inconsistent surf: the sandbar only works infrequently
- Water quality risk: pollution and debris can be severe after storms and heavy rainfall
- Exposed conditions and shifting sandbars can make wave shape unpredictable
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winter conditions are driven by Mediterranean storm fronts; spot wind is reported as frontal in the winter/swell season.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November, December
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Reported as small; sandbar/swell-dependent.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach near the river mouth.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Generally quiet; very few local surfers.
Winter months (December to February) / November to March (regional rainy/storm window)
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed sandbar break at the mouth of the Awuali River that only works infrequently and depends on winter storm swell and shifting sandbar shape.
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East wind is reported to provide cleaner offshore conditions; West/Southwest winds can make conditions choppier.
- Bigger Swell
- On very large swells it can close out or become heavy with river discharge.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, punchy rides over shifting sandbars.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short, punchy rides over shifting sandbars.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Awuali Rivermouth in the full forecast view.
Awuali Rivermouth wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- WNW296°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2910 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 19–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Awuali Rivermouth is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.3–1.7 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
- Water pollution
- River outflow currents and rip currents during high swell
- Submerged debris (especially after heavy rainfall)
- Debris from the river, particularly after heavy rainfall
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue base at most points; emergency services and maritime rescue coverage are available via the national system (regional guidance).
- Emergency Info
- Lebanon emergency number is 112; Civil Defense can be reached at 125 and the Lebanese Red Cross at 140 (regional guidance).
Rules of the spot
- Avoid surfing immediately after heavy rain as river discharge increases pollution levels significantly.
- Assume water quality and debris risk are highest right after storms and heavy rainfall.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sidon
- Nearest Town
- Bramiyeh
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach access points
- Access
- Very easy to find, right off the main north/south highway between Beirut and Sidon, at the rivermouth right before the new stadium in northern Sidon; also described as accessible via the coastal road north of Sidon.
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available in Sidon and the greater Beirut/Jieh areas serving the southern coastal cluster.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and restaurants in nearby Sidon.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfing and SUP rental is available via local clubs and mobile schools around the Sidon cluster (regional guidance).
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated public gear storage facilities are not available; equipment is typically stored at clubs or within accommodations (regional guidance).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region pairs Mediterranean coastal recreation with ancient Phoenician and Crusader history, with Sidon serving as a major nearby cultural hub.
A 13th-century Crusader fortress built on a small island connected to the mainland by a stone causeway.
An ancient Phoenician temple complex dedicated to the god of healing, located just inland from the rivermouth.
Exploration of underwater ruins and Mediterranean marine life via regional dive centers.
Traditional Lebanese cuisine with views of the Sea Castle and the Mediterranean.
Medieval alleyways with traditional crafts, sweets, and historical architecture.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Awuali Rivermouth?
The best overall months at Awuali Rivermouth are November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Awuali Rivermouth?
Awuali Rivermouth works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Awuali Rivermouth suitable for?
Awuali Rivermouth suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.