Bat Yam
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Bat Yam is described as a sandy beach-break surf hub with multiple peaks along a stretch of coastline, commonly producing both lefts and rights. The water is generally oceanic, and the main practical challenge for riders is the presence of strong rip currents near the break areas. Crowds can also build, especially during winter good-weather windows, so early sessions are commonly emphasized. For surfing, winter conditions are consistently highlighted as the most reliable time of year for swell, with a main season running from October through March (and a secondary window mentioned separately by some sources). Waves are often small but can form clean A-frames or more powerful shapes on better days, with reports of hold-up on good sandbars and possible barrelling on the best setups. A mid-tide preference is mentioned by one spot guide, while another notes that all-tides can work depending on sandbars. Wind-wise, thermal/sea-breeze influence is reported to develop later in the day and can turn conditions onshore by mid-morning, affecting wave quality. Wind-sports notes describe typical summer wind ranges in the 12–18 knot band with afternoon thermal patterns, while winter wind can become more storm-dependent. For kite and windsurf users, the wide sandy beach offers space, but attention is needed for near-breakwater currents and any seasonal access restrictions. On the amenities side, the area is presented as well-served with showers, toilets, changing rooms (and in some reports food and drink directly on the promenade). Safety planning should assume rip-current risk and seasonal lifeguard presence, and emergency response is advised via local emergency services; rescue details are described as limited, especially outside declared bathing season.
- Multiple sandbar peaks along the beach, enabling lefts and rights.
- Winter (October–March) emphasized as the best surfing season.
- Dawn/early sessions reduce crowd pressure and may help before stronger onshore effects develop.
- Wide sandy launch zone with multiple sandbar peaks, producing lefts and rights.
- Winter storms from the northwest are associated with the best surfing conditions (though waves are often still relatively small).
- Good infrastructure and amenities along the promenade for visitors.
- Strong rip currents are a key hazard.
- Wind effects and onshore chop can develop later in the morning in many conditions.
- Crowds can be significant at times, especially in winter.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–18 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Providers disagree on primary pattern: one describes trade winds; another describes sea-breeze conditions. Regional baseline indicates NW sea-breeze thermals in April–September and more offshore east–southeast in winter.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent (spot-level); moderate reliability in summer afternoons (wind-sports provider); highly dependent on frontal systems in winter (wind-sports provider).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Typically small waves, with occasional better A-frame potential on good days.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Summer afternoons may bring onshore chop when sea-breeze develops.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for launching/setting up; multiple peaks along the sand in the main zone.
Through the year
Sometimes crowded; peak can occur in winter storm season and/or during July and August and on weekends year-round (conflicting details across providers).
November to March (winter storms; often from the northwest).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wide sandy beach provides ample space for kitesurfing, especially in summer afternoon sea-breeze conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Popular in summer for freeride and foil; winter can be more challenging with storm-wave conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Foil-friendly due to sand bottom and gradual depth, with attention needed near breakwaters.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Sandy beach-break with multiple sandbar peaks along a stretch of coast, producing lefts and rights. Winter swell provides the most consistent quality; waves are often small but can occasionally form good A-frames/barrel-like shapes on best days.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — One spot guide specifies a mid tide preference; another report suggests all-tides can work depending on sandbars.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Generally semi-sheltered by the local coastal/breakwater geometry in some zones, but at times reported as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Sea-breeze/thermal influence can turn conditions onshore by mid-morning in many setups; best with lighter offshore easterly winds, and summer afternoons may bring onshore chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size up to around 2 meters, but can close out when swell exceeds about 2.5 meters in some conditions.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Some sources rate quality as good; another describes average quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — One provider rates wave power as moderate; another describes softer/mushier waves depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Some reports describe peeling rides; other notes describe mushy/soft shapes.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Reported typical ride distance commonly around 45 meters on good sandbars.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–60 m
- Ride Length Details
- Peeling rides on the sandbars; reported typical rides commonly in the ~30–60 meter range, with about 45 meters referenced as typical.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bat Yam in the full forecast view.
Bat Yam wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- WNW300°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.6 m5s period
- Temperature
- 18–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bat Yam is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 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
- strong rip currents
- rip currents near breakwaters
- submerged rocks near jetties (reported)
- crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Professional lifeguards are available at declared beaches during official bathing season (April–October, regional baseline).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level providers conflict (one says rescue is available; another says limited). Regional baseline indicates limited rescue outside official bathing season.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency medical services: call 101. Nearest major medical facility: Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital (as referenced in regional baseline).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers; keep within designated surfing/swimming zones during summer season (reported as enforced).
- Avoid swimming areas during lifeguard hours (summer-season note).
- Kiting prohibited in certain central bathing zones during peak summer (reported).
- Dawn patrol can help avoid crowds and the onshore sea-breeze effects later in the morning.
- Watch for strong rips near the break areas.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ashdod
- Nearest Town
- Bat Yam
- Nearest Airport
- Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
- Parking
- Street parking near the promenade with paid lots nearby; also described as having large parking lots near Kshatot and Lido beach areas.
- 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
- Beach access from the promenade; walk down steps to the sand. Also described as easily accessible via public roads with paved entry points.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Hebrew
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and vacation rentals within walking distance in the Ashdod coastal district; also described as hotels/apartments in Bat Yam and nearby Herzliya.
- Food & Drink
- Cafeterias and beach bars along the promenade; numerous cafes, restaurants, and beach bars directly on the promenade (reported).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental reported via local schools (surfboards/SUP; also occasional wind gear implied).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ashdod is a modern port city with urban leisure, expansive beaches, and local history—making it suitable for both sports visitors and families.
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; traditionally associated with the burial site of Jonah the Prophet.
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 Bat Yam?
The best overall months at Bat Yam are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Bat Yam?
Bat Yam works with NW, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Bat Yam?
Recommended equipment sizes at Bat Yam: Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–18 kts.
What skill level is Bat Yam suitable for?
Bat Yam suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.