Hofgil
- Longboard, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Hofgil is an exposed sandbar surfing break on the Ashdod coastline, known for fairly consistent surf and a sandy, forgiving bottom. It’s typically best when east winds are in place, and it pairs well with west (or northwest) swell directions. Surf quality is described as moderate overall: waves tend to be short and punchy, frequently peaking over shifting sandbars. Ride lengths are usually short, with a peeling wave shape and medium peel speed. The break is reported to work across all tide stages. Conditions can vary with wind direction. East winds are associated with cleaner, groomed faces, while west winds are noted to produce choppier conditions. On larger swells, the waves can close out once swells get too big (around the ~2.5 meter range). Safety-wise, crowds are a recurring issue—special care is recommended during very crowded periods. Rip currents are also mentioned as a hazard, particularly near the sandbars and following heavy storms. Early mornings are often cleaner before sea-breeze effects build, and checking the active sandbar locations after winter storms is advised.
- Fairly consistent exposed sandbar break
- Best with east winds and west/NW swells
- Good surf at all tides
- Crowds can build quickly—plan for peak periods
- Exposed sandbar break with fairly consistent surf
- Works at all tides
- Beginner-friendly due to forgiving sandy bottom and rideable peaks
- Often crowded
- Rip currents can form, especially near sandbars after storms
- Can get choppy when wind shifts away from east
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SE
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — East to southeast winds are common; described as sea-breeze style in the winter/spring pattern.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusts mentioned for the spot’s conditions.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Thermal Window
- Afternoon · +0 kts · Months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep · Dir: N, NW · Regional pattern is a NW sea-breeze/thermal window during the warmer months; for Hofgil this aligns with off-peak wind shifts rather than the east-wind best direction.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with sandbar peaks.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium; also described as variable across winter storm conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Launch area described as a sandy beach with ample space for entry.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Described as easy with sandy access and ample space for entry.
Through the year
Highest during summer holidays and on weekends with good swells.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed sandbar beach break with fairly consistent surf, best paired with east winds and west (or northwest) swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Good surf at all stages of the tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- East winds provide cleaner, groomed faces; west winds create choppier conditions. East winds are noted as the best direction for wind.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swells exceed about 2.5 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality noted as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Wave shape described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium.
- Ride Length
- Short — Ride length described as short.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are typically short and punchy, often peaking over shifting sandbars.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hofgil in the full forecast view.
Hofgil 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
- 18–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hofgil 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
- crowds
- rip currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Professional lifeguards are available at declared beaches during official bathing season (April–October).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue described as limited for the spot; offshore emergencies outside bathing season are primarily handled by national naval police or coastguard.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility: Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital. Emergencies: Magen David Adom 101; police 100.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism noted for the lineup.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Take special care if it gets very crowded.
- Check the sandbars after big winter storms as the peak locations often shift.
- Early mornings usually offer the cleanest conditions before the sea breeze kicks in.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ashdod
- Nearest Town
- Ashdod
- Nearest Airport
- Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
- Parking
- Public parking lots are available adjacent to the beach.
- 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
- The beach is easily accessible via the Ashdod coastal road with direct paths to the sand.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- Hebrew
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and vacation rentals are available within Ashdod city limits.
- Food & Drink
- Several cafes and restaurants are located along the Ashdod promenade.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through surf clubs and specialized shops.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is primarily available through local surf clubs for members or students.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and wetsuit repairs are available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ashdod is a modern port city with a mix of urban leisure, expansive beaches, and local history—making it a destination for both sports enthusiasts 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 Hofgil?
The best overall months at Hofgil are January, February, March, December. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Hofgil?
Hofgil works with E, SE winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Hofgil suitable for?
Hofgil suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.