Karasu (Black Sea Coast)

Karasu is a quite exposed sandy beach break on Turkey’s Black Sea coast where surf only works occasionally. The spot is generally described as infrequent, with the best conditions most often linked to autumn and winter storm-driven swells. For surfing, Karasu can offer both left and right waves, but the experience is highly dependent on swell timing and wind. When the setup is right, it can produce punchy, short rides over shifting sandbars; wave quality is reported as average overall, while other accounts emphasize that it can be poor due to its inconsistency. Wind and wave conditions are intertwined: offshore wind is favored for cleaner surf, while North winds can increase chop. Wind reliability is described as low/inconsistent, so it’s important to confirm both swell direction (commonly northeast/N–NW) and the onshore/offshore wind alignment before committing. Safety is a key consideration. Strong rip currents are very common, and sandbars can shift—especially after storms—so surfers should check current conditions before entering. Rescue availability is limited and lifeguards are seasonal in summer (June–September), while the nearest major medical facility is Karasu State Hospital.