Nahr Brahim (Jounieh)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) is a river-mouth surf spot where the Abraham River meets the Mediterranean, producing fast waves over a sandy bottom when a West or Southwest (often West/Northwest) swell is running. The break is described as exposed and fickle: sandbar formation can shift with river flow, so wave character may change across the year. When it breaks well, surfers can get a long ride and strong peeling/rivermouth-style walls, especially on the left-hand side. Reported ride lengths range from around 50–150 m on a typical run up to about 150–300 m on a good day, and it’s generally reported to work at all stages of the tide. Because this is a river-influenced break, conditions can deteriorate after heavy rainfall. There can be stronger river currents, submerged rocks/river debris, and potential water pollution and floating debris. Local guidance emphasizes checking water quality after storms and being alert for obstacles in the water near the mouth. Seasonally, winter and early spring are commonly highlighted for wave activity due to the type of swells that arrive, while some guidance also notes that summer can be better for comfort because the river water is warmer. Crowding tends to be mainly a weekend issue, with the spot otherwise described as low-profile and sometimes breaking only a limited number of days per year.
- Left-hand river-mouth waves when West/Northwest swell is running
- Long ride potential once it breaks
- All-tides surf reported
- River currents and debris hazards after heavy rain
- Can produce fast, long left-hand waves when conditions are right
- Works on all-tides
- Close access with parking nearby
- Obstacles in/around the water near the river mouth
- Requires a decent/large swell to work
- River influence can increase current strength and turbulence, especially after heavy rain
- Wind can be unreliable
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, W, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Sea-breeze/thermal influence is possible in summer, while winter can be more system-driven.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusts reported.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct · Dir: W, WSW, SW, S, SSW · Afternoon sea-breeze builds roughly from midday to late afternoon; thermal effect more evident in summer.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Some sources describe sand; others note mixed sand/rocks near the mouth.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Working swell height varies by source; one guide cites roughly 5–12 ft conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy area mixed with river stones near the estuary.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy by one guide; another describes it as moderate due to the river-stone mixed area.
Through the year
Weekend: crowded.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Fast rivermouth waves breaking over sand, producing left-hander waves when a significant West/Northwest swell is running. Sandbars can shift with river flow, so wave character may change seasonally.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3.6 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Good surf reported at all stages of the tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed rivermouth break.
- Wind Effect
- East and Northeast winds provide cleaner offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- With high river discharge, it can become very turbulent or close out.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Quality can be fickle; when on, it can offer a decent wall for maneuvers.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Reported as fast; some descriptions note medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Long — Normal: 50–150 m; good day: 150–300 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal: 50–150m; good day: 150–300m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) in the full forecast view.
Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–13 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- WSW252°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2913 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.7 m4s period
- Temperature
- 20–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.2–1.7 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- Obstacles in the water
- River currents particularly after heavy rainfall
- Submerged rocks
- Floating debris
- Water pollution after heavy rain
- Rocks and river debris near the mouth
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional coverage is limited; maritime rescue may be available via Civil Defense and additional safety boats sometimes maintained by local sports centers during peak season.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency contacts include 125 (Civil Defense) and 140 (Red Cross).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Check conditions carefully: the spot is river-influenced and can become contaminated after storms; be alert for hazards near/within the water.
- Beware of obstacles (especially near the river mouth area).
- You need big waves to surf this spot; once it breaks, it can produce a long ride.
- Check the water quality after storms as river runoff can be contaminated.
- The water near the river mouth is noticeably colder than the surrounding sea.
- Plenty of space to park the car and the beach is easy to find.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Beirut
- Nearest Town
- Jounieh
- Nearest Airport
- Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) (~35 km south)
- Parking
- Ample parking available (free parking with plenty of space); limited roadside parking reported near the river bridge.
- Public Transport
- Private buses and service taxis along the coastal highway; personal vehicles recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- Accessible via the coastal road between Jounieh and Byblos; located just north of Beirut, before Jbeil, where Nahr Brahim river reaches the sea.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Nearby accommodation is available in Jounieh and Halat, and also around Byblos/Jbeil.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and restaurants along the coastal road.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Nahr Brahim (Jounieh)?
The best overall months at Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) are November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Nahr Brahim (Jounieh)?
Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) works with NW, W, SW winds.
What skill level is Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) suitable for?
Nahr Brahim (Jounieh) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.