Nahr Brahim (Jounieh)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Can produce fast, long left-hand waves when conditions are right
  • Works on all-tides
  • Close access with parking nearby
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–29 °C
Water Temperature
12–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 4/3mmApr–Oct: 3/2mmJun, Jul, Aug: Rashguard / boardshorts
Crowds by Season

Weekend: crowded.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

River mouth
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBoots

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.