Phil and Did (Jieh)

Surfing
Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Phil and Did (Jieh) is an exposed reef break on the Jieh coast, where surfing is driven by west-swelling conditions and improved by east winds that act offshore to groom the faces. Spot-level guidance describes it as producing right-hand reef waves, with winter framed as the most reliable season for quality and consistency. The reef bottom is a major part of the experience—and the challenge. Hazards include rocks and sea urchins, and the entry is described as rocky, requiring careful navigation. During larger swells, rip currents can develop near the reef edge, so conditions can change quickly as wave energy increases. For wave expectations, winter swell windows are described as roughly 1.0–2.5 meters with moderate wave power and a peeling shape. The spot is reported to work across all tides and can provide a medium-length ride on the better sets (with guidance noting that the wave can offer a decent wall for maneuvers, especially on larger winter swells). Local safety notes emphasize practical precautions: booties are strongly recommended for the entry, and the spot is suggested to perform best after a winter storm when the swell cleans up with the offshore wind. Crowding is described as unlikely to be high even when surf is up, but surfers should still plan for variable reef and current hazards.

  • Offshore east winds help groom the wave faces
  • Consistent right-hand reef waves in winter
  • Not typically crowded even when surf is up
Great for
Surfing shortboard
What's great
  • Right-hand reef waves are described as consistent and powerful during the winter season
  • East winds are offshore and can groom the wave faces well
  • Not expected to be overly crowded even when surf is up
Heads up
  • Rocky, shallow reef entries with frequent sea urchins and sharp rocks
  • Rip currents can form near the reef edge during larger swells
  • Rescue is not centralized for wind-sports coastal activities
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E
Offshore directions
E
Wind Type
Frontal — Wind is described as east with a frontal influence in the spot-level guidance.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Reef — Reef / rocky shoreline.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Small — Rocky entry near the shoreline; requires careful navigation through urchins.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Entry is rocky and requires navigating through urchins.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 4/3mmApr–Oct: shorty or 2mm topJun–Sep: boardshorts and lycras
Crowds by Season

Quiet on weekdays, but can get busy with local surfers on weekends during good swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season occurs from November to March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed reef break in Jieh producing right-hand peeling waves when swells arrive from the west and winds blow from the east. Conditions are described as consistent and powerful in the Lebanese winter.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
East winds are offshore and groom the wave faces.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well but becomes more challenging with stronger currents.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
The wave offers a decent wall for maneuvers, especially on larger winter swells.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Phil and Did (Jieh) in the full forecast view.

Phil and Did (Jieh) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–15 ktsGusts 18 kts
Direction
W273°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2915 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.3–1.7 m5s period
Temperature
20–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Phil and Did (Jieh) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.3–1.7 m with a period of about 5s. 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

  • rocks
  • sea urchins
  • rip currents near the reef edge during larger swells
  • sharp rocks near the shoreline
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsLeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Group context indicates rescue relies on local services; no centralized wind-sports coastal rescue service.
Emergency Info
No centralized rescue for wind-sports coastal activities; emergency medical response is provided by the Lebanese Civil Defense and the Red Cross. Nearest major medical facility is Sibline Governmental Hospital (emergency numbers: 140 for Red Cross and 125 for Civil Defense).
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

General surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.

Local Tips
  • Booties are highly recommended due to sea urchins and sharp rocks at the entry.
  • The spot works best after a winter storm when the swell cleans up with offshore winds.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Beirut
Nearest Town
Jieh
Nearest Airport
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Parking
Parking is usually available along the access roads or within nearby beach clubs for a fee.
Public Transport
Limited public transport (private buses/minivans/servis) along the coastal highway; taxis and ride-sharing apps are primary for reaching the coast from Beirut.
Local Language
Arabic
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous beach resorts, boutique hotels, and guesthouses on the coastal strip or in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean; visitors also find budget to moderate options in Jieh and nearby Beirut.
Food & Drink
Local cafes and restaurants are available in the town of Jieh and at nearby beach clubs.
Equipment Rental:
Some surf shops in Beirut may offer rentals, but on-site rental is limited.
Gear Storage
Several private beach clubs offer seasonal locker rentals and gear storage for members and visitors.
Gear Repair
Minor repairs are often handled by local schools; major kite/sail repairs may require transport to Beirut-based specialists.
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 Phil and Did (Jieh)?

The best overall months at Phil and Did (Jieh) are January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Phil and Did (Jieh)?

Phil and Did (Jieh) works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.

What skill level is Phil and Did (Jieh) suitable for?

Phil and Did (Jieh) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.