Sarisu (Kandıra)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sarisu (Kandıra) is a highly consistent sand-bar surfing spot on the Black Sea, with breaks created by sandbars around the river mouth. Waves typically work right and left over a sandy bottom, and wave quality is generally described as good. The spot is exposed to open-sea conditions, so wind direction matters. Northern winds are associated with heavier swell/chop, while southern winds tend to be offshore and can clean up the waves. Visibility and water feel can also change near the river mouth, especially after heavy rain when sandbanks shift. For riding, the spot is commonly described as producing short-to-normal length rides—often around roughly 50 to 150 meters on better days—though shorter rides are possible in less favorable sets. Wave power is generally moderate, and wave shape is typically reported as peeling (with other descriptions noting mixed character). Access and safety are important considerations: the beach has private/not-public access and is best reached by car (about 10 km from Kerpe). There is a well-noted risk of rip currents on Kandıra beaches like Sarısu, and rocks/submerged hazards are reported near the river mouth and around the edges, so swimmers should avoid entering the water and riders should stay alert and focused on conditions.
- Very consistent surf frequency (~150 days/year)
- Sand-bottom sand-bar breaks (right and left)
- Wind direction can significantly improve wave grooming (offshore south winds)
- Beginner-to-intermediate progression possible depending on conditions
- Very consistent sand-bar surf pattern (~150 days/year)
- Good wave quality with sand-bottom breaks
- Good options for beginners through intermediate riders (depending on conditions)
- Offshore southern winds can groom waves; northern swell is the main driver
- Private/not publicly accessible access
- High rip-current risk and submerged rocks near the river mouth
- Exposure to winds can create heavy, disorganized conditions on major northern storms
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, NE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Very consistent pattern noted (~150 days/year).
- Reliability
- very consistent (150 days/year)
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts described as moderate.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Close to cliffs at either end of the beach
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported; can become heavy/disorganized on major northern storms.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop/heaviness increases with northern winds and storm conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with space for launching/setting up.
Through the year
Empty in winter; can get crowded with campers and day-trippers in July and August.
Winter months (December to February) see the most storm activity and rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Sand-bar surfing over a sandy bottom, breaking both right and left over sandbars formed around the river mouth; generally good wave quality and high consistency.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW, NNW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — No specific tide restriction reported.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed open-sea setup.
- Wind Effect
- South wind is offshore and grooms the waves; North wind can create heavy swell and chop. The spot can also be wind-dependent due to its open sea feature.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized during major northern storms.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling shape reported (also described as mixed in another provider).
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides often described around 50–150 m; also noted as short-to-normal depending on conditions.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides typically range from about 50 to 150 meters on good days; shorter rides are possible on less favorable sets.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sarisu (Kandıra) in the full forecast view.
Sarisu (Kandıra) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- N0°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3011 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.4 m5s period
- Temperature
- 13–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sarisu (Kandıra) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.2–2.4 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
- Rip currents (çeken akıntı)
- Submerged rocks near the river mouth
- Rocks near/at the waterline
- Strong onshore winds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard services noted for the area.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited (regional baseline).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facility: Kandıra State Hospital. Emergency number: 112 (Turkey).
Rules of the spot
General beach safety rules apply; be aware of swimmers during summer months.
- Private/not publicly accessible access; requires a car.
- Spot is most consistent in autumn and winter when northern swells are frequent.
- Check the river mouth area as sandbars shift after heavy rains.
- Northern winds tend to bring the swell; southern winds can be offshore and clean up the waves.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kocaeli
- Nearest Town
- Kandıra
- Parking
- Parking available directly at the beach area.
- Access
- Accessible by car via the Kandıra–Kerpe road; beach is ~10 km from Kerpe. Access is private/not publicly accessible.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Turkish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is popular on-site; pensions/hotels are available in nearby Kerpe.
- Food & Drink
- Small cafeterias and local restaurants operate during the summer season.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated surf rentals on this exact beach; riders typically bring their own gear or rent via schools in nearby areas (e.g., Kerpe/Babali).
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is offered by local surf clubs/specialized accommodation providers for long-term guests (regional baseline).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs are available at local schools; major repairs may require sending gear to Istanbul (regional baseline).
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 Sarisu (Kandıra)?
The best overall months at Sarisu (Kandıra) are September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Sarisu (Kandıra)?
Sarisu (Kandıra) works with N, NW, NE winds.
What skill level is Sarisu (Kandıra) suitable for?
Sarisu (Kandıra) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.