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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
7–26 °C
Water Temperature
6–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, HoodMar–Nov: 4/3mm or 3/2mmJun, Jul, Aug: shorty or swimwear
Crowds by Season

Empty in winter; can get crowded with campers and day-trippers in July and August.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (December to February) see the most storm activity and rainfall.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Sandbar
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • Rip currents (çeken akıntı)
  • Submerged rocks near the river mouth
  • Rocks near/at the waterline
  • Strong onshore winds
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHoodGlovesLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • Private/not publicly accessible access; requires a car.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Camping
Picnic area
Toilets
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).
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 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.