Tayelet (Ashkelon)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Tayelet (Ashkelon) is an exposed sandbar surf break along the main Ashkelon promenade, offering fairly consistent peaks that can peel to the left. It’s described as working across all tide stages, making it relatively flexible for planning sessions around tide windows. Conditions are often reported as soft with mostly peeling/mushy sandbar characteristics. Wind and swell interplay is important here: sources report the most favorable setups when a West–northwest swell combines with offshore winds from the Southeast (with additional notes that offshore East or Northeast winds can be best). Wind reliability is described as low, and buildings along the promenade may create wind shadows close to shore. Safety considerations are prominent for this spot. Pollution is a stated hazard, including pollution that can follow heavy rains. The lineup can also be crowded, and there are mentions of local riders—so you should surf with extra caution and be mindful near other beachgoers and swimmers. During larger swells, rip currents can form. For riding, the sandbar break type is consistent with typical short rides (often cited around 30–50 m). Wave quality is generally described as good/average rather than world-class, and on bigger days it can close out when swell rises above roughly 2 meters. Overall, this makes the spot best for surfers who can manage crowded conditions and varying water quality, with a minimum of beginner-to-intermediate readiness depending on conditions.

  • Exposed sandbar break with fairly consistent surf
  • Peels to the left and can offer both directions depending on setup
  • Works at all tide stages
  • Offshore wind can improve conditions (SE/offshore setup reported)
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardSurfing bodyboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed but fairly consistent sandbar break with a known peeling pattern.
  • Surfable at all tide stages.
  • Easy beach launch along the promenade with amenities nearby.
Heads up
  • Often crowded.
  • Water quality/pollution can be a hazard, especially after heavy rains.
  • Rip currents can form during larger swells.
  • Limited rescue availability.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SE
Offshore directions
E, NE
Wind Range
2.2–13.4 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Thermal and frontal influences are typical in the Ashkelon cluster; at/around this spot winds are often described as sea-breeze/thermal.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gusts reported up to about 13 mph in the region/spot conditions.
Best Months
October, November, December, January
Shadow Zones
Buildings along the promenade can create wind shadows close to shore.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — Sand.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Small surf reported.
Launch
Medium — Beach launch along the promenade.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy launch along the promenade.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–29 °C
Water Temperature
13–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: 4/3mmApr–Nov: 3/2mm or shortyJul, Aug: rashguard or boardshorts
Crowds by Season

High in summer and on weekends with good swell

Storm/Rain Season

November to March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed sandbar beach break along the Ashkelon promenade with fairly consistent sandbar peaks; reported as peeling to the left and also having both lefts and rights.

Sandbar
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
WNW
Optimal Tide
All tides — Works at all tide stages.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed sandbar break along the promenade.
Wind Effect
Best with offshore Southeast winds (reported as offshore-best with SE). Wind/sea breezes can make conditions cleaner when offshore.
Bigger Swell
Closes out when swell exceeds about 2 m (and larger swells can increase rip-current risk).
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good/average depending on source; generally consistent for a sandbar.
Wave Power
Soft — Wave power described as soft.
Wave Shape
Mushy — Described as mushy/peeling sandbar surf.
Peel Speed
Medium — Lefts peel at a medium pace.
Ride Length
Short — Short rides on the sandbar.
Typical Ride Length
30–50 m
Ride Length Details
Typical Mediterranean sandbar rides are reported around 30–50 m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tayelet (Ashkelon) in the full forecast view.

Tayelet (Ashkelon) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–12 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
NW307°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2912 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.3–1.5 m5s period
Temperature
19–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Tayelet (Ashkelon) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.3–1.5 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

  • Pollution
  • Locals
  • Crowded conditions
  • Rip currents during larger swells
  • Pollution after heavy rains
  • Occasional submerged rocks
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestLeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Municipal coastline patrolled by professional lifeguards during the official bathing season.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue is limited; maritime safety is monitored by the local Marina authority and the Israeli Navy in the broader area.
Emergency Info
Barzilai Medical Center is located nearby in Ashkelon. Emergency numbers: 101 (ambulance) and 100 (police).
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Local surfers can be present; use caution around other riders.

Rules of the spot

Respect swim zones during lifeguard hours. Avoid surfing in designated swimming areas during summer.

Restrictions
  • No surfing in designated swimming areas during summer.
Local Tips
  • Beware of locals and pollution.
  • Check water quality reports after heavy rains.
  • Early morning sessions often have the cleanest conditions.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Ashkelon
Nearest Town
Ashkelon
Nearest Airport
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
Parking
Public parking lots available along the promenade.
Public Transport
Well-connected via Ashkelon Railway Station and municipal/intercity buses.
Access
Beach access in Ashkelon via the promenade (Tayelet).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Hebrew
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Hotels, holiday apartments, and guest houses are concentrated near the Marina and along the beachfront promenade.
Food & Drink
Numerous cafes and restaurants line the Tayelet promenade.
Equipment Rental:
Rental services are available via local schools (surf and SUP). Wind-specific gear may require specialized shops in the Marina area.
Gear Storage
Storage facilities are primarily offered to members of local surf and sailing clubs near the Ashkelon Marina.
Gear Repair
Basic board repairs are handled by local workshops; major kite/sail repairs may require transport to specialists.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Ashkelon blends seaside leisure infrastructure with nearby historic and outdoor attractions, offering visitor-friendly options around the promenade area.

Best time to visit: May–June and September–October
Ashkelon National Park2-4 km

Vast archaeological site with ancient Canaanite gates and Roman ruins set against the sea.

Ashkelon Marina1-3 km

Modern leisure hub with boat docks, retail outlets, and cultural events.

Sea Park (Park HaYam)1-2 km

Outdoor activity park with climbing walls, cycling paths, and extreme sports facilities.

Ashkelon Promenade (Tayelet)0-1 km

Promenade lined with cafes, seafood restaurants, and bars with Mediterranean views.

Ashkelon Beaches0 km

Broad sandy beaches with dedicated play areas and shallow entries for children.

Sea Park (Park HaYam)1-2 km

Outdoor activity park with climbing walls, cycling paths, and extreme sports facilities.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Tayelet (Ashkelon)?

The best overall months at Tayelet (Ashkelon) are January, October, November, December. The best wind months are October, November, December, January.

Which wind directions work at Tayelet (Ashkelon)?

Tayelet (Ashkelon) works with SE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.

What skill level is Tayelet (Ashkelon) suitable for?

Tayelet (Ashkelon) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.