The Point 1
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The Point 1 (Ntirift) is a remote, exposed right-hand point break characterized by a rocky takeoff zone and a reef/rocky entry. The wave is typically described as long and peeling when conditions align, with moderate wave power and mixed to peeling shape depending on swell and wind. For surfing, the most consistent recipe described across sources is a Northwest (NW) swell with mid-tide conditions, producing a clean, groomed right-hander when winds are offshore or light. Peel speed is generally medium, and the break can hold size well as swell increases—though entry and navigation become more demanding with stronger surf. Wind in the region is dominated by North-Northeast trade winds (Alizés), commonly reinforced by desert heating in the afternoon. Offshore wind tendencies in winter can support surfing, while summer thermal effects support wind sports; however, stronger wind typically reduces surfing quality compared with calmer offshore conditions. Safety is a central consideration at this spot: rocks and sea urchins are repeatedly identified as primary hazards, and the entry is described as tricky. There is no on-site lifeguard/rescue service indicated; emergency care is in Dakhla city (~30 km). Booties and a leash are strongly advised, and conditions around mid-tide are generally preferred to avoid overly shallow water over the rocks.
- Long, peeling right-hand point-break character
- Best aligned with NW swell and mid-tide
- Trade-wind/thermal pattern supports both surf (offshore in winter) and wind sports (summer)
- Long right-hand point-break waves
- Works best on NW swell with offshore wind tendencies in the right seasons
- Clear, open-ocean water with minimal pollution in the region
- Rocky/reef hazards including sharp rocks and sea urchins
- Remote access with limited rescue availability
- Wind can reduce surfing quality when it strengthens
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW, WNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing North-Northeast trade winds (Alizés), reinforced by afternoon thermal effect in summer.
- Reliability
- High during summer months for wind sports; winter provides offshore conditions for surfing.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady trade-wind character.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Close to the cliff face or high dunes.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Mixed — Rocks with some mixed/more sandy patches depending on the takeoff area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Big — Sources describe big conditions when swell is up.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky headland with small sandy patches between rocks.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky entry and reef make launch/moderate approach more technical.
Through the year
Generally quiet, with busier periods when surf camp groups arrive during peak swells.
Very rare rainfall in this desert climate; winter is associated with North Atlantic storms supporting the main swell season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primarily wave-kiting; wind is often side-offshore for down-the-line wave riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Excellent wave sailing when swell is up and trade winds are blowing, typically side-offshore.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Possible but challenging due to rocky entry and distance from main lagoon areas; best for wave-riding experts.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
A long right-hand point break with a rocky takeoff zone and a reef/rocky entry in the Ntirift area.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best on mid-tide; low tide can be too shallow over rocks.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed rocky point/headland setup.
- Wind Effect
- NE trades can be offshore and grooming for clean surfing; stronger wind reduces quality compared with light offshore or calm mornings.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well and becomes more powerful; easier entry from the point can be required.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — When wind is offshore and swell aligns, quality is described as excellent.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Often described as peeling; shape can vary between mixed/more peeling when conditions align.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Long right-hander; can peel for hundreds of meters on a good NW swell (sources disagree on quantified length).
- Typical Ride Length
- 300–500 m
- Ride Length Details
- One source notes rides up to 500 meters on the right swell/tide combination; another provides typical ride length ~300 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Point 1 in the full forecast view.
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
- Rocks
- Sharp rocks
- Sea urchins
- Submerged reef sections
- Strong currents
- Remote location
- Isolation
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No dedicated on-site lifeguard or rescue service indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited rescue availability; riders typically rely on local camp support or buddy systems.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Dakhla city (~30 km). Call 150 for ambulance or 190 for police.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as mild.
Rules of the spot
General surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals and surf camp groups.
- Wear booties to protect against the rocky entry and urchins.
- Main surfed conditions are typically best around mid-tide; low tide can be too shallow over the rocks.
- Rocks and urchins are the main hazards; the entry is a bit tricky but the ride is worth it.
- If wind is stronger, surfing quality tends to reduce compared with light offshore or calm mornings.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Dakhla
- Nearest Town
- Ntirift
- Nearest Airport
- Dakhla Airport (VIL) — approx. 30 km
- Parking
- Unregulated parking on the cliff top overlooking the spot.
- Public Transport
- Very limited; most visitors rely on 4x4 rentals, specialized camp transfers, or local taxis from Dakhla.
- Access
- Accessible via 4x4 or a sturdy vehicle through dirt tracks off the main road north of Dakhla.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Surf camps and accommodation are located in the Ntirift area and back towards the Dakhla lagoon.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; visitors should bring their own water and food.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available at major surf camps in the Ntirift/Dakhla region (often via regional centers and may require pre-booking for off-site use).
- Gear Storage
- Offered by nearby surf camps for their guests.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs can be found in Dakhla city.
Off the water
The Ntirift coast offers desert-meets-ocean scenery and a wild open-ocean feel, with most activities centered around coastline, desert excursions, and nearby Dakhla attractions.
A vibrant local market offering traditional Sahrawi crafts, spices, and fresh seafood.
A historical landmark from the Spanish colonial period in Dakhla.
A desert safari to a massive white sand dune that drops directly into the lagoon.
Popular dining spot for water sports enthusiasts featuring fresh local fish.
Visit local aquaculture farms to taste fresh Dakhla oysters and learn about the industry.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Point 1?
The best overall months at The Point 1 are September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at The Point 1?
The Point 1 works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW, WNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at The Point 1?
Recommended equipment sizes at The Point 1: Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is The Point 1 suitable for?
The Point 1 suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.