Dive into this Middle Eastern short film featuring Dor Malka and Shushu Aharoni, Two Tel Aviv locals with a deep love for surfing. Get an inside glimpse of daily life, surfing in Tel Aviv, and the positive impact of surfing on the region.
Is the Surfing in Tel Aviv Good?
Tel Aviv is Israel’s surfing capital and is located on the Mediterranean coast, about 40 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Popular surf spots include Hilton Beach, Maravi Beach, and Dolphinarium Beach.
Maravi Beach, located south of Tel Aviv, offers big waves in winter and rideable waves in the warm season. The beach provides both right and left-handers near the local stone jetties and is relatively consistent. In Netanya, Kontiki and Sironit are two well-known surf spots protected by breakwaters that can deliver A-frame barrels with the right wind, despite shifting sands.
South of Caesarea, Arubot Beach offers uncrowded waves breaking just in front of the local power plant turbines and is the best option. Haifa’s Backdoor is a reef break with two jetties, producing a steep and hollow right-hand wave, and is one of the Holy Land’s best surfing waves.
When is the Best Time of Year to Surf Tel Aviv?
The best time to surf in Tel Aviv is generally from autumn to spring when the waves are more consistent and larger. Wave conditions range from knee-high to well overhead during larger swells; however, conditions are less predictable than in other parts of the world, such as the states.
The average annual water temperature on the coast in Tel Aviv is 73°F, by the seasons: in winter 66°F, in spring 67°F, in summer 81°F, and in autumn 79°F. The minimum water temperature is 63°F in Tel Aviv and happens in March. The maximum is 85°F in August.
There are also several surf schools and shops in Tel Aviv that offer equipment rental and surfing lessons for beginners or visitors. However, it’s important to note that the surf conditions in Tel Aviv can be challenging at times, with strong currents and winds, so it’s important to always follow local rules and regulations.
The best time to visit Tel Aviv is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November), when the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are manageable. However, if you’re going to surf and don’t mind the heat, then summer (June-August) might be a good time.
Video produced, directed, edited, and filmed by: Tyler Kemph (TK)