Bahrain

Bahrain

Middle East
LAST UPDATED 18/02/2008
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Level of surfing

Beginner

Quality of surf

Average

Call code

973

Net code

bh

Area

665

Coastline

161 km

Climate

Arid, mild winters, hot summers

Hazards

War / Conflict

Best Months

November - January

Population

708573

Currency

Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

Time Zone

(UTC+3)

Special Requirements

Private Beaches, Strict Religious Observance

surfing

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NASA: Satellite Image of Bahrain; 2005

Bahrain's coastline is entirely within the Persian Gulf. Persian Gulf swells are a real rarity that occurs with rideable results maybe twice a year. Standard weather patterns will not produce rideable surf within the Gulf. What you are looking for is a stray system from the northern Indian Ocean or the Arabian Sea to go spining out of control and sit at one end of the Gulf for a few days. If the system sits to the north then the UAE, Western Iran, Saudi, Qatar and even Bahrain will have something small but rideable. If the system sits south then the UAE will be a howling offshore sandstorm with Qatar, Saudi and even Kuwait getting a wave. 

Many a visiting servicemen have watched the morphing sandbanks off Iraqs' small slice of coast during storms and legend has it that  a sliding left hander peels along the dredged harbour approach every few years. Some of us are still waiting for a colour photo to confirm it!

The ever changing man made sandbank formations around Al Muharraq have created several quality waves over the past few years, each one really a bi product of ongoing harbour reclamation activities in the area. Surfing Atlas has commenced efforts to secure a permanent artifical break in the area once all reclamation activities have been completed. The wave will be called Bashar.

what to pack

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Flashdance: A pair of very simple Moroccan flip flops called "Cabjuks"; 25 May 2007

Trainers, loose clothing - everything for the hot weather. Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses! If you are worried you'll get sick, you should take along painkillers and cold/flu medications as well!

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoe's.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for sightseeing. Beach clothing & sandals will be useful if you are going in the warm season. Try to choose classics, and items that you can mix and match. Have at least one set of nicer clothing for more formal occasions.

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