Gaza Strip

Gaza Strip

Middle East
LAST UPDATED 26/08/2008
Bookmark and Share

resources

Fellow Surfers in Palestine
Peace in the Middle East Through Surfing

Level of surfing

Beginner

Quality of surf

Average

Call code

970

Area

360

Coastline

40 km

Climate

Temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Hazards

Difficult Access, War / Conflict, Coup / Civil Unrest

Best Months

November - December

Population

1482405

Currency

Israel new shequel (ILS) new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.4565 (2006)

Time Zone

BRAVO(UTC+2) DST CHARLIE(UTC+3)

Special Requirements

Private Beaches, Special Pass / Permits, Lengthy VISA Process, Non tourist Friendly, Strict Religious Observance

surfing

7d2c672e4b3b056efb24516ea7624acb
Howard Morland: Gaza Strip; 2007

Surfing is the thing that is going to bring peace to the Middle East, mark those words. Once part of Israel and now  lying in political limbo under the control of Hamas (2007), the strip is 40 kilometres of fairly uniform beachbreak. There is a man made Harbour about half way along the Strip in Gaza City that builds up a very nice bank on the north and south side. What starts as light windswell a thousand kilometres away off the coast of Spain can easily arrive as a 6 foot groundswell on the beaches here. A spot far too dangerous to surf at present but one to watch for the future when the world wakes up to itself.

Nov to January will be your best bet due the the prevelance of stronger Sirocco wind systems but any onshore wind activity that endures for a few days should be able to create something of interest. The surf here is not enormous but a few rare treats will have you pounding the pavement for some generally uncrowded action when it all comes together.

what to pack

07dbc30ebee5f0d845266ac8cbe161a2
Rich Niewiroski Jr.: 62 mm ultra-violet, fluorescent, and polarizing lens filters. Camera used was a Canon 400D; April 9, 2007

Make sure you take a good sunscreen (SPF 30+); a good insect repellent will be very useful. Bring on the medicines you are used to take. Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, hat and natural fabrics (such as cotton or linen) clothes will be great. Also take something warm just in case. Don't forget a backpack, sandals and comfortable walking shoes that might be usefull if your planning to travel around.

Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more. By the way, getting medical insurance would be a good idea.

And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.

surfing divisions