Haambatia (Herzliya) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let me level with you. It’s been a quiet stretch, and looking ahead, this isn't shaping up to be a classic few weeks for us on the Israeli coast. We’ve got a long, long gap of flatness or tiny, wind-affected dribble before anything worth paddling out for shows up.

Right now, and for the rest of the weekend and most of next week, don’t bother. We’re talking waist-high mush at best, if that. Friday morning (July 31st) will be the closest thing to a surf, with a tiny 3 ft swell out of the WNW wrapping in at a short 8 seconds. The combined energy at Haambatia (Herzliya) is only 71 – weak stuff. The one saving grace is that early window is glassy, so if you’re a total beginner or just want to sit on a board in the sun, it might be worth a go. But for anyone wanting a proper wave? Forget it.

That glassy window gets blown out quick. By Friday afternoon the NW wind comes up onshore at 9 mph, and things turn to chop. From there, it’s a grim march through the first week of August. Every day blends into the next: tiny swell (1 ft to 2 ft), short periods (5-8 seconds), and a persistent NW wind that kills any chance of a clean wave. We see energy values drop below 30 most days – that’s what I call a desert.

There’s a prolonged quiet period from about Saturday, August 1st right through to early August. You get the odd glassy morning, like Wednesday August 5th or Sunday August 9th, but with only 2 ft and 1 ft on offer respectively and barely any energy behind them (34 and 12), there’s nothing to ride.

The one and only standout in this entire 16-day window lands on Saturday, August 15th. That morning brings a jump to 4 ft swell from the WNW with a slightly better 8-second period. The combined energy reads 228 – moderate, finally something with a bit of push. The wind is light and cross-shore from the SSW at 6 mph, which will keep it fairly clean. It’s still not pumping, but it’s the best we’re gonna get. Keep in mind, it’s a long way out – two full weeks – so treat it as promising but not set in stone.

Haambatia is an exposed break, and this swell direction (WNW) isn't a perfect match for the optimum W swell, but it’ll still wrap in. It’s an inconsistent spot and crowds are often, but for that morning, if it comes together, it could be a fun, small-wave session for beginners and longboarders. Anything over 5 ft here you’d want to be a bit better, but at 4 ft, it’s fine.

So the call is: cash in your chips for the next 13 days and wait on the hope of something real on Saturday the 15th. Stay tuned.

Rusty

Read more