Surfing is incredibly popular in Israel by Flickr user naama

The first surfboard was brought to Israel by a Californian doctor in the 1950′s. Now, over fifty years on, Israelis have developed into a country of surfers, and as soon as the waves get good, the beaches become dotted with surfers of all abilities.

That doctor found a Tel Aviv lifeguard to take the first surfboards, and as more and more people saw the boards being used, more and more people took up the sport. Today, Israel has tens of surf schools, all along the Mediterranean coastline, as well as at the Sea of Galilee and in Eilat.

by Flickr user werkunz1

Not only is surfing popular, but all kinds of variations including windsurfing and kitesurfing. Here are some of the country’s most prestigious clubs who offer lessons to people of all abilities.

Surfing in Caesarea

Freegull Sea Sports – Caesarea Beach (in Kibbutz Sdot Yam). Freegul is one of Israel’s most prestigious surfing schools offering surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, catamaran sailing, and kayaking. Israel’s first ever Olympic gold medalist passed through this school, winning the Windsurfing Gold in 2004. Tel: 04-636460, Email: freegull@wind.co.il, Website: www.wind.co.il

Surfing in Tel Aviv

Topsea Surfing Center – next to Moriah Plaza hotel. Topsea is Israel’s oldest surfing school, developed by the pioneers of the Israeli surf scene. The club focuses on surfing, and is probably the most famous in the city. Tel: 05-04329001, Email: orian8@gmail.com, Website: www.topsea.co.il

Surfing in Beit Yannay (between Netanya & Caesarea) & Sea of Galilee

Kite Away - Beit Yannay Beach. Kite Away is a surf school with a main focus on kitesurfing , although it still teaches surfing and windsurfing. This is because the club is run by a former World Champion kitesurfer. Tel: 09-8666991, Email: info@kiteaway.com, Website: www.kiteaway.com

Regarded by some as a suburb to the north of Tel Aviv, Herzliya is a city in its own right. Herzliya Pituach, the coastal neighborhood of this city, is one of Israel’s most exclusive, with ambassadors and industrialists among its residents. Fine restaurants as well as the nice beach and upscale atmosphere make this a great place to relax, near Tel Aviv.

What can I do?

The main attraction of Herzliya for most people is the beach. Whilst it isn’t Israel’s best beach, Herzliya’s beach is clean and attractive, and has a life guard. It does get busy at week-ends but is a great place to spend an afternoon out of the bustle of Tel Aviv (only 20 minutes away)

The Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art art is often overlooked but is a great collection of modern pieces.

And you can stay fit…

The lack of hustle and bustle in comparison to Tel Aviv makes Herzliya a great place to get active. Jogging and cycling could be easier and

Just north of Herzliya, in Gaash is one of Israel’s two golf courses – a nine hole course.

And eat well!

Herzliya has a large number of trendy restaurants, largely in the Industrial Zone. Whilst this sounds very unattractive, Herzliya Industrial Zone consists of glass office buildings in which are offices of international hi-tech and venture capital firms. Some of the best

The Herzliya Marina complex also has a great selection of restaurants.

Sleep…

Herzliya has a few resort-style hotels along its coastline. None of these are anything special unless you wish to be based here instead of the bustle of Tel Aviv. This is set to change in a couple of years, however, when Nobu, the Robert De-Niro owned leisure chain will open its first hotel,

Shop…

Herzliya Marina has a shopping mall although it contains the same stores as most of Israel’s malls.

Israel’s Mediterranean Coastline stretches from the border with Gaza in the south, north-wards, incorporating the major cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, before ending at Israel’s northern border. The Coastal plain, as the coastal area and that just inland, is known as, includes a high proportion of Israel’s population, as well as some of the country’s coolest sites and activities. Just inland between the cities of Hadera and Haifa lies Mount Carmel, with quaint towns and villages, wineries, and a nature reserve.

There are three really cool places to visit on the coastal plain, all between Tel Aviv and Haifa. As well as these, the coast is packed with cool outdoor activities.

Herzliya

Just north of Tel Aviv lies Herzliya. Home to some of Israel’s rich and famous, and the world’s diplomats, it is a coastal town with a beautiful marina, and beach. It also has a great art museum.

Caesarea

Half way between Tel Aviv and Haifa lies the ancient port of Caesarea. Now restored, it is a national park and archaelogical site. Interractive displays make it fascinating for everyone, whilst the site has some restaurants and art galleries. There is also the world’s only underwater museum which you dive through, and five minutes away, an ancient roman acquaduct and stunning beach.

Zichron Yaakov & The Carmel

Zichron Yaakov on the Carmel Range, was established in the late 19th century by the Baron Rothschild who established a winery here. Its main street is a living memorial of the early settlements of what emerged as modern Israel. Nearby are wineries, a nature reserve, and artists colonies.