Batroun

Batroun, also known as Colonel, is a rocky reef break on Lebanon's northern coast where waves hollowly peel left and right over a coral and rock-studded bottom. The break peaks during Mediterranean winter storms between November and March, with typical waves in the 2 to 5-foot range during moderate swell and larger sets during intense storms. Best conditions arrive with west swell meeting offshore east-northeast wind at low to mid tide; the surrounding bay topography helps concentrate swell energy into this exposed reef.

Lebanese surfing began in the 1970s before the civil war disrupted the sport; the community rebuilt slowly through the 1990s with fewer than 15 dedicated surfers in the entire country. Batroun has emerged as one of four primary Lebanese breaks and now hosts an active local scene with multiple formal surf schools. The country's surfing culture reached an international milestone when Lebanese surfers competed at the Asian Surfing Championships, marking the nation's first formal representation in the sport on a continental stage.

Batroun sits roughly an hour north of Beirut along the Beirut-Tripoli highway, with straightforward access to the break and nearby paid parking. The town center allows visitors to walk between multiple beach coves, restaurants, and informal eateries without needing transportation, making it practical for day trips from Beirut. Respect for the sharp rock and coral bottom throughout is essential, as hazards persist across the break.