Russian Black Sea

Russian Black Sea surf travel guide

The Russian coastline in the eastern Black Sea is the most southerly region you can surf in this gargantuan nation and is affectionately known as the Russian Riviera. Unfortunately, the surf is pretty inconsistent during those warm summer months when springsuits and even boardshorts are worn as water temps hit 28ºC in August. Nevertheless, from October to May, the dominant NW winds will drive windswell in the 1-8ft range and despite the low period, there are some surprisingly punchy peaks hitting the heavily armoured coast around Sochi.

A growing group of local snowboarders turned surfers can be found at the most popular spot, cheekily named Khosta Rika, where the Russian surfing championships have been held. The other top spot is Riviera, located beside the massive port in downtown Sochi, where some good lefts break off the huge tetrapods.

South of town, close to the disputed border with Georgia (where there is further surf potential), are more waves between the multitude of jetties in Adler. Chaika is the spot, but it's close to the super-port and rivermouth water brings pollution to this spot and many others in the eastern Black Sea.

Heading north up the coast, Lazarevskoye and Ashe are also large rivermouth spots where wide pebble beaches hold some dumpy shorebreaks. Way north towards the Sea of Azov and Ukraine receives far less swell, needing a SW fetch to show up at spots like Shirokaya Balka, Anapa and the soft sands of Dzhemete.