Pāvilosta

About this spot

Pāvilosta is a small fishing village that has become the surf and kite capital of Latvia. The Saka river enters the sea here between two harbour moles, and the sandbars around the river mouth and along the beaches north and south of the moles shape some of the most consistent waves in the Baltic. On a solid westerly the spot produces clean, peeling waves ideal for strapless wave riding and jumping — it is the place Latvian riders head for when a storm rolls in.

West, south-west and north-west winds are side-onshore and work best; the beach north of the moles is generally preferred in SW, the south beach in NW. East and south-east winds blow offshore and are extremely dangerous. The harbour moles are the main hazard: never ride or get washed close to them, as current from the river and reflected waves concentrate there, and the harbour entrance has boat traffic. The water by the river mouth can be noticeably colder and murky after rain.

Despite its size the village is very well set up for watersports: a surf/kite centre with schools and rental, campsites, guesthouses, cafés and a marina. Parking is available near the harbour and at the beach access paths. The waves and currents make it an intermediate-to-expert spot; beginners should only ride here with a school on light, onshore days.