Surfing in Delaware

Delaware may not be known for Surfing, however, when the conditions come together, the surf in Delaware can be good for the beginner and sometimes good enough to challenge the experienced surfer. Here is a general description of some surfing areas in and near Delaware.    Pictorial of surf.




 		 1.)   Lewes Delaware has a little known surf spot, that during strong south swells with SW to West winds can produce long rides somewhat like a small point break. If not too big it can be good to learn on. If you look you can find it , not on the bayside.
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2.)   Rehoboth Delaware has several jetties that during south swells can produce fun waves. Dewey Beach can also get good surf, however, both of these areas tend to break close to the beach . Sometimes too close, so don’t wear speedos.
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3.)   Indian River Inlet’s north side is a popular spot for learning to surf since the waves there tend to be long and somewhat mushy if not flat. When the swells are big and out of the south it may even get good for experienced surfer. The south side is more fickle and is usually better for bodyboarders. It breaks very close to the beach. When conditions are right the south side can produce big, fast and extremely hollow tube rides that are not good for beginners.  Mark Foo, an east coast surfer who rose to one of the highest levels in surfing often commented that Indian River Inlet produced waves in the same caliber as some of the best surfing spots in Hawaii.
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4.) Bethany Beach Delaware like Rehoboth has several short jetties that can work well on north or south swells and also break close to the beach. This beach is a favorite spot for many local bodyboarders.
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5.) Fenwick Island Delaware, the home of Fenwick Island Surf Shop has seen many good days of surfing. It can work on any swell angle if the winds are good and the sandbars are right (not too close to the beach). It can vary between mushy and slow ( good for beginners ) to big, fast and hollow ( good for me ). The local crew of surfers have told me to tell you that Fenwick Island does not get good surf !
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6.) Ocean City, Md. with its 10 miles of beach can break very good. The farther south you go into Md. the farther out the waves break and in deeper water. These beaches can be crowded so watch your manners.
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7.) Assateague Island, Md. has over 20 miles of open beach with good sandbars that make this area an excellent choice for learning to surf. When the swells get really big and long ( as in Hurricane or Tropical Storm swells ) , Assateague becomes a hot spot for some serious surf sessions, complete with long paddles to get outside of the breaking waves.
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Surf Legend Skip Savage grew up surfing in Delaware before he retired to warmer climates of Coco Beach Florida.  Surfing in Delaware like anywhere else, has its pros and cons. When the conditions are not right there will not be good surf. When the swells, winds, tides and sandbars come together the surf in Delaware can actually be good, so get out of bed and check the surf because if you snooze you lose!!!

        Fenwick Island Delaware Surf Shop