Ditch Plains Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

E, ESE, SE

Wind

NNW but can handle NE better than other spots

Surf Height

Waist high-well overhead

Tide

Any tide can work

Ditch Plains Surf Guide

There is perhaps no better (at least consistency-wise) spot on Long Island's wiry 100-some-mile tail than Ditch Plains. Often it evokes thoughts of San Onofre in East Coast surfers who have visited the famed Southern California log haven. Of course, Ditch Plain's unique ability to produce soft and shapely A-frames combined with its geographical fate in a generally wave-starved slice of Americana makes for some absurdly crowded lineups year-round. And most of that stoke plants its feet squarely on the decks of big ol' longboards.

Shifting peaks break over a rock bottom and a reefy left point. Plus, Ditch Plains works on any swell, from SW to E -- best so with NNW winds.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

All levels, especially in summer.

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

With crowd comes hostilities.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

Very crowded, occasionally dangerous.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Usually a safe bet for surf, but can get pretty good.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Expect to paddle a fair amount, plenty of current on big swells.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Pretty clean overall.

Hazards

Crowds, rocks.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard

Access

Easy but the parking lot can get crowded.

Bottom

Rock and sand

Best Season

September through March

Do you have local knowledge about Ditch Plains?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]