Montauk - Ditch Plains
Montauk's Ditch Plains is the crown jewel of East Coast surfing—a south-facing beach at the tip of Long Island that catches more swell than anywhere else in the region. The position intercepts hurricane swells, nor'easters, and even wraparound energy from storms that miss everything else. The rocky bottom creates defined peaks with more punch than typical beach breaks, and the Montauk surf community takes their waves seriously. The two-hour drive from NYC weeds out casual day-trippers, leaving dedicated surfers who've made "The End" their home away from home.
Montauk - Ditch Plains surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Direction range
- 120° - 200°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Offshore range
- 300° - 20°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Town beach. Parking fee in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Montauk - Ditch Plains?
The Montauk - Ditch Plains profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Montauk - Ditch Plains?
The Montauk - Ditch Plains profile uses wind from NNW (340°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 300° to 20°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Montauk - Ditch Plains?
The Montauk - Ditch Plains scoring profile favors swell from SSE (120° to 200°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Montauk - Ditch Plains?
The main season at Montauk - Ditch Plains is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May. A secondary window runs Aug. Best East Coast spot. Picks up most swells.
How do I get to Montauk - Ditch Plains?
The spot profile lists ISP as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 120 minutes. Town beach. Parking fee in summer.
What kind of wave is Montauk - Ditch Plains?
Montauk - Ditch Plains is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Secondary: Aug
Best East Coast spot. Picks up most swells.
Getting There
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