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.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
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Return flights to ISP, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
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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
- 2.7m
- 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
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Town beach. Parking fee in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Montauk - Ditch Plains?
Montauk - Ditch Plains works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Montauk - Ditch Plains?
Offshore wind at Montauk - Ditch Plains blows from the NNW (340°). Anything in the 300° to 20° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Montauk - Ditch Plains?
Montauk - Ditch Plains wants SSE swell (120° to 200°) between 0.8m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into ISP, then allow about 120 minutes by road. 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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