Naval Jetties Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SE, NE
Wind
Southwest or West
Surf Height
Chest high-overhead
Tide
Low and incoming
Naval Jetties Surf Guide
Two miles east of Lewes and located within Cape Henlopen State Park, Naval Jetties is the closest thing you'll find to a pointbreak and also the nearest thing Delaware has to hills, as the sand dunes are the largest between Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod. The right breaks off a jetty on top of a sandbar held together by ancient cedar tree stumps. At low tide, it can be like surfing through a cemetery. The spot is fickle, but occasionally produces lengthy rights in fall and winter on both N and S swells. It's a one-spot takeoff, so two carloads make a crowd.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Can get a little chippy on good days.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Can be if it is working.
Spot Rating
Fun
It takes the right swell but can be good on its day.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Not bad but can be some work on certain swells.
Water Quality
Clean
Not too bad.
Hazards
Since it's a favorite byway for dolphins just a few feet offshore, they may mistake your toes for blue fish.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Paid parking lot -- price varies for in-state and out of state.
Bottom
Sand with many cedar stumps.
Best Season
Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.
Do you have local knowledge about Naval Jetties?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]