North End OC Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SSE to ENE
Wind
NW to NNW
Surf Height
Waist high-well overhead
Tide
any tide, depending on size
North End OC Surf Guide
Short jetties, stubby groins and other random rockpiles give the shifting sandbars a home in Ocean City, and 1st Street is one of the more consistent. Heaving, rifling rights off the north side of the rocks during S swells; sucky, spinning lefts off the south side of the rocks during N swells; wedgey A-frames in between — it all depends on the sand and the swell. But if it’s big enough, it will probably be shorebreak, and it will probably be barreling. Likes a mid to high tide, and eats a lot of surfboards.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All surfers in the summer, intermediate to advanced otherwise.
Local Vibe
Doable
Mostly moderate but can get heavy on good swells.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Mostly moderate, but very busy during tropical swells.
Spot Rating
Fun
Fun and typically better shape than other spots nearby.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Mellow most of the time with rips forming around the groins on bigger days.
Water Quality
Clean
Pretty clean overall, except after very heavy rain.
Hazards
Groins, crowds, incompetent surfers and tourists (in summer).
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Bodyboard
Access
Easy for the most part, be aware of beach badges in the Summer.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
September through March
Do you have local knowledge about North End OC?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]
