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Today's Surf Conditions at Ditch Plains

Spot Conditions Map

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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)

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Spot Overview & Description

Swell Height2 - 12 ft
SeabedBoulders, Sand
Skill LevelBeginner
Best TideLow, Mid, High

Ditch Plains stands as one of Long Island’s most dependable reef setups, where shifting peaks break over a mix of rock and sand. The wave is known for its soft, shapely A-frames—a forgiving, mushy left that offers a workable wall and surprisingly long rides, making it a go-to for longboarders. For those seeking a bit more juice, occasional steeper rights and faster lefts appear further east, adding variety to the lineup. While it rarely delivers epic power, Ditch Plains is a reliable bet for surf, often serving up clean, fun waves when conditions align.

Best Surf Season & Climatology

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic winter pattern delivers the most consistent and powerful swell to Ditch Plains, with average wave heights hovering around 1.2 to 1.3 meters and periods in the 6-7 second range. The dominant swell directions from the south and southwest align well with the SSE-facing beach, and frequent cold fronts and high-pressure systems usher in offshore winds from the northwest and north. While the ideal wind percentage remains low due to occasional gales, the combination of solid groundswell and clean offshore breezes produces the best waves of the year – often punchy, rippable, and occasionally pumping. This is the prime window for experienced surfers to score.

Fair Surf Season (April - May, September)

During these shoulder months, the average swell height drops to around 1.0-1.1 meters, and the wave period remains in the 6.5-7.0 second range. The swell direction shifts more toward the southeast and east, which can still wrap in but with less consistency. Wind patterns become more variable, with a mix of onshore southerlies and occasional offshore northerly flows. The percentage of ideal wind increases slightly, but the overall surf quality is less reliable. Good days can occur when a late-season cold front or distant tropical system aligns, offering clean, fun-sized waves for a grovel board.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer brings a noticeable lull in surf energy to Ditch Plains. Average wave heights shrink to 0.8 meters, with periods around 6.5-7.0 seconds, and the swell is dominated by short-period, locally generated windswell from the south and southeast. While these directions are technically favorable, the accompanying wind patterns are predominantly from the southwest and south, directly onshore, ruining the wave quality. The ideal wind percentage rises slightly due to lighter breezes, but the overall combination of small, weak swell and poor wind alignment results in mostly micro to small, groveling conditions. Persistent summer heat and high pressure over the Atlantic often leave the beach flat or messy.

Detailed Surf Information for Ditch Plains

Detailed Surf Forecast

Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Ditch Plains with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.

Swell & Wind Statistics

Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.

Historical Surf Report

Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.

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