Ditch Plains - surf spot statistics

Ditch Plains, located on the east coast of the United States, is a surf spot primarily influenced by wind swells, with ground swells playing a much smaller role in wave formation. Throughout the year, wind swells dominate, accounting for 71% to 92% of the swell activity, while ground swells range from just 3% to 23%, peaking in September. The mean swell size remains relatively consistent, averaging around 1.0 to 1.2 meters, with slightly smaller waves in late summer (August-September) and slightly larger waves in winter and early spring. Wind conditions are generally poor, with bad onshore winds prevailing 79% to 89% of the time, though they improve slightly in summer, particularly in July and August, when good wind conditions reach around 20-21%. The best time to surf Ditch Plains is from late summer to early fall, specifically August and September, when ground swell contributions increase, wind conditions are slightly more favorable, and wave size remains decent. While summer (June-August) offers more frequent lighter winds, the swells tend to be smaller and less powerful. Winter months bring slightly larger waves but suffer from consistently poor wind conditions, making sessions less ideal. Overall, surfers should target late summer and early fall for the best balance of swell quality and wind conditions at this spot.

In May, Ditch Plains offers variable but generally surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.1m and a decent 7.2s period. The best swells come from the SE to S (SSE, S, SSW), delivering the most consistent wave heights—often in the 0.5-2.5m range (peaking around 1-1.5m). ENE and ESE swells also contribute occasionally, but with less frequency. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 17% of the time offering ideal surf winds (typically light to moderate offshore or cross-shore breezes). The worst winds come from SW and WSW, which are often strong and onshore, creating choppy or blown-out waves. Overall, May provides surfable days, particularly when swell angles align from the SE-S quadrant and winds cooperate, but expect inconsistency and some downtime between clean sessions.