55th Street Pier breaks over a shallow sandbar off the end of a run-down pier that may be rebuilt before long. It scoops up much of the sand pumped in at Ocean City, and both sides of the pier can throw hollow, longer rides for lefts and rights.
When It Works
The bar takes swell from northeast through east-southeast to south, with northeast the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, and it's one of the more consistent spots around, so there's usually something to ride when the swell shows up.
Wind and Tide
Look for west offshore wind to clean it up. A southwest wind won't ruin it either, and can even bump up the size a little. The bar surfs on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on.
Access
There's year-round on-beach parking, plus free roadside spots, and the Marmora Wildlife Management Area Coastal Wetlands sits just to the south. You'll also find restrooms, a lifeguard, and a surf shop close by.
