Overview
Ditch Plains is a mellow, shapely peak on the tail end of Long Island, and it may be the most reliable wave on that whole wave-starved stretch of coast. Shifting peaks break over a bottom of boulders and sand, with a reefy left point that reminds East Coast surfers of San Onofre, the famed Southern California longboard haven. The signature ride is a soft, mushy left with a workable wall and long rides, though you will also find the occasional steeper right and a few faster lefts further east.
When It Works
The peaks pull in swell from east through south to southwest, with southeast (SE) the best direction. It is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, a wide working range that means there is almost always something to ride. Autumn and winter, roughly September through March, are the prime months, and consistency is the real strength here: it is usually a safe bet for surf but can turn genuinely good.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest (NW) offshore wind, though Ditch Plains holds up in a northeast wind better than most spots nearby. It can work through any tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a longboard spot at heart, but shortboards, fish, and funboards all have their days, and the soft, forgiving peaks make it welcoming for beginners. Expect a very busy lineup whenever it breaks, since crowds are part of the deal here year-round. Watch for large rocks in the lineup toward the east, and plan to paddle a fair amount, with plenty of current pushing through on bigger swells.
Access
Getting in is straightforward, with restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard on hand. Parking is at a paid car park that fills up fast and is restricted through the summer.
