Surfing in Ocean City, Maryland

woman surfing

The Mayor and City Council of the Town of Ocean City have designated specific areas of our ten-mile beach to be one-day “surfing areas”, or what we commonly refer to as rotating “surf beaches.” OC Vacations has great places to stay near surfing locations in Ocean City, MD. 

Summer Surf Schedule and Locations to Surf in OCMD

Under the current schedule, we have two rotating beaches reserved for surfing only. One is located in the north half of the town and rotates between 146th and 67th streets, with a second south surf beach that rotates between 66th and Caroline street. 

Find places to stay between 61st and 145th Streets in Ocean City, MD. 

There is also a permanent surfing beach located at the extreme south end of Ocean City at the Inlet. The north and south surf beaches are almost five miles apart, and each moves two city blocks to the south from one day to the next. The Inlet surf beach is open on weekdays, except for holidays. The surf beaches are in effect between 10:00 – 5:30 (Guarding hours) from May 1 to September 30 from the Inlet to 27th Street, and from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to September 30th for all other beaches in Ocean City. 

Find vacation rentals near the Ocean City Boardwalk, Inlet, and surfing zones. 

Rules for Surfing in Ocean City, MD

  • Follow standard surfing etiquette and respect other surfers. Never drop in on someone else’s wave.
  • Follow the guidance of Surf Beach Facilitators and Surf Rescue Technicians, and reach out to them with any questions about surfing beach rules or conditions.
  • Keep a leash securely attached to your surfboard at all times.
  • Remain within the designated surfing zone marked by yellow stands.
  • Limit each surfboard to one rider at a time.
  • Only surfers riding surfboards are permitted in the water at designated surfing beaches.
  • Keep the designated surfing area reserved exclusively for surfing. Other water activities are not permitted.

For beginners or those wanting to learn how to surf, local surf shops like K-Coast offer lessons. Malibu’s and Chauncey’s could also get you lined up with some lessons and or gear to get out and surf! Another option is Assateague Island which also has waves, and is less restricted with only certain areas designated for “swimming only” the rest of the island is pretty much fair game! 

On your way out there you can stop by Assateague Island Surf Shop and rent a board or pick up some wax, and they can also schedule you a surf lesson with an instructor! There are lots of options when it comes to surfing in Ocean City whether you are a beginner or have been surfing your whole life! 

Find the best vacation rentals in OCMD for surfers or surf trips.