The Surf Window

Assateague Island

Maryland, USA

Beach breakBeginner

A wild barrier island straddling Maryland and Virginia, Assateague is home to famous wild ponies, pristine beaches, and consistent East Coast beach break in a national seashore with no development and no crowds.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SE 1.5–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

W

Light to SW under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Nov

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the exposed barrier beach

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Good quality East Coast beach break with manageable conditions

Hazards

  • •Strong rip currents
  • •Wild ponies on the beach, they bite and kick
  • •No services on the island south of the campground

Local Tips

  • •Camping in the national seashore for sunrise surf is one of the East Coast's great experiences
  • •The wild ponies were featured in "Misty of Chincoteague", iconic American imagery
  • •The south end (Virginia side) is more remote and has better, less-crowded peaks

Location

Map showing the location of Assateague Island in Maryland, USA

38.1000, -75.1500