8th Street Jetty is a popular surf spot located in Ocean City. It’s known for being the only year-round surfing area in the area, and it attracts both local and visiting surfers. The jetty offers waves that are known to provide a decent ride, especially when conditions are just right. Because it’s consistent, it tends to get crowded, so be prepared to share the waves with plenty of other surfers.
The surf at 8th Street Jetty can handle swell sizes starting from about 2ft (0.6m) and can get pretty gnarly when the swells are large. The best waves typically break over sand, and you'll find rights on the 7th Street side during more southerly swells, while nor'easters can provide long left barrels. For optimal conditions, look for a northeast swell and a northwest wind. The spot works well at low, mid, and high tide, making it quite flexible for different sessions. Keep in mind that this spot is generally recommended for intermediate surfers due to the sometimes challenging wave conditions.
When you’re out there, timing your paddle-outs is key, especially if the waves are pumping. Make sure to pay attention to the rips to navigate the conditions better. Also, watch out for the stormwater pipes on higher tides, as they can impact the surf. Just remember to grab your tags, and be aware that you can’t surf the lefts south of the jetty between 10 AM and 5 PM.