Surf: This mushy left with its workable wall and longer rides is a favored longboard spot. Occasional steeper rights, plus a few faster lefts further to the east. Between here and the lighthouse, there are some more rocky reef spots, which require a long walk. Environment: Main hazards: absolutely always crowded, with some large rocks in the line-up to the east. The dirt car park is restricted in summer, meaning an expensive town parking permit. The Ditch Witch rules in summer for munchies. Surf: General: There is perhaps no better (at least consistency-wise) spot on Long Island's wiry 100-some-mile tail than Ditch Plains. Often it evokes thoughts of San Onofre in East Coast surfers who have visited the famed Southern California log haven. Of course, Ditch Plain's unique ability to produce soft and shapely A-frames combined with its geographical fate in a generally wave-starved slice of Americana makes for some absurdly crowded lineups year-round. And most of that stoke plants its feet squarely on the decks of big ol' longboards.

Shifting peaks break over a rock bottom and a reefy left point. Plus, Ditch Plains works on any swell, from SW to E -- best so with NNW winds. Tides: Any tide can work Size: Waist high-well overhead Wind: NNW but can handle NE better than other spots Swell: E, ESE, SE Bottom: Rock and sand Paddling: Expect to paddle a fair amount, plenty of current on big swells. Spot Rating: Usually a safe bet for surf, but can get pretty good. Access: Easy but the parking lot can get crowded. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Very crowded, occasionally dangerous. Local Vibe: With crowd comes hostilities. Environment: Pretty clean overall. Hazards: Crowds, rocks. Season: September through March