Gordons Pond is located just five minutes from Rehoboth Beach inside Cape Henlopen State Park. This spot is not as popular as some others nearby, like the long rights at Naval Jetties, but it offers a less-crowded option, especially during the summer. It acts as a magnet for south swells, making it a good choice when other spots on the Delmarva coast are too rough to enjoy. The beachbreak here can get heavy and hollow, particularly during hurricane season.
The surf at Gordons Pond works well on all tides and can handle swell sizes from about 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters). You can expect a mix of wave types, primarily beach breaks, with the best conditions coming from swell directions like ESE, SE, and SSE. For wind, the ideal directions are SSW, SW, WSW, and W. It’s suitable for intermediate to expert surfers, and you'll likely see riders on shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, and even bodyboards. The shorebreak here is pretty rad, offering a great reward for not much effort.
Access to Gordons Pond is straightforward, with Cape Henlopen State Park open year-round from 8 AM to sunset. There's an entrance fee of $5 for Delaware registered vehicles or $10 for out-of-state vehicles. If you’re here, chances are the crowd isn’t too overwhelming, creating a more relaxed vibe. Just be mindful of the possible rips, debris, and submerged tree stumps. The fall season, from September to December, tends to be the best time to catch some waves here.