Surf: General: Both the north and south side of Indian River Inlet can produce high-performance tube riding, particularly when other places are closing out on larger swells. Then it becomes a rather intense shorebreak, with any hint of swell being amplified off the rock wall for a steep drop. Plenty of neck and back injuries occur every year at this surprisingly challenging stretch of beach. Keep in mind you're usually surfing in ankle-deep water. Tides: Low and incoming Size: Chest high-overhead Wind: Southwest or West Swell: S, SE Bottom: Sand Paddling: Not bad but can be some work on certain swells. Spot Rating: Decent spot on the right day with some southerly wind protection. Access: $4 for Delaware-registered vehicles; $8 for out-of-state vehicles. Crowds: Crowd Factor: It can be flat and there will still be people floating around out there. Local Vibe: Can get a little chippy on good days. Environment: Not too bad. Hazards: Watch possible heavy deep-water fishing along inlet. Season: Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.