Surfnerd Logo

Indian River Inlet

Loading forecast...

Want AI predictions?

Log your session so our AI can make predictions on the surf conditions. This means personalized surf reports and much more.

Ideal surf conditions at Indian River Inlet

Swell window
NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
Swell size
4ft - 8ft
Swell breaks over
Sand
Wave types
Beach, Jetty
Wave directions
Right, Left
Wind window
SW, WSW, W, WNW
Best tides at
Low, Low to Mid, Mid
Skill Level
Intermediate, Expert
Seasons
Autumn
Board types
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Skimming, Bodysurfing

Indian River Inlet surf guide

Indian River Inlet is a surf spot located in Delaware known for its strong, sometimes unpredictable waves. It features both north and south sides, which can offer decent surf opportunities when other nearby locations are flat. Access to the beach is straightforward, but there's a fee for parking – $4 for Delaware-registered vehicles and $8 for out-of-state cars. The vibe can be a bit tense on good days, as surfers flock to this spot, so be prepared for some potential crowding, even when the waves aren't perfect.

The surf here can handle swell sizes between 4 to 8 feet (about 1.2 to 2.4 meters) and works best with southeast swells. When there's a good push in the water, you'll find that waves can break to the right or left, and they tend to create beach and jetty breaks over sand. The best time to hit the water is when the tide is low, low to mid, or mid, especially with a southwest or west wind. Conditions can vary, but this spot is best suited for intermediate to expert surfers, mainly due to the challenging nature of the shorebreak and rocky features.

On certain days, especially during autumn or when tropical storms are around, you can find some solid surf here. The paddling can be manageable, but keep in mind that certain swells might make it a bit of a workout. Watch out for the potential hazards like deep-water fishing near the inlet. Overall, when conditions align, Indian River Inlet can offer some fun sessions for surfers looking to challenge themselves.

Written by Joris de Ruiter

Joris is a dad, husband, surfer, software developer, yogi and swimmer. He combines his passion for surfing and technology to help others catch more and better waves.

Surf reports nearby Indian River Inlet

Naval Jetties surf forecastStockton surf forecastIndian River Southside surf forecastFenwick surf forecastThe Inlet and Pier surf forecastThe Wedge surf forecastIndian River Northside surf forecast48th Street surf forecastQueen Street surf forecast8th Street surf forecastBethany surf forecastBroadway surf forecast120th Street surf forecastFenwick Island surf forecastGrant Street Beach surf forecastIndian River Inlet surf forecastThe Cove surf forecastDewey Beach surf forecastGordons Pond surf forecastOcean City Boardwalk surf forecast