Indian River Southside surf guide

Indian River Southside is a surf spot located in the Delaware/Maryland area. It can get quite busy, especially when the waves are decent. While it's not the most consistent spot around, many surfers still flock here for a session. The vibe is laid-back, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the crowd, as it can fill up quickly during peak times.

This place works best with a NorthEast swell, but it also has some action during South swells. The waves usually handle sizes around 2ft to 6ft (0.6m to 1.8m) and break over sand. You can expect longer rights and quicker lefts, providing some fun walls and the potential for nice, thick barrels. When the tide’s low, mid, or high, the waves can still hold up pretty well, but west winds are what you’ll want for the best conditions.

While the surf can be a bit heavy—there have been stories of snapped boards here—you’ll find a good mix of surfers and bodyboarders taking advantage of the waves. Be aware that in the summer, you might run into some sea-lice, so it’s a good idea to keep that in mind if you decide to paddle out.