Naval Jetties surf guide

Naval Jetties is located two miles east of Lewes within Cape Henlopen State Park. It's pretty much the closest thing to a pointbreak in Delaware and has some of the tallest sand dunes around, which are the largest between Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod. The right break off the jetty forms on a sandbar that's held together by ancient cedar tree stumps. This spot can be a bit unpredictable, but sometimes it delivers some decent long rights, especially when the swell is right. Surfing here can feel like a bit of a gamble, as it can get heavy and fast, but it also can be less consistent. It's worth checking when the conditions are looking good, especially when Maryland gets a little wild.

When it comes to surfing, Naval Jetties really shines on south swells, especially during low to mid tide conditions. It can handle swell sizes from about 1.2 meters (4 feet) to 2.4 meters (8 feet). The best wave directions here are rights, and the preferred wind comes from the west. Paddling out isn’t too bad, but it can be a grind depending on the swell. A quick note for surfers: the bottom is sandy but littered with cedar stumps, so watch your footing when you're getting in and out. It's generally a spot for intermediate to expert surfers, and on a good day, it can attract a number of people, especially as it becomes more crowded with little space for many surfers to take off at once.

The access here is through a paid parking lot, with fees varying for in-state and out-of-state surfers. This area can see a fair amount of dolphin activity, so if you see them nearby, just keep in mind they're there to enjoy the waves too. The surf season is pretty much storm dependent, with the best action coming from tropical cyclones in late summer and fall, as well as nor'easters in late fall and winter. Board types that work well here include shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish. Overall, Naval Jetties is a unique spot worth checking out if the conditions align.