Three protected beaches, several other breaks open to surfers in OC

Last Updated on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 03:54 pm Written by Staff Reports Thursday, May 31, 2012 06:24 am

Three protected beaches, several other breaks open to surfers in OC

OCEAN CITY – Depending on where the waves are coming from, Waverly Boulevard has long been the top spot for long-board surfing in Ocean City.

Longtime Ocean City surfers say it remains a good break, depending on the tide, but it changed after a recent beach replenishment project; and a mild winter has meant there has not been extensive erosion to return it to its former shape.

One surfer said it used to be a good high-tide spot, but now seems the best on an incoming tide, while at other times it does not offer much of a ride.

It remains one of three guarded beaches dedicated to surfing. The main one is at Seventh Street where there are often surfing classes and bathers are sent a block north or south to stay out of the way of surfers.

The other guarded surf beach is at 16^th Street, according to Tom Mullineaux, chief of operations at the Ocean City Beach Patrol. He says Waverly is “still OK” as a surf spot, as well.

The OCBP also allows surfing between the stands in the south end, starting at 37^th Street, he said. Surfers are obliged to stay outside the red flags, and to watch out for bathers.

On summer weekends, those spots can be as crowded as the guarded areas – with a lot to keep track of between wave riding kayaks, people surf fishing and those swimmers who don’t want to take a walk down to the guarded beaches also making use of the same area.

There are also rides to be had past the southernmost lifeguard stand, in Corson’s InletState Park south of 59^th Street.

Early mornings and evenings, after the guards are off duty, are less crowded, and Mullineaux said the waves are open to surfers before and after the guards get on duty. Guards started May 26, and are on duty 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, and until 5:30 on weekends and holidays.

The old fishing pier at 59^th Street remains a popular spot, as well as Fifth Street and Seventh Street, but the area at First Street, coming off the jetty almost right in front of the lifeguard headquarters, has seen some of the best waves throughout this spring, and has kept a good form on big days.

On a recent afternoon, the spot was crowded with wetsuited surfers lining up for wave.