Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Forty-Eighth Street in Ocean City is a classic exposed ocean-side beach break/jetty break where conditions are strongly influenced by shifting sandbars. It tends to offer both lefts and rights, with the most reliable results coming from southeast swells combined with offshore west winds—helping groom the wave faces. For timing, sources consistently emphasize low tide, especially when the tide is rising. In summer, the spot can be busy and subject to beach management rules, with surfing typically confined to designated surfing-only areas and swimming zones guarded during the day. Sandbars may also relocate, which can make the best peak move around as the tide changes. Safety is a major focus at this location: dangerous rip currents and strong currents are reported, and paddling out can become difficult when conditions build. Expect heavy shore break at times, and plan around crowding during peak months. If you’re learning, multiple notes recommend using a longboard (preferably over 7 feet) to get comfortable with the local rhythm. Seasonally, the spot is best in summer—especially July—with very warm water compared with winter months. Lifeguards are seasonal and rescue coverage is described as limited, so it’s important to stay inside permitted areas and follow the local guidance for the daily surf zone schedule and summer operating hours.
- Exposed ocean-side beach break with both lefts and rights.
- Offshore west winds tend to groom the face; southeast swells help form the best waves.
- Low tide (incoming/rising) often provides the best surf timing.
- Well-known exposed beach/jetty-style surf break with both lefts and rights.
- Works best with southeast swells and offshore west winds.
- Strong infrastructure and easy public access via the 48th Street beach entrance.
- Dangerous rip currents and strong currents can make paddling out difficult in bigger conditions.
- Shifting sandbars can change the best peaks quickly.
- Crowded summer lineups and strict seasonal surfing regulations.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes are common in late spring through summer.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- July
- Shadow Zones
- Buildings and hotels can create turbulence close to shore during offshore winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with sandbars shifting frequently.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Flat — Surf size is described as flat in at least one guide, but other sources indicate medium-to-chest/head-high conditions depending on swell and sandbar.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Can become heavy/choppy when wind shifts onshore (east winds).
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach area at the 48th Street access.
Through the year
Crowded when working; extremely crowded June through August and much quieter outside peak summer.
Hurricane season (August–October) can bring significant swells and storm conditions; thunderstorm activity is also common in July and August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Generally restricted during summer months due to lifeguards and beach crowds; better suited for the off-season.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Sandy beach and absence of rocks make it accessible for foiling, though shore break can be challenging during higher swells.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach/jetty-style beach break with both lefts and rights. Works best with southeast swells and offshore west winds, with the best results often found on the incoming low tide (low tide when the tide is rising).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, ESE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best at low tide when the tide is rising.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed ocean-side break; exposed to weather and wind shifts.
- Wind Effect
- Best with offshore west winds that groom faces; east winds can cause heavy chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Tends to close out when swells exceed about 2.5 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality is average overall, with peaks improving as sandbars shift.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Classic exposed beach-break surf with variable sandbars.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Exposed conditions; faces can get heavy when wind shifts onshore.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Fast, punchy rides typical of a sandbar beach break.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typical rides are short due to shifting sandbar peaks.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–75 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, punchy rides typical of a sandbar beach break.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland) in the full forecast view.
Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- NE51°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2712 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 7–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.7–1.6 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- dangerous rip currents
- strong current that makes paddling out difficult in big conditions
- shifting sandbars
- heavy shore break
- crowded lineups in summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Heavily patrolled in summer by Ocean City Beach Patrol.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited, with seasonal coverage and patrols during summer.
- Emergency Info
- Ocean City Beach Patrol handles seasonal rescues. Dial 911 for emergencies. Nearest major medical facility noted as Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, MD.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Follow commonly accepted surfing rules: don't drop in, listen to local surfing facilitators and surf rescue technicians. Leash required. No surfing in designated swimming/guarded areas during summer hours; only in the designated surfing area. Stay within areas marked by yellow stands and follow local daily surfing beach schedule where applicable.
- Only one person per surfboard.
- Always wear a leash.
- Stay within areas marked by yellow stands.
- No activities except surfing allowed in the designated surfing area.
- Surfing is prohibited in swimming areas between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM (summer seasonal rules).
- Surf beaches are effective between 10:00-5:30 from Memorial Day to September 30.
- Best at low tide when the tide is rising.
- Watch out for dangerous rips.
- Check the daily surfing schedule on the Ocean City beach patrol site where applicable.
- If you are a beginner, use a longboard (preferably over 7 feet) to ease into the surf.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ocean City
- Nearest Town
- Ocean City
- Parking
- Street parking available; can be difficult and involves paid meters during peak summer months.
- Access
- Located at 48th Street on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, accessible via Coastal Highway.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and condo rentals within walking distance.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple restaurants and bars adjacent to the beach at nearby blocks (including 45th and 49th Streets).
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental available at nearby surf shops in town.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available at local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ocean City is a premier Mid-Atlantic resort destination offering both ocean and bay environments for wind and water sports, with extensive entertainment options.
An iconic three-mile boardwalk featuring shops, arcades, and eateries.
Historic amusement park located at the south end of the boardwalk.
Museum detailing the history of the coastal rescue services and local maritime heritage.
Famous for its wild horses, hiking trails, and pristine beaches.
Massive bayside entertainment complex with multiple bars and dining areas.
Large park featuring water slides, go-karts, and traditional rides.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland)?
The best overall months at Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland) are July.
Which wind directions work at Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland)?
Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland) suitable for?
Forty-Eighth Street (Ocean City, Maryland) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.