Ditch Plains

Ditch Plains is an exposed reef break with two distinct character zones: a left break favored by longboarders with mellow rolling waves, and a right break offering more punchy, maneuverable walls. The reef bottom is rock and pebble, sand-covered in places, creating sharp, shallow sections especially at low tide. Summer typically brings 1–3 foot waves accessible to beginners, while fall and winter see 3–5 foot sets that demand intermediate to advanced skills. The break works best on mid to high tides with northwest offshore winds and southeast swell, though strong currents develop during winter storms and rocks present real hazards when the tide drops.

Surfing arrived at Montauk in 1950 when Richard Lisiewski, an Army serviceman from New Jersey, paddled out at Ditch Plains. The break remained known mainly to a handful of East Coast pioneers through the early 1960s until the 1966 release of "The Endless Summer" triggered a surge in tourism and local adoption. This rapid growth created tension—the East Hampton Town Board attempted to ban surfing in 1967 and briefly implemented a medallion permit system before facing enforcement collapse. The Rell Sunn Surf Contest, named after the 1970s world champion and breast cancer advocate, has run continuously since the late 1990s and remains the area's active annual event.

Vehicle parking at Ditch Plains requires an East Hampton resident beach sticker or a non-resident permit obtainable through the Chamber of Commerce; alternatives include walking or biking (free access) or parking at nearby Shadmoor State Park and hiking along the bluff trail. The beach sits at 10 De Forest Road, about two miles east of Montauk village. ADA-accessible restrooms, seasonal lifeguards, and food trucks serve the area.