Surfing Ditch Plains in the Fall: Montauk’s Secret Season

When Summer Ends, the Real Surf Begins

Come September, Montauk changes. The beach umbrellas disappear, the parking lot empties out, and the Atlantic starts to wake up. For surfers, that’s when the magic happens. Fall is the true Ditch Plains season—steady swells, crisp offshore winds, and waves that make you forget about your 9-to-5.

Locals call it “secret season” for a reason. The vibe is calmer, the water clearer, and the post-surf coffee line at Left Hand Coffee is finally manageable.

Perfect Waves, Perfect Weather

The fall swell brings consistency you just don’t get in the summer months. Hurricanes spinning far out in the Atlantic push clean, rideable waves toward the Montauk coast, and mornings often start glassy before the breeze picks up.

The water stays surprisingly warm into October—wetsuit weather, yes, but not the bone-chill of winter. Layer up with the ultra-cozy Retro Surf Sweatshirt from Surfside Goods for that perfect post-surf warmth, or throw on the Montauk Surf Long Sleeve Tee when you’re catching those late-afternoon waves. Both pieces channel the easy, vintage-coastal vibe that defines Montauk in the fall.

Locals Know: Timing Is Everything

If you’re new to Ditch Plains, timing is everything. Early mornings—sunrise to 9 a.m.—are prime. The sun comes up over the bluffs, and it’s just you, the gulls, and a handful of locals trading waves.

By mid-day, it’s usually time to grab a bite at Joni’s or Goldberg’s (still open most of the fall), then head back for a second session as the tide shifts.

The Post-Surf Ritual

After your last ride, toss on your Surfside Goods Retro Surf Sweatshirt, sit on the hood of your car, and watch the sets roll in. That’s the real Ditch Plains rhythm—surf, sip, repeat.

Because even after summer ends, the surf never really does.