Increase Surfing Access in Delaware

The Surfrider Delaware Chapter wants to increase the amount of surfing opportunities in Delaware. Specifically, we are interested in reasonable, discretionary, and flexible accommodation of surfing at Delaware State Park guarded beaches on days and times when there are few swimmers in the water.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has the authority to be more flexible in regards to surfing access at swimming beaches. Section 9201 of the Delaware State Administrative Code states that “No surfboards, sailboards, kayaks or similar watercraft shall be allowed in designated guarded swimming area unless approved by the Director or their designee.”  It is our understanding and experience that discretionary flexibility for surfing at guarded beaches was common in the recent past in Delaware.

There are many days and times at Delaware State Park beaches when there are few swimmers in the water during summer lifeguard hours of 9AM to 5PM because of water temperature, weather, swell, time of year, or other reason. In the not so distant past, the local lifeguard captain was able to evaluate the situation at their beach and allow surfing during guarded hours. It is a missed opportunity for more recreational access and enjoyment to kick surfers out of the water if there are few swimmers in the water, or if the swimming area can be modified.

On days with large swell, constricting the swimming area could have the added benefit of increasing safety for swimmers and make guarding more effective. Concentrating swimmers allows lifeguards to cover a smaller area and can keep swimmers away from jetties or other dangerous places.

Towns in nearby states and towns in Delaware use this flexible and common sense approach to their beaches. This practice of modifying surfing restrictions on guarded beaches is already in practice in Ocean City, Maryland, Fenwick Island Town, and Assateague State Park, where they have proven effective in increasing recreational opportunities without endangering other users at times of low ocean use.  Furthermore, there are examples of unguarded beaches in Delaware where swimmers and surfers coexist, such as Herring Point and Indian River Northside. 

The Chapter has sent a letter requesting this change in policy to DNREC’s Department of Parks. Join us in asking for increased opportunities to surf in Delaware’s beautiful waters! Contact the Chapter if you want to get more involved with this campaign: Chair@delaware.surfrider.org

 1. Delaware State Administrative Code. Title 7, Section 9201: Regulations Governing State Parks, 7.4. [EBA - fix and put in Bluebook style - emph. added, etc.]  Available at: regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title7/9000/9200%20Operation%20and%20Maintenance%20Section/9201.shtml#TopOfPage

2. Town of Ocean City, Maryland. Ocean City Surf Beaches. Available at: oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/emergency-services/beach-patrol/surf-beaches/

3. Town of Fenwick Island, Delaware. Beach Rules and Regulations. Available at: fenwickisland.delaware.gov/beach-rules-regulations/