
Surf Forecasts:
Indian River (Northside) surf forecast from 12 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 13 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 5s period, SE swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 15 Sep, 11PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 7s period, E swell with 99 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 13 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 5s period with SE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Indian River (Northside) this week:
The surf forecast for Indian River (Northside) over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Sep 13) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.1m and 5s period with a secondary swell of 0.8m and 5s. Another secondary swell of 0.3m and 10s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Indian River (Northside) in the next 16 days are 1.0m 7s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 15) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.6m 4s period and expected on Sunday (Sep 13) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (EDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Sun 13th Sep) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 5s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Sun 13th Sep) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 5s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Tue 15th Sep) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 7s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Indian River (Northside) over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's cookin' for us.
Honestly, for the next two weeks, we’re in a bit of a drought. The Indian River (Northside) is a beach/jetty setup that stays exposed, and right now it’s just not showing us much love. The numbers are flat and the conditions are a mess for the most part. This is a spot that needs that magic alignment, and it’s just not getting it. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.
We’ve got a long stretch of nothing. From the start right through to the morning of Saturday the 19th, it’s all poor surf. Tiny waves, wrong wind directions – it’s a no-go. You’re looking at nearly a week of barely a ripple.
Now, here’s the first glimmer. On the morning of Saturday the 19th of September, we might see a bit of life. A tiny 1ft swell from the ESE with a period of 12 seconds (that’s a long period groundswell) is expected. Combined wave energy is a very weak 48. But, and it’s a big but, the wind is going to be offshore from the W. That could make it look half-decent for a paddle if you're desperate, but it’s not going to be anything to write home about. The afternoon turns cross-on and it’s blown out.
Then, we’re back into a week of junk. Strong winds, mostly onshore, blowing the guts out of anything that tries to show up. The swell builds through Monday and Tuesday, hitting 4ft with a combined energy of 128-164 (moderate energy), but it’s accompanied by gale force winds. This is kite-surfing territory, not a surfers’ paradise. The period is short too, at 6-8 seconds, so it’s just messy windswell.
Finally, we get to the best of what’s on offer. Mark your calendars for the morning of Saturday the 26th of September. Things look to clean up in a big way. We’ve got a 6ft swell from the E with an 8-second period. Combined wave energy jumps to a strong 463! The wind goes glassy, dead calm. That’s the standout. For a beach/jetty spot, that size (over 5ft) is pushing into intermediate territory and could be too much for beginners, but for anyone else, the clean conditions will make it a morning to get wet.
The next morning, Sunday the 27th, is also worth a look. The swell drops to a more manageable 4ft, still from the E, and the wind turns offshore from the WSW. The wave energy is still a solid 200 (moderate), so it’s a cleaner, smaller option for the Sunday session.
So, the call is: suffer through the flat spells and the wind early on. The real highlight is the Saturday the 26th morning with glassy conditions and a solid 6ft swell. Get on it.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastModerate rain (total 12mm), heaviest on Sat night. Warm (max 27°C on Sun afternoon, min 18°C on Mon morning). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 23°C on Thu afternoon, min 19°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 12 | Sunday 13 | Monday 14 | Tuesday 15 | Wednesday 16 | Thursday 17 | Friday 18 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 4 | SE 4 | SE 5 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 9 | SE 9 | SE 9 | ENE 5 | ENE 5 | E 7 | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | ENE 7 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
13 | 26 | 51 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 26 | 21 | 26 | 30 | 86 | 80 | 67 | 74 | 72 | 54 | 40 | 27 | 16 | 14 | 27 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | off | cross-on | glassy | cross | cross-off | cross-on | on | on | on | on | on | on | on | cross-on | cross-off | cross | cross | glassy |
High Tide | 9:53AM1.01m | 10:07PM0.95m | 10:36AM0.99m | 10:50PM0.90m | 11:20AM0.96m | 11:35PM0.83m | 12:04PM0.92m | 00:23AM0.77m | 12:50PM0.87m | 1:12AM0.71m | 1:38PM0.83m | 2:04AM0.67m | 2:28PM0.80m | 2:58AM0.65m | |||||||
Low Tide | 3:21PM-0.03m | 3:41AM-0.05m | 4:05PM-0.00m | 4:18AM-0.00m | 4:47PM0.04m | 4:55AM0.05m | 5:30PM0.09m | 5:31AM0.12m | 6:15PM0.15m | 6:10AM0.18m | 7:07PM0.20m | 6:58AM0.23m | 8:12PM0.23m | ||||||||
6:37 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | |
— | 7:13 | — | — | 7:12 | — | — | 7:09 | — | — | 7:08 | — | — | 7:07 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:04 | — | |
mm | — | — | 8 | 2 | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 |
Temp °C | 23 | 23 | 25 | 23 | 27 | 27 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 26 |
Feels °C | 21 | 22 | 26 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 18 | 17 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 29 | 28 | 26 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | E 9 | SE 5 | SE 5 | SE 10 | SE 9 | SE 9 | ENE 5 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | E 15 | E 7 | E 7 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | E 7 | ENE 7 | E 7 | E 6 |
— | 1 | 33 | 10 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 80 | 67 | 74 | 72 | 54 | 40 | 27 | 16 | 8 | 7 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | SE 10 | SE 10 | S 5 | S 5 | S 5 | SE 9 | S 6 | E 15 | — | E 14 | SE 14 | SE 13 | SE 13 | ESE 13 | ESE 12 | SE 3 | SE 5 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 |
— | — | 15 | 24 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 2 | 4 | — | 4 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 17 | 15 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 27 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | E 7 | ESE 5 | E 5 | E 5 | S 6 | E 15 | E 15 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SE 9 | ESE 13 | ESE 12 | SE 9 | NE 3 |
— | — | — | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 16 | 15 | 3 | 2 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 4 | SE 4 | SE 5 | SW 4 | S 5 | — | NNE 4 | N 4 | ENE 5 | ENE 5 | E 7 | — | — | — | — | — | SSE 2 | SW 2 | SW 3 | ESE 4 | — |
13 | 26 | 51 | 4 | 12 | — | 26 | 2 | 26 | 30 | 86 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 337 | 1165 | 379 | 45 | 45 | 100 | 24 | 252 | 329 | 638 | 252 | 692 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 186 | 82 | 460 | 10 | 133 | 161 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Delaware | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Information about the Indian River (Northside) Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Indian River (Northside) provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Indian River (Northside) can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Indian River (Northside) surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Indian River (Northside)) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Indian River (Northside) may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Indian River (Northside) is 30 km (19 miles) from Ocean City. If you plan a vacation in Delaware, look for hotels and other accommodation in Ocean City. Ocean City has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










