Why are the ocean waves at Rehoboth Beach considerably bigger than those at nearby beaches? (live in)

[BigCityDreamer]

I live in the DC area and usually head to the Maryland beaches during the summer. But this time, I checked out Rehoboth Beach and noticed that the waves were significantly bigger than any place I've seen on the eastern shore.

I was wondering if this is the norm there and if there's a known reason for it. Anything to do with proximity to the Delaware Bay?

[NJVillasOutsider]

Cape May Point NJ is the same way,and some of Cape May Beach.But the Wildwoods are a whole lot smaller.Maybe its from all the beach built-up all those years.

[donewithpretty]

It depends where you are on the beach. The last two years I've been to Rehoboth, there haven't been any waves -- the ocean was like a lake. In contrast, Ocean City, Maryland, had huge waves the two days I went there. Virginia Beach waves are even bigger.

The most likely scenario is that you were at Rehoboth Beach after a storm at sea.

[longnecker]

A lot has to do simply with whether the tide is coming in or going out. An off shore sand bar can cause an area to be calmer. As previously mentioned weather off shore.