Ocean City Inlet is a man-made, high-energy tidal inlet connecting the Atlantic Ocean to Sinepuxent Bay on the Maryland coast. It was formed by a hurricane in 1933 and later stabilized, creating a bustling, engineered waterway framed by stone jetties. For paddlers, this is a dynamic and demanding environment suited for experienced kayakers with open water or rough water training. The primary public launch for accessing the inlet's bay side is the West Ocean City Boat Ramp, a six-lane facility off Sunset Avenue and Golf Course Road with paved parking and restrooms. This ramp is being very busy, especially on summer weekends, with heavy motorboat traffic. Another suitable launch point is at the end of South Point Road, providing calmer access to Sinepuxent Bay behind Assateague Island.

Paddling here requires meticulous planning around tides and traffic. Strong tidal currents flow through the inlet, and paddlers must time journeys to avoid fighting an incoming tide. The area is exposed, with fetch for wind and waves building in the bay and ocean. The inlet itself is a major navigation channel for fishing boats, jet skis, and parasailing operations, requiring constant vigilance and a clear understanding of right-of-way. Crossing the inlet mouth or paddling near the jetties introduces surf zone conditions and significant boat wake. The overall vibe is one of controlled chaos during peak season, contrasting the developed amusement of Ocean City with the natural vistas of Assateague Island to the south.

Notable sights from the water include the Ocean City Boardwalk, the historic Life-Saving Station Museum, and the amusement park rides at Trimper's and Jolly Roger at the Pier. The undeveloped shoreline of Assateague Island, famous for its wild ponies, is visible to the south. A common day trip involves paddling from a launch like South Point Road north to the inlet and concluding at Homer Gudelsky Park, known locally as Stinky Beach. Given the complex hazards, this area is frequently used for ACA Level 3 rough water and surf training classes, which is a strong indicator of the conditions paddlers can expect.