If you're looking to catch some waves in Virginia Beach, the Surf Guide is your key to discovering the best spots suited to your skill level. From the adrenaline-pumping breaks that challenge even the most experienced surfers to the gentle waves perfect for beginners, the guide provides a detailed map of what the coast has to offer. But that's just the beginning – there's a whole world of surf culture and community waiting for you to explore. So, grab your board and get ready to dive into the Virginia Beach surf scene.
Surfing Spots Overview
Discover the diverse array of surfing spots in Virginia Beach, each offering unique experiences for surfers of all levels.
The iconic Virginia Beach Pier is a popular spot for surfing competitions, while the 1st St. Jetty stands out as the main surfing location with its rock jetty creating surfable waves for over 30 years.
If you prefer a quieter experience, head to Sandbridge Beach, where you can enjoy four main surfing breaks with less crowded conditions perfect for catching waves in peace.
For those seeking good waves in winter, the 15th St. Pier is the place to be, known for its south side right-hand waves; just keep in mind that surfing is restricted during summer days.
Meanwhile, Camp Pendleton at Croatan offers a mellower vibe, ample parking, and waves breaking on an outer sandbar, making it ideal for handling larger swells.
If you're looking for more challenging conditions, it's best to avoid North End, Croatan to Pendleton, and South End due to their poor surfing conditions.
Best Waves for Beginners
If you're new to surfing, Virginia Beach offers several spots with gentle waves perfect for beginners. Here are some great options to catch beginner-friendly waves:
- 1st St. Jetty: Known for its beginner-friendly waves, this spot is popular among surfers of all skill levels.
- Sandbridge Beach: If you prefer a quieter surfing experience, Sandbridge Beach provides less crowded conditions, making it ideal for beginners looking to practice in peace.
- Camp Pendleton: With a mellower vibe and more space than crowded spots like 1st St. Jetty, Camp Pendleton is suitable for novice surfers seeking a more relaxed environment.
- Croatan Beach to Pendleton: This stretch offers slightly better waves than the North End, providing a good learning environment for beginners looking to progress and enjoy the waves during the summer in Virginia Beach when the waves are smaller and more manageable for those new to surfing.
Challenging Breaks for Advanced Surfers
For experienced surfers, Virginia Beach offers expert surfing conditions that demand high skill levels. The challenging breaks at Croatan to Pendleton provide left-breaking waves that push advanced surfers to their limits.
If you're seeking a thrill and have the expertise, these spots will test your abilities in the water.
Expert Surfing Conditions
Navigating the challenging breaks at Virginia Beach requires advanced surfing skills and a keen understanding of the local conditions.
When tackling the expert breaks in Virginia Beach, keep the following in mind:
- Crowded Lineups: Expect competition for waves at popular spots like Croatan to Pendleton, where inexperienced surfers may struggle to manage the conditions.
- Varied Breaks: Explore the diverse sandbar breaks at North End, offering chest to head-high waves suitable for advanced surfers looking to push their limits.
- Wind Influence: Embrace the steady Southwest winds that contribute to the excellent surf conditions at North End, enhancing the overall experience.
- Hazards Awareness: Stay vigilant for surf hazards like small sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, rip currents, and undertows that can intensify the already challenging surfing environment.
High Skill Requirements
Embrace the challenge of Virginia Beach's high skill requirements by conquering the expert breaks that demand advanced surfing abilities. Surf spots like Croatan to Pendleton boast challenging left-breaking waves, perfect for advanced surfers seeking a thrilling ride.
While the 15th St. Pier, known as The Box, offers good waves in winter, its crowded lineup and challenging conditions make it unsuitable for inexperienced surfers.
Venturing to the 1st St. Jetty can be risky due to the dangerous wave conditions and crowded lineup, requiring surfers to navigate carefully.
For those seeking varying sandbar breaks and chest to head-high waves, North End is the ideal spot attracting surfers of all skill levels.
However, Virginia Beach's surf hazards, including small sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, rip currents, and undertows, add an extra layer of challenge for advanced surfers looking to test their skills in the water.
Stay alert, respect the ocean, and enjoy the thrill of conquering these demanding breaks.
Surf Events and Competitions
Get ready to witness some thrilling surf action in Virginia Beach with local surf contests and pro surfer showcases.
These events bring together top talent, showcasing impressive skills and tricks on the waves.
Stay tuned for more details on the exciting surf competitions happening in this vibrant coastal city.
Local Surf Contests
Discover the vibrant local surf contests and competitions that take place in Virginia Beach, adding excitement to the coastal community's surfing scene.
Check out these fantastic features of the local surf contests:
- East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC): The prestigious ECSC, held annually in Virginia Beach, stands as the longest continuously-running surf contest globally, attracting over 200 professional male and female surfers and around 300 amateur surfers.
- Summer Competitions: Scheduled for August 2023, the ECSC offers a plethora of activities, including food concessions, drink stalls, and live music on the beach, creating a vibrant surfing experience for all attendees.
- Top Surfers: The ECSC draws top surfers from around the world to compete in various competitions, making it a thrilling event to witness the skills of renowned professionals and up-and-coming amateurs.
- Surf Museum Displays: At the ECSC, visitors can explore international surf museum displays, making it a must-visit event for surf enthusiasts looking to delve into the history of the sport.
Pro Surfer Showcases
Witness world-class pro surfer showcases at various surf events and competitions in Virginia Beach. The East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC) stand out as the longest continuously-running surf contest globally, attracting over 200 professional male and female surfers, alongside approximately 300 amateur surfers.
Held from 1st Street Jetty to 9th Street, this renowned event, scheduled for August 20-27, 2023, promises a vibrant experience with food concessions, drink stalls, and live music right on the beach. Surfers from all corners of the world gather to compete in different categories, making the ECSC a must-see for surfing enthusiasts.
Moreover, the event features displays from the international surf museum, adding a touch of history and culture to the thrilling competitions. Don't miss the chance to witness top talents in the surfing community showcase their skills and passion at the prestigious East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach.
Surf Shops and Rentals
Explore the array of surf shops and rental options available in Virginia Beach for all your surfing needs.
- Smith and Holland Surf Shop: A local favorite, offering a variety of surf gear and accessories for enthusiasts of all levels.
- WRV: Known for being one of the top board manufacturers on the East Coast, providing high-quality surfboards suitable for all skill levels.
- Coastal Edge, Surf & Adventure Co., Pungo Board House, and VB Surf Sessions: These establishments not only offer equipment rentals but also provide surfing lessons for visitors looking to improve their skills.
- Make and Ride Surf Exchange: Here, you can craft your own custom surfboard, immersing yourself in the unique experience of shaping a board to your exact specifications. Get hands-on with selecting foam blanks and personalizing your board at select surf shops in Virginia Beach.
Surf Safety Tips
Ensure you always check local surf reports and weather conditions before hitting the waves to prioritize your safety while surfing in Virginia Beach. Being aware of rip currents, jellyfish, and other hazards commonly found in Virginia Beach waters is crucial.
Additionally, using proper surfing etiquette, such as taking turns and not dropping in on someone else's wave, can help avoid collisions with other surfers in crowded lineups.
When heading out to surf, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear like a leash and surfboard wax to enhance your surfing experience and prevent accidents. Consider taking a surf safety course or lessons to improve your skills and knowledge of surf safety practices.
These courses can equip you with essential techniques for handling emergencies in the water and understanding the dynamics of the waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Good Surf in Virginia Beach?
Yes, there's good surf in Virginia Beach. Spots like 1st St. Jetty, Croatan to Pendleton, and 15th St. Pier offer great conditions. North End provides the best waves with chest to head-high sets and steady Southwest winds.
How Big Can Waves Get in Virginia Beach?
Waves in Virginia Beach can reach heights of up to 6-8 feet during peak swells, occasionally hitting 10-12 feet in strong storms. On average, expect 2-4 feet waves, with winter bringing larger swells. Factors like wind, tides, and sandbars influence wave size.
How Are the Waves at Virginia Beach Today?
The waves at Virginia Beach today are ranging from knee to waist high, influenced by a SSE wind direction at 2.7 knots. Check local surf shops or online platforms for up-to-date wave measurements and surfing conditions.
Is Norfolk Island Good for Surfing?
Norfolk Island isn't the best spot for surfing. While it offers historical sites and natural beauty, it may not meet the expectations of avid surfers. If you seek consistent waves, you might prefer Virginia Beach.
