Overview
South End sits beside a pier in Virginia, a sand-bottomed setup that switches sides depending on the swell. Southeast swells light up the north side, while northeast swells favor the south side. The north-side shorebreak is known as The Box, named for the boxy base of the pier that juts out into the water. It's a modest wave overall, but it has its moments.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from northeast through southeast (NE-SE) and works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, roughly chest high to overhead. During sizable nor'easters the pier offers an easy paddle and a well-shaped right on its south side. When the sandbar lines up, south swells fire off extremely fast, tiny right barrels. Autumn is the prime window, though it's storm dependent, with tropical cyclones through late summer and fall, then frontal systems and nor'easters into late fall and winter. Paddling is usually manageable, but hurricane swells and bigger southeast swells turn it into more of a workout.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind from the west-southwest (WSW), with a workable window running southwest to west (SW-W). It breaks on low to mid tide, and a rising tide is the better call.
Local Tips
South End suits everyone from beginners to experts, and just about any craft works here, from shortboards and fish to longboards, SUPs, and bodyboards. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on, with a pack gathering next to the pier on the right swell. The atmosphere stays pretty mellow and somewhat reserved.
Access
There's metered parking in the area. Reaching the water means weaving around people on the boardwalk.
