Overview
Virginia Beach is a sand-bottomed beach break wrapped around a pier on the US East Coast, and a classic example of average East Coast pier surf, warts and all. It breaks both left and right, but you'll find more rights than lefts on either side: winter nor'easters set up a right that peels back toward the pier on the south side.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from south to north and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. It's highly consistent, so there's almost always something to ride, even if it rarely climbs above average.
Wind and Tide
Look for a west (W) offshore wind; really any bit of west in the wind cleans it up. On the rare occasions you can surf close to the pier, the pylons offer a little side- and onshore protection. It works across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
Summer brings mad crowds along with a tight rulebook: no surfing between 10am and 5pm, and nothing within 300 ft of the pier, which stays busy with fishermen.
Access
Parking is a battle when it's busy. You'll fight for a spot among the metered and roadside parking and the car park.
