Sandbridge Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE, NE
Wind
Southwest to West
Surf Height
Chest high-overhead
Tide
Low to mid tide
Sandbridge Beach Surf Guide
If you're fed up with Virginia Beach but unwilling to leave the state or even the city, Sandbridge is the place to go. While it lasts, that is. Every hurricane and nor'easter that rocks the East Coast threatens to wipe Sandbridge off the map. Several cottages have been claimed by the sea, and many more sit precariously close to the surf.There are four main surfing breaks along Sandbridge -- Little Island Pier, S-Turns, Rock Lane and the Market. With the exception of an occasional pier shorebreak, the others generally break on an outer bar that leads into a deep spot. These spots can hold a bit more size than Virginia Beach proper without the oppressive presence of police, lifeguards and crowds.While only a couple of miles from Virginia Beach's resort strip, Sandbridge is cut off from the circus by Camp Pendleton, making it a 20-minute trek from the 1st Street Jetty. This relative isolation gives Sandbridge its allure. Many surfers live along the multi-mile stretch of beach, allowing them V.B. residency without the crowds. This townlet has just one market, known as "the market," and isn't looking to expand any time soon. While Sandbridge is known as the place in Virginia Beach to escape the crowds, summer can get downright crowded. Fortunately, there is room to breathe, so it's easy to paddle away from the pack.Unlike the resort strip, there are no hotels in Sandbridge. Everything is a weekly, monthly or seasonal rental.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Any and all surfers welcomed.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
None.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Pretty spread out in general.
Spot Rating
Poor
Typically sees a bit more size than the rest of VB for most swell directions.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Normally not bad but hurricane swells and bigger southeast swells can make it a bit of work.
Water Quality
Clean
Some issues after big storms but not too bad.
Hazards
None really.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, SUP, Skimming, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Kiteboard
Access
Easy in the offseason but more difficult in summer.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.
Do you have local knowledge about Sandbridge Beach?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]