Virginia Beach First Street
Virginia Beach First Street has hosted the East Coast Surfing Championships since 1963, making it the longest-running surf contest in the country and a landmark in American surfing history. The wave itself is nothing special—mushy beach break peaks typical of the mid-Atlantic—but the event and the community it spawned transformed Virginia Beach into an East Coast surf hub. When hurricane swells arrive or nor'easters churn offshore, First Street can produce legitimate waves that remind everyone why they started surfing here in the first place.
Virginia Beach First Street surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (80°)
- Direction range
- 50° - 130°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 240° - 310°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Resort area. Paid parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Virginia Beach First Street?
The Virginia Beach First Street profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Virginia Beach First Street?
The Virginia Beach First Street profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 240° to 310°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Virginia Beach First Street?
The Virginia Beach First Street scoring profile favors swell from E (50° to 130°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Virginia Beach First Street?
The main season at Virginia Beach First Street is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. A secondary window runs Aug. Hurricane swells and nor'easters best.
How do I get to Virginia Beach First Street?
The spot profile lists ORF as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 25 minutes. Resort area. Paid parking.
What kind of wave is Virginia Beach First Street?
Virginia Beach First Street is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: Aug
Hurricane swells and nor'easters best.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Croatan Beach
🏠 VB local's choice • Less crowded • Better sandbars
Jennettes Pier
📹 OBX landmark • Live webcam central • Consistent sandbars
S-Turns
🛣️ Highway 12 curves • Remote OBX power • Hurricane season glory
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
🦓 The lighthouse • Prime swell window • East Coast's best position