Water Sports in Virginia Beach: Activities & Venues
Discover the best aquatic adventures and facilities along Virginia's premier coastline.
Virginia Beach offers an incredible array of water sports opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels. With its pristine coastline, calm bays, and inland waterways, this coastal gem provides the perfect setting for everything from thrilling surfing sessions to peaceful kayaking expeditions. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the many water sports activities available in Virginia Beach, along with the best venues, rental facilities, and instructional programs to help you make the most of your aquatic adventures.
Top Water Sports Activities in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach's unique geography—with both ocean access and protected waterways—creates ideal conditions for a diverse range of water sports. Here's our rundown of the most popular activities:
Surfing
Virginia Beach is known as the East Coast surfing capital, hosting the annual East Coast Surfing Championships since 1963. The best surfing spots include:
- 1st Street Jetty - Best for experienced surfers
- Croatan Beach - Consistent breaks for all levels
- Sandbridge - Less crowded waves for beginners
Peak Season: Late August through October
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Kayaking & Canoeing
Explore the calm waters of Rudee Inlet or paddle through the pristine Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Top kayaking spots include:
- First Landing State Park - 2,888 acres of waterways
- Linkhorn Bay - Protected waters with wildlife
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Untouched nature
Peak Season: May through September
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Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Virginia Beach's calm bays and inlets provide perfect conditions for paddleboarding, especially for beginners. Popular SUP locations:
- Chesapeake Bay Beach - Calm waters, perfect for beginners
- Rudee Inlet - Protected waters with interesting scenery
- Owl Creek - Peaceful paddling with abundant wildlife
Peak Season: June through August
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Jet Skiing
Experience the thrill of speeding across the water on a personal watercraft. Best areas for jet skiing include:
- Rudee Inlet - Easy access and rental facilities
- Chesapeake Bay - Open waters for experienced riders
- Lynnhaven Inlet - Varied terrain and scenic routes
Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Book NowAdditional Water Sports Activities
Beyond the popular options above, Virginia Beach offers numerous other aquatic adventures:
Parasailing
Soar high above the Virginia Beach coastline with parasailing adventures departing from the Rudee Inlet marina. Enjoy breathtaking views of the oceanfront while suspended up to 1,000 feet in the air. Most operators offer single, double, or triple flights.
Season: April through October
Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
The consistent winds at Virginia Beach make it an excellent spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Sandbridge Beach and the Chesapeake Bay beaches provide ideal conditions with their combination of steady winds and manageable waves.
Best Conditions: Fall and Spring months when winds are most consistent
Water Sports Safety Tips
While enjoying water sports in Virginia Beach, always keep these safety precautions in mind:
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including life jackets for activities like kayaking and jet skiing
- Check weather and water conditions before heading out
- Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly
- Never participate in water sports alone
- Be aware of local regulations and restricted areas
- Consider taking lessons before attempting advanced activities
- Respect wildlife and natural habitats
Top Water Sports Venues in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers numerous facilities and venues dedicated to water sports enthusiasts:
Rudee Inlet Water Sports Center
This central hub for water activities offers equipment rentals, lessons, and guided tours for most water sports. Located at the southern end of the boardwalk, it provides easy access to both protected inlet waters and open ocean.
Offerings: Jet ski rentals, parasailing, kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats
Address: 303 Mediterranean Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
First Landing State Park
With over 20 miles of trails and 2,888 acres of protected habitats, First Landing offers pristine waterways for kayaking and paddleboarding through cypress swamps and salt marsh ecosystems.
Offerings: Kayak rentals, guided tours, nature programs
Address: 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
This 9,108-acre refuge offers some of the most serene kayaking and paddleboarding experiences in Virginia Beach, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
Offerings: Self-guided paddling trails, wildlife viewing
Address: 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Chesapeake Bay Beach
Known as "The North End" by locals, this stretch of beach offers calmer waters than the oceanfront, making it perfect for paddleboarding and windsurfing beginners.
Offerings: Paddleboard rentals, windsurfing lessons
Location: Along Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
Water Sports Instruction and Schools
Whether you're a beginner looking to try a new activity or an experienced enthusiast wanting to refine your skills, Virginia Beach offers excellent instructional programs:
| School/Program | Activities | Location | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| VB Surf Sessions | Surfing, SUP | Oceanfront | All levels |
| Tula Adventure Sports | Kayaking, SUP | Rudee Inlet | Beginners to Intermediate |
| Chesapeake Bay Water Sports | Kiteboarding, Windsurfing | Chesapeake Bay Beach | All levels |
| Rudee Inlet Jet Ski | Jet Ski, Parasailing | Rudee Inlet Marina | Beginners (with instruction) |
Seasonal Water Sports Calendar
Virginia Beach's water sports scene changes with the seasons. Here's when to enjoy specific activities:
| Season | Best Activities | Water Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Kayaking, Windsurfing | 55-65°F | Wetsuit recommended, fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | All water sports | 70-80°F | Peak season, book rentals in advance |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Surfing, Kiteboarding | 60-75°F | Best surfing conditions, hurricane swells |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Limited surfing | 40-50°F | For experienced surfers with proper gear |
Equipment Rental Guide
Average daily rental rates for water sports equipment in Virginia Beach:
- Surfboard: $25-40 per day
- Kayak (single): $35-50 per day
- Stand-Up Paddleboard: $40-60 per day
- Jet Ski: $80-120 per hour
- Parasailing: $70-90 per person for a standard flight
- Windsurfing Equipment: $50-80 per day
Most rental facilities require a valid ID and credit card for deposit purposes. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Annual Water Sports Events in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach hosts several notable water sports events throughout the year:
- East Coast Surfing Championship (August) - The longest-running surfing contest in the world features professional and amateur competitions, live music, and vendor exhibitions.
- Coastal Edge Patriotic Festival (June) - Features jet ski competitions and demonstrations alongside music and family activities.
- Mid-Atlantic Paddling Festival (May) - Celebrates kayaking and paddleboarding with races, clinics, and equipment demos.
- Waterman's Challenge (July) - Multi-discipline competition including surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming events.
Water Sports for All Ages and Abilities
Virginia Beach ensures water sports are accessible to everyone:
Family-Friendly Options
Several venues offer water sports activities suitable for children and families:
- Dolphin kayak tours - Calm waters and educational experiences
- Pedal boats at Rudee Inlet - Easy and fun for all ages
- Guided paddleboard excursions - Safe introduction to the sport
Adaptive Water Sports
Virginia Beach offers programs for individuals with disabilities:
- Life Rolls On - Surfing events for people with spinal cord injuries
- Adaptive kayaking through Chesapeake Bay Paddlers
- Special needs summer camps with water sports components
Conclusion
Virginia Beach offers an incredible array of water sports opportunities for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. From the adrenaline rush of jet skiing and surfing to the peaceful exploration of kayaking through protected waterways, the region's diverse aquatic environments provide the perfect setting for aquatic adventures.
When planning your water sports activities in Virginia Beach, consider the season, your experience level, and whether you'd like instruction or guided experiences. With proper preparation and safety awareness, the waters of Virginia Beach promise unforgettable experiences and memories.
For more information on sports facilities and recreational opportunities in Virginia, explore our other guides to Swimming & Aquatic Centers, Adventure Parks, and Summer Sports Camps throughout the state.