Catch the Shoreline: Private SUP Surf Lessons at Croatan Beach
1.5 Hours | Ages 15+ | Maximum of 2 Participants
The Atlantic arrives in stages at Croatan Beach — first a whisper of foam, then a lunging swell that folds and tosses like a coiled animal. You stand with a rental board under your arm, the sand still warm under bare feet, while an instructor sketches a graceful arc in the air with a paddle. In 90 minutes you’ll move from tentative paddles in the whitewater to carving small open-face waves on a stand-up paddleboard. The rhythm of the sea is simple and strict: paddle, feel the push, pop to your feet, ride. It’s physical, meditative, and unexpectedly playful.
Trail Wisdom
Arrive Early
Free parking is often available before 10 AM—earlier sessions mean smaller crowds and calmer conditions.
Know Your Swim Skills
Participants must be comfortable swimming in open water; practice treading and calm-breathing techniques beforehand.
Bring a Change of Clothes
Rinse facilities are limited; pack a towel and dry clothes for the drive home.
Respect Surf Etiquette
Learn priority rules before paddling out—don’t drop in, and communicate with other surfers to avoid collisions.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •First Street Jetty for varied wave options and scenic vantage points
- •Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for a quieter bird- and marsh-watching alternative
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Migratory shorebirds (sandpipers, plovers)
Conservation Note
Local groups run beach cleanups and sea turtle nest monitoring; participants are asked to avoid marked nesting areas and pack out waste.
The Croatan name references the region’s Indigenous heritage and Virginia Beach’s oceanfront developed into a major tourist corridor over the 20th century.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Fewer crowds, Mild water temps with wetsuit, Migratory bird watching
Challenges: Unpredictable wind, Cooler water temps, Occasional storms
Spring offers quieter beaches and dynamic conditions; wetsuits are often needed early and late in the season.
summer
Best for: Warmer water, Longer daylight, Consistent small waves for learners
Challenges: Bigger crowds, Hot sun and UV exposure, Paid parking peak season
Summer is prime for warm-water lessons and comfortable paddling—book early to secure morning slots.
fall
Best for: Stable offshore winds, Cleaner swell windows, Fewer tourists
Challenges: Cooling water temps later in season, Variable surf after storms
Late summer into early fall often has ideal, less-crowded surf with long, clean rides—consider this the optimal stretch.
winter
Best for: Solitude on the beach, Big storm swells for advanced surfers, Wild coastal scenery
Challenges: Cold water (wetsuit required), No lifeguards outside peak season, Higher wind/swell variability
Winter conditions are raw and beautiful; wetsuits and experienced instructors are a must for comfort and safety.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Swimsuit and Quick-Dry LayersEssential
Light, quick-drying clothing keeps you comfortable during and after the session.
Reef-Safe SunscreenEssential
Protects skin and local marine life while you spend extended time in the sun.
Wetsuit (Rental Available)
Extends your paddle season and keeps you warm from September through May.
Water Bottle and Small Dry BagEssential
Hydration matters; a dry bag protects keys and phone on the beach.
Common Questions
Do I need prior SUP experience?
Yes—prior flat-water SUP experience is highly recommended to get the most from a surf lesson; instructors can adapt but lessons assume basic balance and paddling competence.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 15 years old; under-18s require a parent or guardian at drop-off to sign a liability form.
Are wetsuits available?
Yes—wetsuit rental is recommended from September through May and is available through the outfitter.
What happens if surf is unsafe?
Lessons are canceled or rescheduled for unsafe ocean conditions; cancellations due to weather are fully refundable or can be rebooked.
Is parking available at Croatan Beach?
Paid parking ($3–$7) runs April–November; often free before 10 AM and in the off-season—plan to arrive early on busy days.
Are lifeguards on duty?
Lifeguard coverage is seasonal; there are no guaranteed lifeguards after Labor Day and before Memorial Day, so instructor supervision is critical.
What to Pack
Swimsuit (comfort), Reef-safe sunscreen (protection), Water bottle (hydration), Towel/change of clothes (post-lesson comfort)
Did You Know
Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront boardwalk is three miles long and is a centerpiece of the city’s coastal recreation and festivals.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive before 10 AM for free parking; check surf forecasts the morning of your lesson; bring cash/card for parking kiosks; book morning slots to avoid crowds.
Local Flavor
After your lesson, head to Waterman’s Surfside Grille or a seaside café on the boardwalk for fresh local seafood and cold brews; for a quieter local scene, try a walk through the ViBe Creative District for small galleries and coffee shops.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Norfolk International Airport (ORF) ~20 minutes drive; Meeting point: Croatan Beach, 920 Vanderbilt Ave; Driving distance: Oceanfront is central to Virginia Beach; Cell service: Generally reliable on the oceanfront; Permits: No special permit required for lessons; Paid parking Apr–Nov ($3–$7), often free before 10 AM.
Sustainability Note
This coastline is home to nesting sea turtles and shorebird habitat—stick to marked access paths, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing dune vegetation and nesting sites.