42nd Street (Virginia Beach)

42nd Street (Virginia Beach) is an exposed North End oceanfront surfing spot with sandy, sandbar-influenced beach-break conditions. Reports emphasize that it can be occasion-based with shifting sandbars, often producing smaller surf (commonly described around 1–2 ft) when the sandbar is formed. Wind conditions are typically most favorable in summer, with a thermal/sea-breeze pattern developing in the afternoon. Offshore winds from the West can groom the surface and help create cleaner, peaky faces. Best wind months are reported as August through October, while the most favorable surfing month is reported as July. Safety considerations are a core part of planning at this spot. Pollution/local runoff can be a concern, particularly after heavy rainfall; riders are advised to avoid the water for 24–48 hours following heavy rain. Rip currents are also noted as a risk near shifting sandbars, and local lineup behavior is described as mild to moderate depending on conditions. Operationally, summer rules restrict where and when surfing is allowed. During summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), surfing is limited to designated surfing zones and is also reported to be restricted Friday through Sunday and on summer holidays. Leashes are required, and lifeguards are described as seasonal during daylight hours. For wave timing, one guide reports it works best on a mid-tide.