First Street Jetty — Virginia Beach Surfing
The First Street Jetty, located along the Atlantic coast of Virginia Beach, is a prominent coastal structure and recreational landmark that has played a significant role in the city's surfing culture. Constructed in the early 20th century to stabilize the coastline and protect nearby infrastructure, the jetty has evolved into a hub for surfers, beachgoers, and wildlife. Its geological features, combined with consistent wave patterns, have made it a focal point for both local and visiting surfers. The jetty's influence extends beyond recreation, shaping the economic and cultural identity of Virginia Beach. As a key feature of the city's coastal landscape, it is frequently referenced in discussions about environmental conservation, tourism, and community engagement. The jetty's history, geography, and cultural significance are deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Virginia Beach's development as a coastal city.
History
The First Street Jetty was originally constructed in the early 1900s as part of a broader effort to mitigate coastal erosion and protect the harbor near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Built using stone and concrete, the structure was designed to redirect sediment and reduce the impact of storm surges on nearby residential and commercial areas. Over time, the jetty became a natural breakwater, altering wave dynamics and creating a surfable environment along its northern and southern ends. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, has maintained records of Virginia Beach coastal infrastructure projects from this era, which provide context for the jetty's original engineering purpose[1].
By the 1960s, surfers had begun to recognize the jetty's potential, and it gradually gained popularity as a surfing destination. Local newspapers such as The Virginian-Pilot documented the growing interest in the area, noting that the jetty's consistent waves made it a comparatively uncrowded option for surfers seeking alternatives to more heavily trafficked East Coast beaches[2]. That same decade, Virginia Beach was hosting what would become one of the sport's most enduring competitive events: the East Coast Surfing Championships, first held at the Virginia Beach oceanfront in 1963 and considered the longest-running surfing contest in the world[3]. The contest's proximity to First Street cemented the area's reputation as the heart of Virginia Beach surf culture.
The jetty's role expanded further in the late 20th century as the city's population grew and recreational use of the oceanfront increased significantly. In the 1980s, the Virginia Beach city government implemented measures to improve safety and accessibility at the jetty, including the installation of lifeguard stations and the creation of designated surfing zones. These efforts were part of a broader initiative to promote Virginia Beach as a family-friendly destination while preserving its natural resources. Today, local policies around the jetty reflect ongoing efforts to balance tourism demand with environmental stewardship, a tension that continues to shape city planning and community engagement.
Hurricane Isabel struck Virginia Beach in September 2003, causing significant storm surge flooding and coastal damage throughout the region. The jetty sustained damage during the storm, and subsequent repairs required additional reinforcement with stone fill. Nor'easters have also periodically affected the structure, accelerating sediment displacement along the adjacent shoreline. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science has documented shoreline change rates along the Virginia Beach oceanfront, providing data relevant to understanding the jetty's ongoing role in coastal sediment management[4].
Geography
The First Street Jetty is situated along the northern edge of Virginia Beach's oceanfront, stretching approximately 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Its position near the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic creates a complex hydrodynamic environment, where waves are refracted and reshaped by the jetty's structure. NOAA tidal and current data for the Virginia Beach area show that this interaction between bay and ocean water masses produces wave conditions that differ from those at the open beaches to the south, resulting in more consistent and rideable surf at the jetty's flanks[5].
The jetty's northern end, near the intersection of First Street and the oceanfront, is the most popular surfing spot due to its proximity to the beach and available parking. The southern end offers more secluded conditions and attracts experienced surfers who prefer less crowded water. Prevailing swells from the northeast, which are common during fall and winter months, tend to produce the most consistent surf along the jetty's northern face, while summer south swells wrap around the structure's tip to create rideable conditions on the opposite side. Seasonal variation is significant. Winter sessions draw a smaller, more committed group of surfers in wetsuits, while summer crowds can be substantial.
Geologically, the jetty is composed of granite and concrete, materials chosen for their durability and resistance to erosion. Over the decades, the structure has been reinforced with additional stone and concrete to counteract the effects of rising sea levels and increased storm activity. The surrounding area is characterized by sandy beaches, dunes, and maritime forests, which contribute to the jetty's ecological significance. Local conservation groups, such as the Virginia Beach Coastal Preservation Society, have highlighted the jetty's role in supporting marine biodiversity, including species of fish and sea turtles that rely on the area's shallow waters for breeding and feeding[6]. The structure also functions informally as an artificial reef, with encrusting organisms colonizing its submerged surfaces and attracting small baitfish, which in turn draw larger predators and foraging seabirds.
Rudee Inlet lies roughly one mile to the south and provides an additional reference point for understanding the coastal geometry of this stretch of beach. The interaction between the inlet's tidal flows and the jetty's deflection of ocean swells contributes to the shifting sandbars that surfers and anglers track closely throughout the year.
Culture
The First Street Jetty has become an integral part of Virginia Beach's cultural identity, serving as a gathering place for surfers, artists, and residents who value the city's coastal heritage. It's difficult to overstate how central First Street is to the local surf scene. The East Coast Surfing Championships, held annually at the Virginia Beach oceanfront since 1963, draws competitors and spectators from across the country and has long been associated with the First Street area, reinforcing the jetty's status as the symbolic center of East Coast surfing[7]. The Eastern Surfing Association, which governs amateur competitive surfing across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, has also maintained an active presence in Virginia Beach, running regional events that draw younger competitors to the First Street break[8].
Beyond organized competition, the jetty builds a sense of belonging among its regular users. Surfers frequently collaborate with local organizations to clean the beach and monitor water quality. This culture of stewardship has been reinforced by initiatives such as the "Jetty Guardians" program, launched by the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department in 2015. The program encourages residents to take part in beach cleanups and educational workshops, further embedding the jetty into the city's social fabric[9].
Surfing events such as the annual Virginia Beach Surf Festival draw participants and spectators from across the region, showcasing the jetty's role as a community hub. These events often include live music, art exhibits, and educational programs about ocean conservation. The Virginia Beach Art Association has hosted exhibitions exploring the interplay between human activity and natural forces along the jetty, and several local writers have drawn on the structure's landscape in their work. The jetty's influence on local art and literature reflects a broader cultural acknowledgment of the ocean as central to Virginia Beach's identity, not simply as a tourist amenity but as a defining feature of daily life for many residents.
Notable Residents
Several individuals associated with the First Street Jetty have gained recognition for their contributions to surfing, environmental advocacy, and local governance. Among them is Mark Reynolds, a former professional surfer who grew up in Virginia Beach and frequently surfed the jetty during his youth. Reynolds later became a founding member of the Virginia Beach Surfing Association, an organization that promotes youth participation in the sport and advocates for the preservation of coastal resources. His efforts have been instrumental in securing funding for beach restoration projects and improving safety measures at the jetty.
Another notable figure is Dr. Eleanor Hartman, a marine biologist who has conducted extensive research on the ecological impact of the jetty. Hartman's studies, published in The Virginia Beach Environmental Review, have highlighted the jetty's role in creating a distinct habitat for marine species. Her work influenced local policy, including the 2020 revision of the Virginia Beach Coastal Management Plan, which incorporated recommendations for protecting the jetty's surrounding ecosystems. Hartman's advocacy has also inspired a new generation of scientists and conservationists, many of whom have pursued careers in marine biology or environmental policy[10].
Economy
The First Street Jetty contributes significantly to Virginia Beach's economy by attracting tourists, supporting local businesses, and generating revenue through recreational activity. The jetty's popularity as a surfing destination has led to the growth of surf-related enterprises, including rental shops, surf schools, and specialty stores that serve both residents and visitors. According to a 2023 report by the Virginia Beach Economic Development Authority, the surfing industry contributes over $12 million annually to the local economy, with the jetty area being a primary driver of that growth. This economic impact is amplified by the city's broader tourism infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues that benefit from the influx of visitors drawn to the oceanfront[11].
The jetty also sustains employment in hospitality, retail, and public services. The Virginia Beach city government has recognized the jetty's economic importance and has invested in infrastructure improvements, including expanded parking and additional lifeguard stations. These investments enhance the visitor experience and help ensure the long-term viability of the jetty as a tourist attraction. The jetty's association with environmental conservation has also attracted grants and funding from state and federal agencies, which are often reinvested into local economic development and beach restoration projects.
Surf schools operating near First Street represent a particularly active segment of the local economy. Several established operators run lessons year-round, drawing beginners who might not otherwise engage with the ocean. That activity generates revenue not just for the schools themselves but for adjacent food and retail businesses that serve the same visitors.
Attractions
Beyond surfing, the First Street Jetty is part of a larger network of attractions that define Virginia Beach's coastal identity. Adjacent to the jetty are several public beaches, including the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which offers recreational activities, dining, and entertainment. The boardwalk's proximity to the jetty makes it a convenient base for surfers to access the water before enjoying nearby amenities such as restaurants and live music venues. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is also home to hotels, boutique shops, and art galleries, creating an atmosphere that complements the jetty's more informal, water-focused character.
The jetty itself draws visitors for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and birdwatching. Its location along the migration routes of several shorebird and seabird species makes it a draw for ornithologists and casual nature observers alike. The Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department has developed walking trails along the jetty, allowing visitors to explore the area while taking in views of both the ocean and the bay. These trails connect to the broader Virginia Beach Coastal Trail, a 22-mile path running along the city's shoreline that links the jetty to destinations including the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and the Cape Henry Lighthouse[12].
The jetty's multifunctional appeal keeps it relevant across age groups and interest levels. Families with young children use the calmer sections of beach near its base, while anglers fish from the structure itself during evening hours. It's a rare public space that genuinely serves the full range of the community.
Regulations and Access
Current rules governing use of the First Street Jetty area reflect Virginia Beach's effort to balance recreational demand with safety and environmental protection. Surfing is permitted in designated zones adjacent to the jetty, with boundaries marked by buoys during the summer season when lifeguards are on duty. The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health monitors water quality at oceanfront locations, including the First Street area, and posts advisories when bacterial counts exceed safe thresholds following heavy rainfall[13]. Lifeguard coverage at the oceanfront typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with the specific hours and zone boundaries updated annually by the city's Parks and Recreation Department.
Fishing from the jetty structure itself is subject to Virginia saltwater fishing regulations, which require a saltwater recreational fishing license for anglers aged 16 and older. Climbing on the jetty's rock surface is discouraged due to uneven footing and wave wash, particularly during periods of elevated surf or tidal activity. Pets are permitted on the beach adjacent to the jetty outside of peak season hours, consistent with Virginia Beach's general ordinance governing animals on public beaches.
Getting There
Access to the First Street Jetty is straightforward, with multiple transportation options available. The jetty is located along the northern end of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, roughly 1.5 miles east of the city's downtown area. For those driving, the jetty is accessible via First Street, which runs parallel to the ocean and connects to major thoroughfares including Virginia Beach Boulevard and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway. Public transportation options include the Hampton Roads Transit system, which operates several routes near the oceanfront. The HRT's Route 10 stops near Virginia Beach City Hall, providing a link to the jetty for visitors who don't want to drive[14].
Cyclists and pedestrians can reach the jetty via the Virginia Beach Coastal Trail, a 22-mile path running along the city's shoreline. The trail connects the jetty to other destinations including the Virginia Aquarium and the Cape Henry Lighthouse. It's well-maintained and includes rest areas, benches, and directional signage. The First Street Parking Garage, within walking distance of the jetty, offers both short-term and long-term parking. These accessibility features ensure the jetty remains welcoming to visitors of all ages and abilities.