There are many surfing associations to be a part of in Virginia Beach, and most extend far beyond the sport of surfing. The people in these organizations are passionate about surfing, but they’re also committed to making a difference.

The Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championship (ECSC) is the east coast’s longest running surfing championship where several hundred amateur and master surfers compete for titles, prizes, history and the sheer love of surfing. The Coastal Edge ECSC is not limited to professional or local surfers—anyone and everyone who has a passion for surfing and a love for water is at this event.
Another organization, The Eastern Surfing Association, advocates for safe and clean ocean environments. The ESA also prides itself in giving back to the community by helping young men and women to further their educational goals. Their Marsh Scholarship Fund is the largest and longest running scholarship program in the U.S. surfing community.

The Virginia Longboard Federation unites a community through their love of surfing and the ocean. Formed in 2004, by Mary Knight and Zeke Sanders, the Virginia Longboard Federation began as a way to promote the love of the ocean and the art of surfing. Their yearly event, The Steel Pier Classic & Surf Art Expo, was designed to celebrate the birth of surfing on the East Coast and bring the community together.

Even if you and your family has never tried surfing, Virginia Beach is a great place to learn or perfect your skill. Former local surfer Nick Alexander says that the waves here are suitable for beginners all the way up to advanced, with more mellow waves in the summer. He recommends the beach down from Croatan as a popular spot, but the most well-known locality is the First Street Jetty. “The advanced surfers and local guys flock to this break, and it gets crowded,” he said. To this day, Alexander fondly recalls his first surfing memory at the Jetty. “I remember the waves being decent and paddling out and watching a bunch of really good surfing going on and wanting to emulate every move those guys did. I was bitten by the surf bug even though I could barely stand up.”

To learn more about this amazing sport, visit the following websites: www.surfecsc.com • www.surfesa.org • www.virginialongboardfederation.com