Fishermans Island surf guide

Fishermans Island is located just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on Virginia's Eastern Shore. This spot can be tricky to access since it's a protected natural preserve, making a stroll down the beach illegal. Most surfers will need a boat to get there, but for those who are brave, there's a tough trek through old World War II bunkers and thick bushes. It's not the most convenient place, which is why it remains low on the radar for many surfers. When conditions align, it has the potential for some solid surfing, but you might have to wait a long time for that to happen.

The surf here tends to work best with big east/southeast swells, and the waves can get pretty good, especially when the northeast winds are blowing. The ideal swell directions are from the EastSouthEast, SouthEast, or SouthSouthEast, handling sizes from about 4ft to 8ft (1.2m to 2.4m). When everything is right, you can catch some nice left-point waves rolling through the area. The waves usually break over sand, making for a fun ride when conditions are perfect. Mid to high tide tends to work best, but don’t underestimate the amount of paddling you'll need to do once the waves start breaking.

Accessing Fishermans Island is a tough job, and if you don't have a boat, it's not worth the risk of trying to reach it otherwise. The crowds aren't a big problem here since the lack of easy access keeps most surfers away. If you're planning to surf here, remember that it's mainly for experts and seasoned surfers ready for a challenge. You might catch it on a good day in autumn, especially when tropical cyclones start brewing late in the summer and fall. And if you’re bringing different types of boards, a shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard, or even a SUP will work depending on your style.