Josiah's Bay surf guide
Surf: Josiah’s Bay is the most consistent beachbreak and unlike Cane Garden, this beach is slightly off the beaten track, attracting more cows than sunbathers. The quality of the wave depends on the shape of the sandbanks, but there’s always something to ride on a small day. It’s ideally suited for longboarding and learning - hence the local surf school. “JBay” holds lots of surfers but above 1.5m it becomes less defined with arduous paddle-outs.
Environment: Despite it's high consistency, it's rarely crowded. Lambert Bay to the east and Cootens to the west offer some alternatives. There are more waves on the island, including powerful beachies in remote, roadless locations and the odd fickle reef in town. Finding them would require boating along the coast or making friends in the small local surfing community.
Surf: General: Josiah's Bay is a little nook in the extreme north-facing coast of Tortola. It sports a wide sand beach with A-frame peaks along its length. The waves here are slopey and often weak, but it's a great place to learn, and it does have its moments. If the sand, tide and wind all come together Josiah's does have the potential to deliver some beachbreak barrels.
Tides: Any
Size: Knee high-head high
Wind: East
Swell: N
Bottom: Sand
Paddling: Pretty mellow.
Spot Rating: Pretty consistent for Tortola but not a very good wave.
Access: Park right there.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Yes with beginners and surf schools.
Local Vibe: Not really, but the odd one will show up and show you how to surf there.
Environment: Pretty good.
Hazards: Dodging beginners.
Season: Late summer and fall for tropical cyclone swells but late fall through early spring for consistency.