With the wealth of waterways that run through Virginia Beach and feed into the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, there may be no better way to explore the beauty of Virginia Beach than by floating right through it via stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Even better, it’s easy enough to do — just bring your own equipment or rent some from one of the many retailers in town. So what are you waiting for? Slather on some reef-safe sunscreen and get to paddling.
Rudee Inlet
Looking to start off easy? Rudee Inlet is one of the best stand-up paddleboarding spots in Virginia Beach for beginners. The waters are calm and shallow, and it’s easy enough to launch from any of the many docks or from the Rudee Inlet Station Marina.If you’re a more experienced paddleboarder, Rudee Inlet isn’t a bad choice either. It easily connects to the Atlantic Ocean, where dolphin sightings are quite common. Just be prepared from some waves once you’re out past The Jetty at the south end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay and the Narrows
Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay are two interconnected inland bays with calm waters and beautiful views. The small passage connecting the two is known as The Narrows. Between these waterways, you can spend hours paddling around, taking in the natural beauty of the area. Simply push off from one of the many docks lining the bays, with the ones in First Landing State Park being particularly popular starting spots. If you’d prefer a little more guidance, you can always book an SUP tour with a local outfitter, like Chesapean Outdoors.
Stumpy Lake Natural Area
For the more skilled SUPers, you can head out and explore the majestic waters of the Atlantic Ocean with ease. The Rudee Inlet Marina is a great launching point to get out in no time, and a great place to paddle around if the oceans wave are more than you want to tackle. Rent your equipment from outfitters there like Beach Parasail, or sign up for a tour with Paddleboard VB. While the water is less calm on the ocean, the payoff can be huge, as dolphin sightings are common!
Lynnhaven Inlet
Lynnhaven Inlet is one of the spots where Virginia Beach locals go to stand-up paddleboard. While it connects to the open waters of Chesapeake Bay, it’s mostly shielded, keeping the waters quite calm overall. Launch from any of the boat ramps and explore all the nooks and crannies of this tidal estuary.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The unencumbered beauty of Sandbridge makes it one of the best places to explore by water. Surf and Adventure Company has everything you need to get you out there in no time. While you can rent your board and head straight to the beach, the gentle waters of nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge may be better for beginner stand-up paddleboarders. Navigate through enchanting Spanish moss-adorned bald cypress trees and watch for wildlife inhabitants like river otters, nutria and white-tailed deer. Looking for a little more guidance? Surf and Adventure offers guided SUP tours of the Back Bay.
Chic’s Beach
Ready to level up? Head to Chic’s Beach to try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding in more open waters. At the southern edge of Chesapeake Bay, the water is a little more wavy than the inlets and lakes of Virginia Beach. That said, it’s definitely doable if it’s not your first time paddleboarding. Navigate under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel or paddle the half mile to Lynnhaven Inlet for two SUP adventures in one. If you’re lucky, you may even find yourself paddling alongside a pod of dolphins!
Sandbridge Beach
Unlike many of the other places to stand-up paddleboard in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach is fully open ocean. It’s the big leagues when compared to spots like Stumpy Lake and The Narrows. If you feel ready to tackle the waves and currents that come with being out in the Atlantic, this stretch of shoreline is where you’ll want to start. If you’re lucky, a dolphin friend or two might join you out on your paddling adventure here too.
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- Chesapeake Bay
- On the Water
- Sandbridge
- SUP Boarding
Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
