Beach at VB?

[dani0622]

I've read some of the older threads on the beach and want to get some opinions on the beaches at Vero Beach. I've read some very different views so just want to hear some fresh opinions. I've read that it's very rough, big waves, little waves, bad undertow, severe drop-off after a few feet, etc.

I live in NJ (10 miles to the beach for us) and have only been to NJ beaches my entire life so what I am used to is mild waves to bad ones where you wouldn't even go in the water more than a foot. My guess is some of the previous respones I've read may have come from people who are used to the calm beaches on Florida's West coast.

So I guess my question would be are the beaches at VB like NJ beaches as far as the ocean goes? I am concerned that the beach/ocean (with no lifeguards) will be too rough too enjoy?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's not like the Gulf Coast beaches which are wide and expansive with gently sloping shore.

 

[Par8hed]

For the most part:

Big wind = Big waves

Little or no wind = Little or no waves.

I've been to VB several times and have yet to encounter anything I would consider a BIG wave. Though certainly they can and do occur.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've been in Cape May for about a week now, and I think the waves that have been here are similar to the waves that we saw in VB when we were there around June 13th. Water was warmer in Florida!

There is a beach with a lifeguard just north of the beach at Disney's VB resort. I do feel more confident with a lifeguard.

Bobbi

 

[dani0622]

Thanks everyone!

Bobbi - Cape May is our favorite beach in NJ! We go down every summer and every Christmas! In fact, was just there for the day in June!

 

[Mahusky]

I've read some of the older threads on the beach and want to get some opinions on the beaches at Vero Beach. I've read some very different views so just want to hear some fresh opinions. I've read that it's very rough, big waves, little waves, bad undertow, severe drop-off after a few feet, etc.

I live in NJ (10 miles to the beach for us) and have only been to NJ beaches my entire life so what I am used to is mild waves to bad ones where you wouldn't even go in the water more than a foot. My guess is some of the previous respones I've read may have come from people who are used to the calm beaches on Florida's West coast.

So I guess my question would be are the beaches at VB like NJ beaches as far as the ocean goes? I am concerned that the beach/ocean (with no lifeguards) will be too rough too enjoy?

Thanks for any feedback!

Danielle,
I have posted on some on those older threads but I think in general if you are familiar with East Coast Beaches then you will be familiar with the beach at VB.

Is there undertow - yes but not the child swallowing undertow that I have read about . I let my children (11,9,4) swin in the Ocean in MA and they swim at VB as well.

Are there big waves - yes at times. In my 7 plus trips to VB I have seen some good sized waves (nice for older children to body surf on) and I have seen it when it was a mere ripple. Depends on the weather conditions.

Is the beach nice - yes it is simply AWESOME.

The biggest difference for us from the north is the water temp.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I agree. The wave action is pretty much the same up and down the coast. Vero is probably on the higher side of typical size. I love the blue waters of Florida. The beach is relatively small, but it is never crowded. You'll never have someone setting up camp between you and the water.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've received an inquiry regarding that lifeguarded beach..it's adjacent to Disney's property...I think it was/is part of Florida's state park system. It was lifeguarded in June, I am not sure if it was lifeguarded in March.

Bobbi

 

[dani0622]

Thanks everyone! Can't wait!!

 

[Halle]

Danielle, I was born and raised in NJ and spent many weeks at the 'shore', now live in upstate NY. We have been to VB the past two Augusts and are heading there in a few weeks. The first year high tide was high not as high as Jersey. Last year the first day the ocean was totally still, never experienced anything like that before. The next day the ocean was intense and IMHO only those who weren't familiar with the ocean went in. We've went to HH once...no waves so no body surfing which really disappointed my family. You'll love VB, have fun.

 

[PamOKW]

I was going to say the same thing as Halle. I have never seen a NJ beach completely calm the way you can see it happen in Florida. But it can also have tremendous surf -- Vero is a popular place to in fact "surf". Just as in NJ, sometimes undertow is not a problem, sometimes it can be life threatening. The likelihood of sharks coming in close to shore is also greater than in NJ but there are warnings posted and signs to look for -- usually small fish in close are the reason the sharks also come in.

March is prime season in Florida and you will find lifeguards at the adjacent beach. I think if I was really going to go in swimming, I'd be more comfortable up at the public beach. But lazing on the beach and walking along the shore is just fine at the Vero resort. I can't really think of a Northeast/MidAtlantic beach to compare Vero too in terms of how "natural" and uncrowded it is. I hope you love it.

 

[dani0622]

Thanks for the last two comments! I am sure I am going to love it! Can't wait!!