Recent grad likely to relocate, help!

I too am from CA and comparatively speaking, there aren't many waves here. The sea around the VI is pretty tranquil most of the time. Have you ever been here? There is plenty of scuba and hiking.

To me, Red Hook is pretty far from the airport for a daily commute, though I'm sure someone does it. I'm guessing your job would be in security theater at the airport, but there may be some Homeland Security work related to the ferry. If you are working with the ferry, Red Hook would be convenient, unless you have to work at the marine terminal downtown. You really don't want to arrange housing here until you've seen it in person anyway, so when you come you can stay someplace temporarily, until you figure out where on island relative to your work to situate yourself.

Many of us love living here, but vastly more people move here and leave within the year than move here and stay. This isn't like anywhere else in the U.S. so don't burn any bridges stateside because you don't know whether you will take to life in the VI.

the alternative to longboard surfing is kitesurfing, which has gained a lot of popularity in the islands since we have the trade winds blowing most of the year. Maybe you'll want to check that out if you do move to the islands. There are numerous scuba opportunities and plenty of other outdoor and water sports to keep you busy when you're not working.

ouch... so no surfing at all? what about hull bay during the best season?

my sons surf some on stx...and there are others who do as well, but they grew up surfing in the northeast, not CA. There are no really good breaks, and much is dependent on the weather and the moon.

Like Alexandria mentioned, try kite surfing!!! I haven't tried it, but they sure do boogie!!!!
I bet they move 30-50 mph.............or look it.
Many water sports to choose from, so don't get bummed too quickly

Yes, there is surfing at Hull Bay when there are winter storms in the north Atlantic. There is also surfing in Tortola on the north shore. This summer someone was surfing at Secret Harbour for a short while when the waves were out of the south because of one of the disturbances we had. If you are tied into the surfer network, you will figure out the whens and wheres, but it definitely isn't Surf City. Cowabunga!

My friends go surfing on STX every week. Just west of Christiansted and on the east end seem to be regular spots.

If you're a true surfer at heart you should move to Florianopolis it is in Brazil!

Check out all Florianopolis offers.

http://www.nexussurf.com/

Lipstick Chick

I occasionally see surfers on the North shore after a big storm, but to say it can be done weekly is a stretch.

Yes, there are some surfers at Hull Bay, mostly as East Ender said during season when there are storms in the Atlantic. But in my opinion, surfable waves are infrequent, and rarely look anything like Pacific waves. If you are flexible about water sports, there are many options here. If you require year 'round surfing waves, this isn't the place for you.

thanks for all the replies... i don't really get an option of where i will get to live, government is kinda just gonna choose for me. they choose virgin islands. anything else? what is typical rent for a 1 bedroom/studio in st. thomas? how much are avg. utlilities?

You can search this site for information on rent and cost of utilities. You might start here: https://www.vimovingcenter.com/cost_of_living/

If you end up on STT there are ferry's to Tortola available almost everyday and there are a few surf spots there and most times we see surfers: Apple Bay by Bomba Shack, The point at Cane Garden Bay, and I think Lambert Beach also. Not sure if the waves are good year round but if you do end up in STT and don't find the waves you want there I would recommend that you either email or stop in to see Steve at Elms Beach Bar in Cane Garden Bay. I believe he is a pretty avid surfer and lives on island.

Good Luck