Planning to visit Rhode Island? Want to know some top Public beaches in Rhode island? You are at the right page.
While planning for some adventures at beaches, surfing is what pops up in your mind in an instant. Surfing is a thrilling sport of riding on waves while standing on a narrow board commonly called ‘a surfboard’. A vivid quality of waves can be chosen from within 400+ miles of the coastline i.e. Rhode Island.
The peaky beach breaks to slabs, rocky left, and right-hand point breaks, and the variability in wave types is what makes Rhode Island one of the most selected places for surfing.
The surfers in Rhode Island show an immense level of commitment toward surfing which is commendable. Let’s explore the best public beaches in Rhode Island.
1. Misquamicut State Beach
Source: media-cdn.tripadvisor.com
Misquamicut State Beach is a publicly recreated area amidst the town of Westerly, Rhode Island. A 4.3km long barrier island occupying a part of Misquamicut Beach features multiple public facilities and adventures.
The ideal swell direction is from the southeast when it combines with an offshore wind directed from the North-Northwest.
This beach is an exposed beach break that is normally safe and works throughout the year. The best month for surfing in Misquamicut State Beach is considered to be September, and the best season is Spring. During these times, the waves are consistently clean.
Typically about 28% of clean surfable waves are found in September, while 54% tend to be blown out.
However, the remaining 18% of waves are considered to be very small by most surfers, yet this can be great for beginners.
w3The Surfers are instructed to wear a good quality winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves, and boots, considering the water temperature which is about 6.4°C. Plenty of neoprene is required by surfers despite the Sun.
Let’s take a look at the other Public beaches in Rhode Island
2. Matunuck
Source: ecori.org
Matunuck’s surf is concentrated into three main breaks from east to west:
- Deep hole: a speedy left at low tide
- Trestle: a frame peak having hollow rights and zippy lefts at lower tides.
- The point: well-described peak having a short, bowl right and a long, rippable left.
How suitable Matunuck is for surfing?
The ability level is considered to be intermediate to advanced level. The best surfers get the best waves. The local vibe of Matunuck is highly intimidating. It is perpetually packed with surfers and kayakers. It is undoubtedly one of the primo reef break/point break zones in Rhode Island.
The spot rating is almost perfect. Matunuck Beach is heavily crowded because of the serenity present in its atmosphere.
The water is clean. However, an oil spill off Point Judith in 1966 incited advanced safety regulations. Surfrider’s Rhode Island chapter implemented the Bluewater task force that conducts water testing and analysis at various spots. The best season to locate this place is from September to December.
Nearby spots around Matunuck for surfing are:
- Salty brine state Beach: 1.5miles NE
- K38/39: 2.3miles E
- Pilgrim: 3 miles E
- Green Hill: 3.2 miles SW
3. Point Judith
Source: mediaim.expedia.com
A classic point break surf spot at Southern Rhode Island’s Point Judith Lighthouse appears to be the ultimate East Coast point break from a distance. It’s a series of separate, distinct breaks: sometimes connecting for a section or two, but mostly not.
The ability level of surfing at Point Judith is intermediate to advanced. The local vibe is doable on the heavier side, mostly during tropical swells.
The crowding ratio is usually moderate, however dense during tropical swells. Spot rating is fun and good on the right swell however, the best days are fickle. Shoulder burn is exhausting, depending on the swell, yet a lot of paddling is required.
The water is pretty clean all over. There’s limited parking during good swells. However, it’s easy to access The best season to visit Point Judith is from September to March.
4. Narragansett
Source: narragansettproperties.com
The US is split into two by Narragansett Bay and carved out the unique shapes of the small state. A jagged and irregular coastline allows Rhody to have a broad swell window. Swells usually come from southwest to straight east, providing a chance for surfing.
Warm winds in the town of Narragansett along the southern coast of Rhode Island are the hub for surfing in New England.
Various surf shops are available in Narragansett, having the availability of the required equipment for surfing. It is advised not to buy cheap boards as they make learning difficult. This beach is preferred for beginners.
However, intermediate or advanced-level surfers might tackle some big waves. The entry fee is $8 per person to get in and $10 to park on weekdays, and $15 for parking on weekends.
Surfers can tackle these waves using a short as well as a long surfboard, but it is important to keep in mind that such waves can be tricky to handle and are usually not very suitable for beginners.
For experienced surfers, make sure to have surfing boots. The surf shops have a vast range of surfboards in stock, with more than 600 options for surfers of any level. Surfboards are readily available for rent if you don’t want to purchase them. Foam top surfboards are available at $15 for two hours, $25 for four hours, and $35 for an entire day.
5. Monahan’s Dock
Source: surf-forecast.com
Here at Monahan’s Dock, you will come across some of the heaviest waves of Rhode Island that can be tackled. The rides are usually short, but it is highly risky as one can head right into the jetty, thus losing or breaking the surfboard.
The surfing conditions at this place are genuinely exhilarating. The kind of surfing experience you may get here is unmatched when compared to any other. Such surfing trips cannot be found elsewhere.
6. Scarborough State Beach
Source: assets.simpleviewinc.com
Scarborough State Beach is a publicly recreated area occupying 60 acres fronting from the Atlantic Ocean in the town of Narragansett. The beach offers a saltwater bath, observation tower, boardwalk, and picnicking.
It is open seasonally. Clayton Bay is the most popular and renowned beach among surfers in Scarborough. It is one of the most exposed beaches to swelling, having a wide range of waves of different levels.
Pumphouse surfing is recommended at low to mid-tide for beginners and advanced-level surfers. Cayton Bay is the best beach to surf at high tides and works throughout all stages of tides. Cayton Bay usually works best in Southwesterly and westerly offshore winds. Some shelter in Northwesterly wind is provided by a pump house.
7. Second beach
Source: wta.org
The second beach in Rhode Island, a beach with fair exposure breaks, has very reliable surf. The best thing about this beach is it is open throughout the year. Northeast winds are ideal.
Most surf comes from groundswells, and the best swell direction is southeast. The best time for surfing at Second Beach is Autumn and mostly in September. The water temperature at Second Beach is 7.1°C.
Surfers are instructed to take all necessary measures like wearing a good quality winter wetsuit, neoprene hood, gloves, and boots. About 29% of consistent, clean surfable waves are found in September, while 42% are considered to be small waves by surfers. About 29% of waves are blown out due to prevailing onshore and crossing onshore.
8. Ruggles- Newport
Source: easternsurf.com
Wondering about the best surf breaks on the east coast!? Here’s Ruggles, known as a surfing point for advanced surfers. The rocky bottom of Ruggles – Newport is unforgiving. This break has witnessed numerous broken boards, broken bones, and bloody bodies over a long period. This beach site is only for locals and pro-level surfers.
The rocky reef break has three distinct breaks: ‘The points’, ‘out front’, and ‘around the corner’. Each of these breaks has different challenges to offer. Ruggles in Newport is indeed a pressure test for advanced surfers. Different weather patterns trigger various actions in Ruggles, Rhode Island.
9. First beach
Source: assets.simpleviewinc.com
Easton’ Beach is another name of the First Beach. This beach is about a three-fourth mile-long stretch of sand with a boardwalk and Atlantic-facing surf.
It is the largest and most beautiful coastline of Newport that has access to surf, sand, and sun. First Beach is situated on Memorial Boulevard at the start of the city’s famous cliff walk.
It offers ample parking slots so that you can enjoy surfing without worrying about your premium car. First Beach offers you an aesthetic view along the shorelines. It is an easy-to-access Newport attraction. The more you wait, the least serene you get.
10. South Shore Beach
Source: onlyinyourstate.com
South shore beach is not efficient enough to break the swells as all other beaches in Rhode Island do. However, it offers some of the best scenic beauties. The waves at South shore beach are a bit harder to predict. However, the frequent seclusion gives space to navigate the swells. Winter is also good for surfing on this beach too.
If you want the best surfing condition, then you can visit in March. However, the rip currents of South shore beach can be fatal. Less experienced or beginners should consult lifeguards before entering the water.
The cost of beach passes during weekdays is $15 and $20 during weekends.
Conclusion
Now, you know which Public beaches in Rhode Island are best to visit? Well, now you can enjoy with your families at the beach.
One of the most adventurous sports is Surfing. Here, we discussed some of the best public beaches in Rhode Island. If you like to surf and want to gain some exciting experience in your surfing career, then you can choose Rhode Island’s beaches.
But it is very important to take all necessary precautions. If you are a beginner, then consult a guide or lifeguard before tackling high waves. You can plan your trips from September to March, this is the best time time for surfing.