Top Surf Spots in New Shoreham (Block Island), Rhode Island
New Shoreham—better known as Block Island—compresses the Atlantic coast’s raw, changeable energy onto a tight island stage. Offshore swells, shifting sandbars, and a handful of reliable beach breaks create surf that punches above the island’s small footprint. Accessible by ferry and intimate enough to feel like a secret among locals, Block Island surf rewards travelers who read tides, dress for variable water temps, and accept that wind is a character in every session. This guide focuses on catching waves, linking surf with coastal hikes, wildlife watching, and the practical details you need to plan a surf-focused escape.
Top Surf Trips in New Shoreham
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Why New Shoreham Is a Standout Surf Destination
On a map, New Shoreham is a small blot of land off the Rhode Island coast. On any given swell, it feels like an entire ocean’s worth of opportunity. Block Island’s position 12 miles offshore exposes it to consistent Atlantic groundswells that refract around reefs and sandbars, creating peelable lines on some days and chunky, playful peaks on others. The island’s beaches face a range of orientations—south, southeast, and west—so with the right swell direction and a keen eye on wind, a motivated surfer can chase the cleanest pocket within a single morning. That variety is the island’s real asset: when wind slams one beach, another often holds up.
Beyond wave physics, surf on Block Island is threaded through a distinctive island culture. The ferry keeps the tempo human-sized; surf sessions are punctuated by the ferry’s whistle, by cyclists rolling up with boards, and by a community ethic that tilts toward respect for fragile dunes and nesting shorebirds. The island’s cliffs and marshes—Mohegan Bluffs and the Great Salt Pond among them—make the surf day part of a fuller coastal itinerary. On calm days, it’s possible to layer in paddleboarding across sheltered waters, short hikes that end at viewpoint cliffs, and late afternoons at a seafood shack repairing bruised shoulders and rinsing gear.
Planning here means thinking like a local: check tide charts, watch wind forecasts, and allow for extra time to get on and off the island—ferry schedules vary by season, and private charters can fill up on summer weekends. Wetsuit decisions hinge on the month: water temperatures warm substantially by mid-summer but remain cool compared with more southerly breaks, so a 3/2 or 4/3 is common through spring and fall. For learners, the island has a few dependable, mellow spots on smaller swells, but expect variable conditions that reward a surf lesson or guide on difficult days. For experienced surfers, Block Island’s sandbars and occasional hollow peaks deliver satisfying, oceanic lines when the swell and wind align.
Environmental stewardship is part of the experience here. Dune systems and bird nesting areas are fragile and visible; respect roped-off sections, carry out gear and trash, and keep dog and foot traffic away from marked habitat. Seasonally, the island also rewards non-surf activities—late-spring bird migration, summer coastal wildflowers, and fall swell windows offer reasons to return. In short, New Shoreham isn’t the fastest or most predictable surf destination, but it’s a layered, island-rich surf experience: part wave pursuit, part coastal culture, and part natural history, all compacted into one small, compelling place.
Block Island’s north and south facing beaches mean you can find shelter from prevailing winds on many days; check swell direction and local wind charts before committing to a spot.
Because the island is small, it’s easy to combine surf sessions with short hikes, paddling, or wildlife viewing—plan multi-activity days rather than single-focus trips when possible.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Late spring through fall offers the most consistent balance of swell and manageable water temperatures. Summer brings warmer water and more crowding; early fall often yields the best combination of longer-period Atlantic swells and steady offshore winds. Sudden nor’easters in spring and fall can produce powerful surf but also strong winds and rough ferry crossings.
Peak Season
July–August (highest visitor numbers and warmest water)
Off-Season Opportunities
Late spring and early fall offer better surf windows with fewer crowds; winter months see big swells but limited services and more challenging logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my board to Block Island?
Passenger ferries typically allow surfboards, but size and surcharges vary; there’s also a vehicle ferry and private charters. Check the ferry operator’s equipment rules and reserve space in advance on busy summer weekends.
Are there surf schools and rentals on the island?
Yes—Block Island supports several instructors and rental options during the main season. Availability shrinks in shoulder months, so book lessons and rentals ahead of time if you need them.
Do I need a specific wetsuit for Block Island?
Wetsuit needs depend on season. A 3/2 or 4/3 is common in spring and fall; a 2/1 or spring suit can work in the warmest summer weeks. Always check current water temps before packing.
Choose Your Experience Level
Beginner
Sheltered, smaller swells at select beaches on calm days provide forgiving sandbar starts for learners. Expect wind or chop some days; beginner-friendly conditions are not guaranteed.
- Private lesson with a local instructor
- Small-swell beach break session
- Intro paddleboard along the Great Salt Pond
Intermediate
Consistent beach breaks and reforming sandbars offer longer lines for people comfortable reading tides and shifting conditions. Intermediate surfers benefit from local knowledge about wind and point choices.
- Mixed-swell mornings chasing cleaner pockets
- Short surf-and-hike days to Mohegan Bluffs
- Evening sessions on mellow summer swells
Advanced
Experienced surfers can find powerful, hollow peaks on bigger Atlantic swells and use the island’s reef and sandbar setups for performance lines. Be prepared for strong currents, rapidly changing wind, and limited emergency resources.
- Big-swell hollow-peak sessions
- Sandbar hunting across multiple beaches in a single day
- Combination surf and offshore paddling for advanced downwinders
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Respect local closures, dune protections, and seasonal wildlife zones. Ferry times and rental availability change quickly—plan and reserve in advance.
Aim for early-morning sessions when winds are often lighter and ferry arrivals create fewer crowds. Use a local surf forecast and check tide windows; many of the island’s best peaks are tide-sensitive. If conditions look messy at one beach, drive or bike around—the island’s compact size makes a quick spot-check strategy effective. Pack layers and a good drying towel for the ferry ride home.
What to Bring
Essential
- Surfboard(s) suited to expected conditions (shortboard and a fish/mini-mal for smaller days)
- Good-fitting leash and wax (or traction pad)
- Appropriate wetsuit (3/2 or 4/3 in shoulder seasons; 2/1 or spring suit in high summer)
- Waterproof sunscreen and sun-protective layers
- Tide chart and local surf/wind forecast app
Recommended
- Board repair kit or ding tape for long stays
- Rashguard or neoprene top for wind protection
- Dry bag for ferry travel and keeping car keys/phone dry
- Compact first-aid kit and basic reef-footwear if beaches are rocky
Optional
- Compact surf compass or float for longboarders
- Action camera with mount
- Folding shelter or windbreak for changing conditions on shore
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