An Introduction To Narragansett Surf
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By
Matt
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Narragansett surf encompasses everything that is beautifully coastal about Rhode Island. The waves are always breaking, the stretches of sandy beach, and the calm atmosphere, which indeed creates a very relaxed ambiance for anyone wishing to surf, be it a pro or a newbie.
Just 35 miles (or 56km) south of Providence, welcomes car free surf, with bike friendly roads providing easy access to all of its main surfing spots.
Town Beach is always at the heart of Narragansett surfing, gentle rolling waves make this spot most appealing among surf students and intermediate surfers. The mellow conditions let you build up confidence on long rides and enjoy some laid-back times against the town’s beach vibe.
On the more challenging end of the scale, just down the coast at Point Judith, heavier right-hand point breaks draw the experienced surfer. The surfers barrel on down, keen to test their skills against the punchy waves.
Not far away, Scarborough Beach injects heavier swells and a lively vibe, while neighboring Bonnet Shores offers a quieter and more picturesque atmosphere for gentle waves and longboarding.
With its fair share of breaks and mellow pace, Narragansett surfing is a welcoming take for all who seek waves, coastal beauty, and Rhode Island charm.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Narragansett
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Peak Narragansett Surf Season | September to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Narragansett surf truly comes alive from September through March, when North Atlantic storms send solid northeast & east swells into Rhode Island’s coastline. During this season, Narragansett surf delivers consistent 3 to 6-foot waves at beaches like Second & Third, offering punchy beach breaks with steep faces.
The colder months bring powerful surf that challenges timing & positioning, rewarding experienced riders with fun barrels & fast walls. Narragansett surf in winter also sees smaller crowds than summer, giving committed surfers space to hone their skills & enjoy some of the region’s most reliable conditions.
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Shoulder Narragansett Surf Season | April, May & August
Suited For All Skill Levels
In April, May, & August, Narragansett surf transitions into more approachable conditions, with wave heights typically ranging from 2 to 4 feet. Spring’s lingering winter swells & late-summer groundswells combine to produce clean, rideable breakers ideal for progressing surfers.
Narragansett surf during these shoulder months offers a friendly environment for those stepping up from small waves, as the lineup remains manageable & the water temperatures begin to climb. Morning sessions often yield the best shape before afternoon winds pick up. It’s an excellent time to enjoy Narragansett surf without the full winter punch.
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Low Narragansett Surf Season | June & July
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
From June through July, Narragansett surf settles into its calmest phase, with small, gentle rollers between 1 & 3 feet. These summer months bring mellow conditions perfect for beginners & longboarders learning the basics. Narragansett surf in summer is characterized by soft peaks that break slowly, allowing newcomers to build confidence on the board.
While advanced surfers may find the waves lacking power, this is an ideal time for family-friendly beach days & surf lessons. Despite the smaller surf, Narragansett surf retains its charm with uncrowded lineups & warm, welcoming vibes.
Narragansett Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Narragansett Surf Temperature:
16–20°C (61–68°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is recommended, as the Atlantic waters remain cool even during summer.
Rainfall:
Summer months see about 8–10 rainy days each, often as brief showers or thunderstorms.
Narragansett Surf Temperature:
14–18°C (57–64°F)
What To Wear:
Transition to a 4/3 mm wetsuit as temperatures drop, especially in late autumn.
Rainfall:
Expect around 9–12 rainy days per month, with increased precipitation as winter approaches.
Narragansett Surf Temperature:
3–7°C (37–45°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm hooded wetsuit with gloves & booties is essential for the frigid winter waters.
Rainfall:
Winter months average 10–12 days of rain, including snow & sleet.
Narragansett Surf Temperature:
7–13°C (45–55°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit remains suitable, with accessories as needed during early spring.
Rainfall:
Spring sees about 9–11 rainy days per month, often with light to moderate rainfall.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Narragansett
| Narragansett Surf Spots | Distance from Narragansett | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
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Narragansett Town Beach |
In the town centre |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach break, great for beginners |
Beginner |
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Scarborough State Beach |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) south |
4-8 foot |
More powerful breaks |
Intermediate to Advanced |
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Point Judith |
Approx. 5km (3mi) south |
3-8 foot |
Varied beach & reef breaks |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Bonnet Shores |
Approx. 5km (3mi) north |
2-5 foot |
Mellow beach breaks |
Beginner to intermediate |
Further Information To Narragansett Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Northwest
- Swell Direction: Southeast
- Crowd Factor: High
Narragansett Town Beach is one of Rhode Island’s most popular beach breaks, offering consistent, punchy waves best suited for intermediate surfers. The beach favors southeast swells that wrap into the bay, while clean conditions prevail with northwest winds. Mid to high tide brings more forgiving, glassy waves that break over a sandy bottom, making it approachable but often crowded during peak summer months.
The waves can vary from mellow walls perfect for longboarding to steeper peaks on larger swells, offering a diverse experience. This is a dependable & user-friendly spot but expect a dense crowd, especially near the central section of the beach.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northwest
- Swell Direction: South-southeast
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Scarborough State Beach provides a less crowded option compared to neighboring Narragansett, though it offers similar wave quality on good south-southeast swells. The beach break features multiple peaks over sand, best at mid tide when the waves become punchier & cleaner. Northwest winds create offshore conditions, making the waves more organized & hollow during sizable swells.
The lineup tends to spread out, giving surfers more room than the busier spots nearby. It’s a versatile location that can accommodate both shortboarders & longboarders depending on swell size, but its exposure makes it highly dependent on swell direction & local wind conditions.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Northwest
- Swell Direction: South or southeast
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Point Judith is a rocky point break delivering long, wrapping lefts when south-southeast swells hit the region. It favors mid to high tide for optimal shape, with northwest winds providing glassy conditions. The wave is known for its length & consistency during hurricane season & larger southern swell events, attracting more experienced surfers due to the rocky entry & heavier sections.
The lineup can handle a crowd reasonably well, but the take-off zone remains competitive. It’s not a beginner-friendly spot, with a sharp bottom & exposed reef sections, making local knowledge & caution essential during powerful swells.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northwest
- Swell Direction: South
- Crowd Factor: Low
Bonnet Shores is a lesser-known spot offering mellow, rolling waves that are perfect for longboarding or beginner surfers. Best during mid tide with a clean south swell, it favors calm northwest winds to hold the shape of the small, playful waves. The sandy bottom & sheltered setup make it an accessible & forgiving surf spot, especially when nearby breaks are too large or crowded.
While not a high-performance wave, Bonnet Shores provides a peaceful alternative with fewer crowds, ideal for relaxing sessions & practicing technique. Its limited power & lower consistency, however, mean it’s more of a backup option.
Rating: 2.5/5
Travel Time To Narragansett Surf Spots
| Narragansett Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Narragansett Town Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Scarborough Beach |
Approx. 80 min. |
Approx. 20 min. |
10 min. (Taxi)
Approx. 1hr 20min. (Local Bus)
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Point Judith |
Approx. 90 min. |
Approx. 25 min. |
10 min. (Taxi)
Approx. 1hr 20min. (Local Bus)
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Bonnet Shores |
Approx. 90 min. (5km) |
Approx. 25 min. |
10 min. (Taxi)
Approx. 30min.
(Local Bus)
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Accommodation In Narragansett
Trip.com has made it much easier for you to book a place to stay near the waves when visiting Narragansett for a surf trip as it has a lot of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly surf hostels. So booking early means more surfing time and less hassle about the logistics.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€90 to €185 |
$100 to $200 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€220 to €450+ |
$250 to $500+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Narragansett Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Narragansett surf schools offer a warm, welcoming vibe with gentle beach breaks that make learning to surf feel easy & fun. Peter Pan Surfing & SUP Academy provides detailed instruction, focusing on developing foundational skills and confidence on the waves.
Warm Winds Surf Supply offers professional coaching tailored to both beginners and advanced surfers, ensuring an engaging experience. Narragansett Surf and Skate combines expert instruction with a welcoming environment, making it an excellent choice for surfers seeking to learn or refine their skills.
With friendly instructors & a calm atmosphere, Narragansett surf schools make surfing approachable for everyone.
Narragansett Surf Camp
While not abundant, Narragansett surf camps offer quality experiences for visitors. Peter Pan Surfing & SUP Academy provides structured surf camps, blending professional guidance with a fun, supportive atmosphere.
Narragansett Surf and Skate also hosts surf camps, focusing on skill-building and fostering a love for surfing. These camps are well-suited for families, groups, or individuals eager to immerse themselves in a dynamic surfing environment.
With accommodations nearby, Narragansett makes a convenient and enjoyable destination for surf enthusiasts.
Narragansett Surfboard Hire
Narragansett surfboard hire is easy & stress-free, with local surf shops offering everything from foamies to longboards, perfect for the mellow local waves.
Warm Winds Surf Supply offers a wide range of boards, from beginner-friendly foamies to performance-oriented shortboards, all meticulously maintained.
Narragansett Surf and Skate provides rentals with flexible terms, ensuring you have the right gear to suit the local surf conditions.
Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, Narragansett surfboard hire makes it simple to get out there and have fun. The easy access to gear lets you focus on enjoying the surf and the scenery.
Narragansett Surf Report & Surf Cam
Surf forecasting is easier with Surf-Forecast and Surfline. Surf-Forecast provides dependable tide, wind and swell charts, while Surfline’s subscription-based live cams allow you to see the waves at prime USA surf spots in real-time.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM allows you to be connected the minute you land in USA without worrying about getting local SIM cards. This way you can smoothly check live surf cam views, forecast surf reports, and share your Narragansett surf fun instantly and easily for a full surf experience!
How To Get To Narragansett Surf
- Providence's T.F. Green Airport (PVD) To Narragansett
Distance: 30km (19mi)
To reach Narragansett, the most convenient route is to fly into Providence’s T.F. Green Airport (PVD) & take a taxi or public bus to your destination. Below is a quick guide with various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Narragansett based on your preference.
Public Transport
Approx. 1.5-2 hrs.
Details:
From the arrivals level at T.F. Green Airport (Providence PVD), take the free Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Route 20 bus into downtown Providence, arriving at Kennedy Plaza. At Kennedy Plaza, transfer to RIPTA Route 60 toward Narragansett Pier.
This route travels through suburban neighborhoods & coastal villages, finally dropping you near Narragansett’s east & west beaches. Buses run roughly every hour, & schedules vary on weekends. While inexpensive, this option requires at least one transfer & can involve waiting in downtown Providence, so plan your connections carefully.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 1-1.5 hrs.
Details:
Groome Transportation operates scheduled shuttles between Providence Airport & several South County destinations, including Narragansett. Shared vans depart multiple times daily from the Ground Transportation area & stop at major hotels & inns along Boston Neck Road & Ocean Road. Vehicles are air-conditioned with room for boards & luggage.
Pre-book your shuttle with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups to guarantee a waiting vehicle when you arrive. This service allows a smooth, quick transfer from the airport to the beach without delays or queues.
USA Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
From California to the Outer Banks, the USA is surf-ready, but you’ll want to know a few basics. Currency is the U.S. Dollar, and cards are accepted nationwide. English is the main language. Healthcare is excellent but expensive, so insurance is a smart move.
For full details on all 7 essentials, visa requirements, health tips, and safety info, visit our USA surf page before heading out on your next coastal adventure.
Travel Insurance For Your Narragansett Surf Trip
If you happen to be in the USA for surf, build in a layer of insurance for whatever happens down the road. Travel insurance covers issues medically, delays, and missing belongings. It allows you to focus on surfing and not setbacks. VisitorsCoverage has a variety of plans that are specially designed to keep you moving even when the unexpected happens.
Surfing in USA is something worth remembering, but it is best remembered when accompanied by peace of mind. Travel covered, travel ready, and stay focused on the swell.
Discover Narragansett: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on in Narragansett, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Below are 5 recommendations to make the most of your time.
For even more options, check out GetYourGuide and Viator for scenic boat tours, lighthouse visits, and coastal day trips around Rhode Island.
Keep Exploring With More USA Surf Destinations
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Written by Matt
Surfer for nearly 20 years and an environmental scientist for nine, Matt grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and now calls Melbourne home. He’s all about finding surf towns you can reach without a car and writes simple surf guides to help you do the same.