An Introduction To Narragansett Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Narragansett surf captures the essence of Rhode Island’s coastal charm, offering consistent waves, scenic beaches, a laid-back vibe that makes it a favorite for surfers of all levels. Just 35 miles south of Providence, this welcoming beach town is perfect for a car-free surf adventure, with bike-friendly roads easy access to its main surf spots.
At the heart of Narragansett surf is Town Beach, a popular spot known for its gentle, rolling waves that create an ideal playground for beginners intermediate surfers. The mellow conditions make it a great place to build confidence, enjoy long rides, soak up the town’s relaxed beach atmosphere.
For those looking for something more challenging, nearby Point Judith delivers more powerful right-hand point breaks, drawing experienced surfers eager to test their skills on its punchy waves.
A short ride away, Scarborough Beach offers heavier swells a lively vibe, while Bonnet Shores provides a quieter, scenic escape with mellow waves, perfect for longboarding. With its variety of breaks easygoing pace, Narragansett surf is an inviting destination for anyone craving waves, coastal beauty, Rhode Island charm.
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to make a purchase or book a service through them. We only promote products and services that we believe in, and your support helps us continue to provide honest insights and valuable content.
Thank you for your trust and for supporting our work!
In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Narragansett
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Narragansett Town Beach |
In the town centre |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach break, great for beginners |
Beginner |
|
Scarborough State Beach |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) south |
4-8 foot |
More powerful breaks |
Intermediate to Advanced |
|
Point Judith |
Approx. 5km (3mi) south |
3-8 foot |
Varied beach & reef breaks |
Intermediate to advanced |
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Narragansett Town Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
|
Scarborough Beach |
Approx. 80 min. |
Approx. 20 min. |
10 min. (Taxi)
Approx. 1hr 20min. (Local Bus)
|
|
Point Judith |
Approx. 90 min. |
Approx. 25 min. |
10 min. (Taxi)
Approx. 1hr 20min. (Local Bus)
|
|
Bonnet Shores |
Approx. 90 min. (5km) |
Approx. 25 min. |
10 min. (Taxi)
Approx. 30min.
(Local Bus)
|
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 & have fun. The easy access to gear lets you focus on enjoying the surf & the scenery.
Narragansett Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Narragansett surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Narragansett surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
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 guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Narragansett based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 1.5-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
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
- Time: 1-1.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $30-$55 USD per person
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.
Private charter options are also available for groups, offering flexibility in pick-up times. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance are strongly recommended, particularly during the busy summer beach season.
Accommodation In Narragansett
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€90 to €185 |
$100 to $200 |
|
Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€220 to €450+ |
$250 to $500+ |
|
*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
|||
Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Narragansett, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
USA Travel Information: The 7 Essentials You Need To Know
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. Here are 5 recommendations to make the most of your time.