Rhode Island
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Black Rock Point, Rhode Island. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sat, May 16: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Poor - Fair. First light looks cleanest — 2-3ft on SE swell at 9s with glassy conditions. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 17mph from the SSW and dropping conditions to poor.
Sun, May 17: 4–5ft, 7s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 5-6ft on ESE swell at 8s with moderate WSW wind around 11mph. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
Mon, May 18: 3–4ft, 7s period, rated Poor - Fair. Expect 3-4ft waves early on S swell at 7s.
Tue, May 19: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Aim for the middle of the day — 2-3ft on SSE swell at 9s with 10mph from the SW. It's a bit wonky first thing but settles down. Afternoon wind picks back up so try to get wet before 2pm.
Wed, May 20: 3–4ft, 6s period, rated Poor. Early morning is your best window — 4-5ft waves on SSE swell at 14s with moderate SW wind around 10mph. The SSW wind kicks in by afternoon — 17mph and poor by then.
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Black Rock Point is a raw and rugged Rhode Island surf spot situated on the southwestern coastline near Block Island Sound, where rocky headlands funnel swells into punchy, hollow waves that break over an uneven rock bottom. The northward-facing transect means this spot can pick up residual south swells wrapping around the point, producing unpredictable but rewarding rides when conditions align. Its remote character and technical bottom make it a spot best suited to experienced surfers seeking uncrowded Rhode Island waves away from the more popular breaks.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Black Rock Point is 2-3+ft with a 9.3s swell period. Wind is SW at 7mph and conditions are rated Poor - Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Black Rock Point is 2-3+ft, produced by a 2.6ft SE primary swell at 9s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Black Rock Point is Thursday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 4ft waves, a 6.4s swell period, and conditions rated Fair - Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Black Rock Point works best with a S swell and N winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Black Rock Point. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Black Rock Point is a point with a rock bottom, suited to advanced surfers. Black Rock Point is a raw and rugged Rhode Island surf spot situated on the southwestern coastline near Block Island Sound, where rocky headlands funnel swells into punchy, hollow waves that break over an uneven rock bottom. The northward-facing transect means this spot can pick up residual south swells wrapping around the point, producing unpredictable but rewarding rides when conditions align. Its remote character and technical bottom make it a spot best suited to experienced surfers seeking uncrowded Rhode Island waves away from the more popular breaks.
The prime season at Black Rock Point is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Black Rock Point include rocks, sharp reef, strong currents, isolated location, cold water. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Black Rock Point forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
