Rhode Island
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at East Beach, 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: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Midday is the call — 1-2ft waves with moderate SSW wind around 9mph and poor conditions.
Sun, May 17: 2–3ft, 8s period, rated Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on SE swell at 8s with light WSW winds. The SSW wind kicks in by afternoon — 10mph and poor - fair by then.
Mon, May 18: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 11mph from the E.
Tue, May 19: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Morning kicks off with 1-2ft on SE swell at 9s. Expect 14mph SSW winds by the afternoon.
Wed, May 20: 2–3ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 1-2ft waves on SSE swell at 8s and 10mph from the SW. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 17mph from the SSW and dropping conditions to poor.
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East Beach is a scenic and mellow stretch of sandy shoreline tucked along the southern Rhode Island coast near Charlestown, facing WNW toward Block Island Sound. The beach picks up south and southeast swells that wrap into the protected bay, producing gentle, rolling waves ideal for beginners and longboarders. Its relative remoteness compared to busier Rhode Island surf spots like Narragansett keeps the lineup uncrowded, making it a peaceful escape during the prime fall swell season.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at East Beach is 2-3ft with a 9.25s swell period. Wind is SSW at 8mph and conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at East Beach is 2-3ft, produced by a 0.9ft SE primary swell at 9s, a 0.5ft SW wind swell swell at 2s. 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 East Beach is Sunday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 3ft waves, a 8.45s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
East Beach works best with a SSE swell and WNW 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 East Beach. 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.
East Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. East Beach is a scenic and mellow stretch of sandy shoreline tucked along the southern Rhode Island coast near Charlestown, facing WNW toward Block Island Sound. The beach picks up south and southeast swells that wrap into the protected bay, producing gentle, rolling waves ideal for beginners and longboarders. Its relative remoteness compared to busier Rhode Island surf spots like Narragansett keeps the lineup uncrowded, making it a peaceful escape during the prime fall swell season.
The prime season at East Beach 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 East Beach include strong currents, rip currents, shifting sandbars, cold water. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our East Beach 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.
