Rhode Island
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Elbow Ledge, 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. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on SSE swell at 9s with glassy conditions. Onshore flow builds through the day to 14mph, bringing conditions down to poor.
Sun, May 17: 3–4ft, 7s period, rated Poor - Fair. Early morning is your best window — 3-4ft waves on S swell at 6s with 9mph from the SW. Onshore flow builds through the day to 15mph, bringing conditions down to poor.
Mon, May 18: 2–3ft, 7s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on S swell at 7s with light E winds. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.
Tue, May 19: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with moderate SSW wind around 8mph. Expect the wind to bump up to around 13mph by PM.
Wed, May 20: 3–4ft, 7s period, rated Poor - Fair. First light looks cleanest — 3-4ft on S swell at 6s with 9mph from the SW. Onshore flow builds through the day to 15mph, bringing conditions down to poor.
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Elbow Ledge is a raw, exposed reef break tucked along the rocky Rhode Island coastline near the southern shore, where submerged ledges and rock shelves shape punchy, fast-breaking waves with surprising power. The spot comes alive during fall groundswells out of the south-southeast, producing hollow, ledging sections that reward experienced surfers willing to hunt it down. Its relative obscurity and technical bottom make it one of Rhode Island's more challenging and rewarding discoveries for those in the know.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Elbow Ledge is 2-3ft with a 8.85s swell period. Wind is SW at 8mph 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 Elbow Ledge is 2-3ft, produced by a 1.8ft SSE 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 Elbow Ledge is Sunday from 7 AM to 10 AM with 4ft waves, a 6.45s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Elbow Ledge works best with a SSE swell and NW 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 Elbow Ledge. 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.
Elbow Ledge is a reef with a rock bottom, suited to advanced surfers. Elbow Ledge is a raw, exposed reef break tucked along the rocky Rhode Island coastline near the southern shore, where submerged ledges and rock shelves shape punchy, fast-breaking waves with surprising power. The spot comes alive during fall groundswells out of the south-southeast, producing hollow, ledging sections that reward experienced surfers willing to hunt it down. Its relative obscurity and technical bottom make it one of Rhode Island's more challenging and rewarding discoveries for those in the know.
The prime season at Elbow Ledge 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 Elbow Ledge include shallow rock ledge, sharp rocks, strong currents, remote location, cold water. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Elbow Ledge 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.
