Matanuck is a popular surf spot located in Rhode Island, known for its variety of waves that cater to different skill levels. This place can get pretty crowded, given its reputation, and you'll often find surfers, kayakers, and even jetskis sharing the water. It's easily accessible with a year-round free parking lot, making it a convenient choice for both locals and visitors.
The surf here is quite diverse. Starting from the east, you'll find Deep Hole, which primarily offers fast and sectiony lefts, especially at low tide. Moving towards the center, Trestles has a nice shape with hollower rights and down-the-line lefts that work best on lower tides. Then there’s The Point on the west side—featuring a short, bowly right and a longer left that can connect to The Bar at higher tides for some extended rides. The spot handles swell sizes starting from about 2 ft (0.6 m) and can take on bigger waves, breaking over boulders and reef structures. Wind from the north tends to work best, and you can catch decent waves at low, mid, and high tide, although high tide may slow down the pace a bit.
Keep in mind that while Matanuck offers good waves, it can also be tricky. The rip currents can be strong, and paddling out gets tough when the swell picks up. Being aware of these factors will help you enjoy your surf session. So, if you're looking for a spot that has a bit of everything, Matanuck is worth checking out.