Matunuck is a well-known surf spot located on the southern coast of Rhode Island. It features three main breaks running from east to west: Deep Hole, Trestles, and The Point. With year-round free parking, surfers of all levels can easily access the area. Just be prepared for a crowd; it’s a popular spot for both surfers and kayakers, which can lead to some local tension.
When it comes to surfing, Matunuck can be a mixed bag. Deep Hole offers fast lefts at low tide, while Trestles has an A-frame peak producing hollow rights and lively lefts during lower tides. The Point features a defined peak, delivering a short, bowly right and a longer, rippable left that connects to an inside bowl with incoming swells. The spot can handle swell sizes from about 0.6 meters (2 ft) to over 3 meters (10 ft) and works best with East to Southeast swells, although it can also pick up South swells. The waves tend to get slower and fuller at high tide, making low to mid tides more favorable for a good ride. Expect paddling to be challenging, especially when the conditions are bigger, as rip currents and tough paddle-outs are common.
In terms of best winds, Matunuck favors West-Northwest to Northeast directions. This spot's bottom is primarily made up of cobblestone boulders and rocky reefs, so it’s good to be cautious. The surf here is suitable for intermediate and expert surfers, especially during the autumn and winter seasons. Board types like shortboards, fish, funboards, and longboards can all be used depending on the conditions. Just remember that localism can be an issue, so it’s good to respect the lineup.