Monahan's Dock surf guide

Monahan's Dock, also known as State Pier #5 and Tucker's Dock, is a notable surf spot in Rhode Island. This rocky pier sets the stage for some intense surfing, attracting experienced surfers looking for a challenge. It's known for its heavy waves and can get quite crowded, especially during the busy surf seasons of autumn and winter.

The waves here mostly break over boulders and offer both left and right options, with the right being the more powerful and hollow ride. Optimal swell direction is from the south, but it can handle swells coming from the east and other southern angles. The spot works well with swell sizes from about 2 meters (6 ft) to 3 meters (10 ft). Low and mid tides are preferred for the best sessions, producing those thick, dredging barrels when the conditions align just right. While the take-off can be tricky, especially at low tide, a higher tide allows for an easier paddle out into the lineup that still keeps some fun wall sections.

Crowds can be a major issue here, with tensions rising when more than a couple of surfers are out at once. It’s a place that demands respect and skill, so if you’re not an expert, it might be worth looking for a less crowded spot nearby. With a consistent offshore wind from the west and a unique reef setup, Monahan's Dock is definitely one of the more powerful breaks on the East Coast, but it's not for the faint-hearted. It’s good to know that a lot of boards can get damaged here due to the heavy nature of the waves and the rocky bottom, so familiarity and confidence are key.