Block Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s going on at Block Island. I’ll be honest – it’s a rough start.

Right now, the surf is basically flat. The first week is a total bust – four or five days of nothing but tiny, weak swell and bumpy, cross-shore winds making a mess of the ocean. Don’t bother paddling out. The water temp is a cold 65°, which is about 4° colder than usual for this time of year. You’ll feel it.

The waves finally start to show up around Tuesday the 14th of July. We get a moderate pulse of energy (118) with 4ft from the SW, but it’s getting torn up by a 30 km/h crosswind, so it’ll be lumpy and messy. Not a day to get stoked on. By Tuesday afternoon, the wind cranks to 40 km/h, and the swell hits 6ft – but it’s all chop and crosswind, just a mess out there.

Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th keep that pattern going: solid 5ft SW swell and moderate to fresh crosswinds – rough, crumbly waves. Energy is moderate to strong (221–210), but the wind never lets it clean up.

The only real chance in the first week is Thursday morning the 16th, when a light NW breeze goes cross-offshore. It’s only 3ft SSW swell with weak energy (59), so it’s small and clean but not really pumping. Might be okay for a longboard if you’re itching to get wet.

Heading into the second week, things get better. By Sunday the 19th of July, we’ve got a clean window with 4ft S swell and light N to NE winds blowing cross-off. That’s clean, workable surf – the best so far. Energy is moderate (101–108). This is the standout: Block Island point with 4ft S swell and clean conditions. It’s a rarely-breaking spot, so when it lines up like this, get out there. But expect crowds – it’s often busy.

Then around Tuesday the 21st of July, the swell builds. We get 5ft S swell with a building period (8 seconds) and clean NE cross-off wind in the morning. Energy jumps to 278 – strong. This is promising, but it’s still a week and a half out, so don’t book your flights yet.

By Wednesday the 22nd of July, the swell is cranking – 8ft S swell with 9-second period, and energy is strong at 939. That’s serious power, but the wind turns cross and then cross-on. For experienced riders, this could be a big, challenging day. On the 23rd and 24th, we’re looking at 8ft S swell with 9-second period, but the wind stays cross to cross-on and gets fresh, making it lumpy and tough. At that size, this is expert-only territory – and even then, you’ll be battling the chop.

Bottom line: beginners should stay out once the swell passes 5ft. Your best bet for a clean, fun session is Sunday the 19th of July. The big swell later in the month is for pros only, and the wind won’t make it easy.

Stay patient, watch the wind, and don’t force a bad session.

Rusty

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