Block Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let's take a look at what's on offer for Block Island.

First up, the water temperature is running about 19°, which is a bit colder than we'd expect for this time of year, so don't be fooled by a hot day – you'll want a decent spring suit.

Alright, let's be straight with you. The next few days are a write-off. We've got a messy, lumpy, wind-whipped ocean from Tuesday afternoon through to the end of July. The wind is just constantly on it or cross-onshore, and the swell is either too short-period or just straight-up ugly. There's a moment on Thursday morning, July 23rd, where the wind goes light and cross-offshore, and the swell is a clean 5 ft from the south, but it's scored as marginal. It's a maybe, but I wouldn't bet the house on it.

The real story here is a long wait. We're looking at a gap of several days with nothing worth paddling out for. The only flicker of hope comes on Tuesday the 28th of July. The afternoon sees a 7 ft south swell with a 9-second period, and the wind swings to a cross-offshore. The energy is moderate (603), and the conditions are clean. That's your first real window, but it's still only a 2 out of 10, and the morning before it is completely blown out with a near gale. It's a gamble.

The standout in this whole 16-day window, by a long shot, is Wednesday morning, July 29th. We've got a 4 ft south swell (7-second period), but the wind is light and cross-offshore from the WNW. The conditions are clean, and the energy is moderate (226). For a spot that rarely breaks, this is a golden moment. Block Island is a point break, and it's exposed to the swell, so when it gets that clean, light wind, it can be magic. Be aware though, it's a spot that rarely breaks, so this is a special treat. The downside is that it's a slow, inconsistent wave, so don't expect a packed lineup, but crowds are often around here.

After that, it's back to the grind. A few more days of onshore wind and poor surf. There's another chance on Saturday morning, August 1st, with a clean 5 ft south swell and a light cross-offshore breeze from the NE. The energy is moderate (316). But by afternoon, the wind turns onshore again.

The last week of the forecast is a total desert. Swell drops to nothing, and the wind is either onshore or cross. It's a dead zone.

So, bottom line: the best on offer is that Wednesday morning, July 29th. It's a rare, clean window at a rarely-breaking point. The Thursday morning on the 23rd is a distant second, but it's a gamble. For the rest, you're better off waiting for the next forecast.

Rusty.

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