(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Unique island setup. South side most consistent with an array of beach, rock reef, cove and point breaks. Hike down bluffs to surf is typical, other easier access also available but must be in the know. East side also surfable with bigger swells and right winds. Can be inconsistent and wind direction plays a huge variable on wave quality. Can get epic if you know where to go. Locals are few but very guarded and protective of secret spots as well as better known spots. Its a small island and as such the local crew is tight. show up with a loud mouth and aggressive disrespectful attitude and you will find yourself in trouble. Anchor a boat with a crew of non locals aboard off one of their spots expect to be hassled. beautiful island with a lot to do besides surf. Fishing is outstanding. ample restaurants and bars, although disregard the other reviewers recommendation of Aldos and harbor side, lots of better options.”
Islander from UNITED STATES - 03 Dec 2018
Block Island Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 13 votes and 3 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.7(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 1.8(1: Block Island is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.6(1: Block Island is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Rhode Island. 5: the best break in Rhode Island). |
Difficulty Level: 3.8(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.9(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Block Island can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.2(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Block Island, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Block Island are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 1.6(1: Often too crowded. 5: Block Island is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 1.7(1: Getting to Block Island requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 1.5(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.2(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Block Island for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Block Island is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.9(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Block Island is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.5(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.4(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Block Island, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.2(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Block Island where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Decent surf but the locals are savages, first place on the east coast that a guy came up to me and put his fin into my board without even riding a wave. THEN, when I got back to my vehicle after a crappy walk like every spot, I found human faeces on the running boards of my car. I don't know what the issue was but they were not going to allow surfers from outside of the island community like me to enjoy ourselves, even though I surf every swell and am definitely no kook. Other than that I'd say its a good place to get away and spend family time in the town at aldo's and harbour take out, they made for a great family vacation along with the east side beach which doesn't see much swell. Overall, welcoming vacation spot, but hostile surfing environment.”
Johny Hopkins from UNITED STATES - 27 Aug 2012
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