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// 2 Surf shops listed
Boards, wetsuits, wax and ding repair — with ratings, phone numbers and directions for each.
Seasonal averages for Rhode Island — not a live surf report for this beach. Rhode Island surf seasons in full
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
From 3 reviews
212 Water St
442 Dodge St
Rentals · Apparel · Friendly staff
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers highly praise the shop's atmosphere, describing it as having 'nice vibes,' 'lovely old style,' and a 'perfect' layout. The merchandise…
New Shoreham, the only town on Block Island, offers a unique surf shopping experience shaped by its isolated Atlantic location and tight-knit island community. The two surf shops here serve as essential hubs for both locals and the steady stream of summer visitors arriving by ferry. These shops stock equipment suited to Block Island's exposed beach breaks and rocky points, with staff who intimately know which spots fire on different swells and wind conditions. Beyond gear sales, you'll find quality rentals, wetsuit repairs, and the kind of hyper-local wave forecasting you can't get from apps. The island's compact size means shops are never far from the beach, and their owners often shape the local surf culture. Between sessions, explore the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs, historic lighthouses, and car-free roads perfect for biking with your board to hidden breaks.
The best surf season in New Shoreham (Block Island) is typically autumn, offering consistent groundswell, though summer sessions are possible on south swells. Winter requires serious cold-water gear, often necessitating advanced booking for specialized rentals. Due to the island's seasonal population shift, shops may have reduced hours outside of Memorial Day to Labor Day, so confirm operating schedules before arrival, especially for lessons or repair drop-offs. Before going in, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard on duty (National Weather Service advice).
Local surf shops generally stock essential gear like wetsuits, leashes, and wax suitable for Rhode Island's variable water temperatures. Rental packages frequently include boards and wetsuits, often with discounts for multi-day island stays. While basic ding repair services are usually available, complex fiberglass work might require shipping off-island, so inquire about turnaround times early. Custom shaping services are less common here than in mainland hubs, but local shapers may offer consignment boards.
New Shoreham offers various beach breaks, primarily exposed to south and southeast swells. The quality is highly dependent on wind direction and swell size. Consistent, quality surf usually requires a mid-sized south or southeast pulse, often found outside peak summer months.
Beginner lessons are widely available during the peak summer tourist season when water is warmer and demand is high. Outside of this window, lessons are often available by appointment only, requiring advance booking directly with the operating surf school or shop.
For spring (April/May) and fall (September/October) surfing in Rhode Island waters, a 4/3mm full suit is generally required. If you plan to surf into late fall or early spring, consider adding booties and gloves for comfort.
The National Weather Service's advice applies here: only swim at a beach with lifeguards, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard before going in, and remember that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days. If one catches you, don't fight it: relax and float, wave and yell for help, or swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull.
