38th & 39th (Matunuck)

38th & 39th (Matunuck) is a classic Rhode Island cobble reef break that offers both right- and left-hand surfing options over a boulder-strewn, rocky bottom. The wave is typically described as peeling with good quality and moderate power, with the best performance reported when a south swell combines with low tide. The spot has multiple hazards tied to its reef environment. Submerged boulders and sharp rocks are prominent throughout the lineup and are specifically called out as dangerous on the inside, so entry/exit on the rocks requires extra care. Rip currents/undertow are also noted, and winter conditions can create a hypothermia risk. Wind-wise, the spot’s surfing conditions are often helped by offshore flow from the North and Northwest, which can groom the face and make waves cleaner. Wind sport suitability is described as limited overall, but for surfing the wind is most useful when it supports that offshore effect. Practical access is a major consideration: one account emphasizes year-round free parking in a lot, while another describes extremely limited residential parking and seasonal permit requirements on many adjacent streets, with visitors often walking in from a farther lot. Overall, the spot is best treated as a low-luck, condition-dependent reef venue where careful safety decisions matter as much as wave selection.