The Point (Matunuck)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
The Point (Matunuck) is an exposed reef break on a rocky/boulder-strewn shoreline, producing surf that works best at low tide. The wave is commonly described as a classic right-hand reef break that peels over a boulder bottom, with additional left-hand sections reported as rippable in some setups. Overall wave quality is described as good, with rides often long and workable when conditions match the reef and tide.
- Right-hand reef peel with long, workable walls
- Best window in September through December
- North wind/offshore conditions help keep faces cleaner
- Consistent reef wave in the fall window
- Well-regarded right-hand peel over a boulder reef with workable walls
- Low crowding at many times, though weekends and bigger swells can draw more people
- Rocky, boulder-strewn access with slippery entry/exit
- No lifeguards at the spot
- Wind and conditions can become difficult on larger swells (including strong currents)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers describe the wind as frontal; wind is best from the north for the reef break.
- Reliability
- low
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- The point can be slightly sheltered from West winds by the western headland.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Mixed — Reported as reef/rocks/cobblestone reef shoreline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Reported as medium; the break can hold size up to double overhead on larger sets.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline entry; often requires timing the sets to walk out over boulders.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch and entry require moderate effort due to rocky navigation and timing sets.
Through the year
Highest in summer and on significant weekend swell; quieter during cold winter weekdays.
Nor'easters and winter storms are common from November through March; hurricane season runs June through November (regional context).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A classic right-hand reef break over a boulder/reef bottom that can peel on solid sets. Left-hand sections can also be rippable, and fast point sections appear when conditions line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Low tide is consistently identified as the best tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed cobblestone/reef break with rocky access; winds and swell have fewer natural barriers.
- Wind Effect
- North offshore winds provide cleaner, groomed faces; south winds blow it out quickly. Wind is best with north wind for the reef break.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to double overhead, though the paddle out becomes significantly more difficult. Strong lateral currents can develop during large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good quality and one of the more consistent/high-quality waves in the state.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — One provider rates the power as powerful; another rates it as moderate. Practically, the break can build into strong, fast reef waves.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Waves are described as a-frame/hollow right-handers with peeling right-handers and rippable lefts; overall shape is mixed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Rides peel at a medium speed on the right reef break.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium to long workable walls are possible on the right swell.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can peel for over 100 meters on the right swell; rides can be long and workable when the reef holds up.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Point (Matunuck) in the full forecast view.
The Point (Matunuck) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- W272°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2710 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.7 m6s period
- Temperature
- 3–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Point (Matunuck) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.2–0.7 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Submerged boulders
- Slippery rocks on entry and exit
- Lobster pots
- Strong rip currents during large swells
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence is reported for the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability is reported as no for the spot.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism noted; this is an established spot where etiquette matters.
Rules of the spot
General surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup. Wait for safe breaks in the sets before walking out over boulders.
- Limited/parking can fill quickly on good swell days.
- Deep Hole is the main parking area; the entry is rocky and you must be careful with your board on the boulders.
- Wait for a lull to walk out over the boulders at the 'Deep Hole' area just west of the point.
- Booties are highly recommended year-round due to sharp and slippery rocks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- South Kingstown
- Nearest Town
- South Kingstown
- Parking
- Limited parking at Deep Hole and it can fill quickly on good swell days.
- Access
- Public access is available through the Deep Hole parking area; a short walk along the rocky beach leads to the point.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Seasonal vacation rentals and cottages centered around Matunuck and Narragansett (regional context).
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and bars within walking distance in Matunuck.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards, paddleboards, and wetsuits are widely available for rent at local shops (regional context).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Historic lighthouse marking the western entrance to Narragansett Bay (regional context).
Daily ferry services for hiking, biking, and beach exploration on Block Island (regional context).
Farm-to-table seafood restaurant known for locally grown oysters (regional context).
Beach bar and music venue located directly over the water (regional context).
Protected beach area with calm water, ideal for families and small children (regional context).
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Point (Matunuck)?
The best overall months at The Point (Matunuck) are September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at The Point (Matunuck)?
The Point (Matunuck) works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is The Point (Matunuck) suitable for?
The Point (Matunuck) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.