Swell Intel

Breachway Surf Forecast, Rhode Island

Rhode Island

Right now
Poor
overall conditions
1ft
ankle to knee high
Cross-shore·W 7–14 mph
Swell0.6ft @ 7s SE
TideMid, falling · low 11:29 PM

Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Breachway for the cleanest windows.

Breachway 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Breachway, Rhode Island. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Wed, Jun 24: 12ft, 7s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 1-2ft on SE swell at 7s with glassy conditions. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.

Thu, Jun 25: 22ft, 8s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 2ft on SE swell at 8s with gentle WNW breeze. Wind fills in through the day, pushing up to 10mph from the S and dropping conditions to poor.

Fri, Jun 26: 22ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Early morning is your best window — 1-2ft waves on SE swell at 6s with 8mph SSW winds. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.

Sat, Jun 27: 12ft, 6s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with gentle W breeze.

Sun, Jun 28: 12ft, 10s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1ft and poor with light NNE winds.

Daily Forecast

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Breachway Surf Spot Guide

Break
Rivermouth
Bottom
Sand
Level
Intermediate
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
S
Best Wind
NNW
Season
Fall

Breachway is a classic Rhode Island rivermouth break located at the Charlestown Breachway, where a tidal inlet meets Block Island Sound. The break benefits from south and southwest swells that funnel through the inlet, producing punchy, fast-peeling waves that can get surprisingly hollow on a good day. Its unique geography creates shifting sandbars that are constantly reshaped by tidal flows, making it a dynamic and ever-changing surf spot along the Rhode Island coastline.

Strong currentsTidal ripsJetty rocksBoat trafficShifting sandbars

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

Breachway Surf Forecast FAQ

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What is the current surf forecast for Breachway?

The current wave height at Breachway is 1ft with a 6.7s swell period. Wind is W at 7mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Breachway?

The current breaking wave height at Breachway is 1ft, produced by a 0.6ft SE primary swell at 7s, a 0.5ft W wind swell swell at 2s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.

When is the best time to surf Breachway?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Breachway is Thursday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 2ft waves, a 7.75s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Breachway?

Breachway works best with a S swell and NNW winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.

What tide is best at Breachway?

Tide plays a big role at Breachway. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.

What kind of wave is Breachway and who is it for?

Breachway is a rivermouth with a sand bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Breachway is a classic Rhode Island rivermouth break located at the Charlestown Breachway, where a tidal inlet meets Block Island Sound. The break benefits from south and southwest swells that funnel through the inlet, producing punchy, fast-peeling waves that can get surprisingly hollow on a good day. Its unique geography creates shifting sandbars that are constantly reshaped by tidal flows, making it a dynamic and ever-changing surf spot along the Rhode Island coastline.

When is the best season to surf Breachway?

The prime season at Breachway is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.

Are there any hazards to know about at Breachway?

Common hazards at Breachway include strong currents, tidal rips, jetty rocks, boat traffic, shifting sandbars. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Breachway surf forecast?

Our Breachway forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. Visit /public/accuracy for per-spot and regional performance metrics.