Rhode Island
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Elbow Ledge, Rhode Island. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sun, May 10: 2–3ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. A slow one — 2-3ft waves and poor - fair conditions with 15mph out of the SSW.
Mon, May 11: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. First light looks cleanest — 2-3ft on SSE swell at 8s with 9mph NNW winds. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
Tue, May 12: 1–2ft, 7s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with 11mph from the N.
Wed, May 13: 0–1ft, 4s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with moderate SW wind around 7mph. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 13mph.
Thu, May 14: 3–4ft, 6s period, rated Poor - Fair. Late morning into early afternoon looks best — 3-4ft with moderate S wind around 12mph. Morning is a bit bumpy but things clean up by late morning.
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
Elbow Ledge is a raw, exposed reef break tucked along the rocky Rhode Island coastline near the southern shore, where submerged ledges and rock shelves shape punchy, fast-breaking waves with surprising power. The spot comes alive during fall groundswells out of the south-southeast, producing hollow, ledging sections that reward experienced surfers willing to hunt it down. Its relative obscurity and technical bottom make it one of Rhode Island's more challenging and rewarding discoveries for those in the know.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Elbow Ledge is 2-3ft with a 8.2s swell period. Wind is S at 14mph and conditions are rated Poor - Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Elbow Ledge is 2-3ft, produced by a 3.2ft S primary swell at 8s. 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.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Elbow Ledge is Monday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 2ft waves, a 7.7s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Elbow Ledge works best with a SSE swell and NW winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Elbow Ledge. 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.
Elbow Ledge is a reef with a rock bottom, suited to advanced surfers. Elbow Ledge is a raw, exposed reef break tucked along the rocky Rhode Island coastline near the southern shore, where submerged ledges and rock shelves shape punchy, fast-breaking waves with surprising power. The spot comes alive during fall groundswells out of the south-southeast, producing hollow, ledging sections that reward experienced surfers willing to hunt it down. Its relative obscurity and technical bottom make it one of Rhode Island's more challenging and rewarding discoveries for those in the know.
The prime season at Elbow Ledge 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.
Common hazards at Elbow Ledge include shallow rock ledge, sharp rocks, strong currents, remote location, cold water. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Elbow Ledge 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. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
