Surf spot
2nd Beach
Forecast conditions and map view for 2nd Beach in USA, North East, Southern New England. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.
- Country
- USA, North East, Southern New England
- Coordinates
- 41.4877, -71.2584
2nd Beach (Sachuest Beach), Rhode Island — Southern New England / Northeast USA
2nd Beach, also called Sachuest Beach, is a popular surf spot in Middletown, Rhode Island, just east of Newport. It’s a scenic, exposed stretch of beach on the Atlantic-facing side of Aquidneck Island, making it one of the more consistent surf locations in Southern New England.
Surf characteristics
- Break type: Mostly beach break
- Wave direction: Can handle south, southeast, and east swells
- Best conditions: Usually works best with light to moderate offshore winds, often from the west or northwest
- Wave quality: Can produce fun, punchy waves, especially when sandbars line up well
- Consistency: Better than many nearby spots due to its exposure, though still heavily dependent on swell direction and sand conditions
What it’s like to surf
2nd Beach is known for being a user-friendly, accessible beach break, which can make it appealing to a wide range of surfers. On smaller days it may be soft and mellow, while on larger swells it can get more powerful and crowded. Because it’s a beach break, conditions can change with shifting sandbars, so the wave shape may vary from session to session.
Best season
- Fall and winter are usually the most reliable seasons for swell in Southern New England
- Late summer and early fall can also bring clean, rideable waves from tropical systems or lingering swell
Hazards and considerations
- Strong currents and shorebreak can be an issue, especially on bigger days
- Crowds can build up when conditions are good
- Water is cold much of the year, so wetsuits are typically necessary outside midsummer
- Parking and beach regulations can affect access, especially in summer
Overall
2nd Beach is a solid, dependable Southern New England surf spot with a classic beach-break feel. It’s a good option when you want a relatively exposed Rhode Island beach that can catch a range of swell directions and offer fun, accessible surf.
