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Level 7/10

Ruggles

Newport, USA (RI)
🪨Rocks👊Localism⚠️Shallow

Ruggles is New England's legendary wave—a heavy right-hand reef break in Newport that only comes alive when solid swells push into Rhode Island's south-facing coast. When it turns on, Ruggles produces world-class barrels over shallow reef with Gilded Age mansions as a backdrop. The localism is fierce, the conditions fickle, and the danger real—shallow reef and rocks on the inside make every wipeout consequential. But for New England surfers who have earned their place in the lineup, Ruggles represents the pinnacle of Northeast surfing.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SSE (150°)
Direction range
120° - 190°
Size range
1m - 3m
Ideal period
14s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
N (0°)
Offshore range
315° - 45°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid to high
Optimal range
0.4m - 1.4m
Danger below
0.3m

Water temp

16°C

Wetsuit

4/3mm fullsuit

Difficulty

7/10

Crowd level

6/10

Access: Cliff walk access. Limited parking.

Getting There

Airport
PVD
Drive time
40 min

Nearby Buoy

Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.

44097 (NOAA)

Best Season

Peak: Sep-Nov

Secondary: Aug, Dec

Hurricane season best. Needs solid swell to break.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Surfline spot guide