Best Places to Paddleboard in the United States – Rhode Island 2021
1: Greenwich Bay
On the shores of Warwick, Greenwich Bay is one of the more versatile paddleboarding spots in the state of Rhode Island, offering activities and water that will attract newcomers and experts alike. Paddleboarding vendors are located at the mouth of Greenwich Cove, allowing you to paddle south to visit Goddard Memorial State Park and beaches. By paddling north, you can tour around Warwick’s shoreline or make the journey to explore Patience Island.
Bass, Bluefish, and Scup are a few of the common catches in the bay, though you can also expect Eel, Flounder, and several other species of fish if you’re skilled enough. Touring, fishing, cruising, and even some light sailing are fun activities to do with a paddleboard in Greenwich Bay.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 200
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Warwick
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
2: Frank Hall Boat Yard
The Frank Hall Boat Yard is the perfect launching point if you’re in Westerly, as it connects directly into the Atlantic and is home to multiple paddleboarding vendors and clubs. You can visit early in the morning or at sunset to join group paddleboarding yoga sessions, or head out during the day to get some sailing, wind foiling, and surfing in on the open ocean.
The Boat Yard is also fun to explore by paddleboard to get a close look at many of the ships that fill the boatyard, ranging from private yachts to commercial ships and fishing boats. If you’re looking for a challenge, this is one of the best places to embark from to try to reach New Shoreham! With a range of activities and clubs to participate in, Frank Hall Boat Yard is sure to help you make new friends while you enjoy paddleboarding in Rhode Island.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 206
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Westerly
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
3: Upper Wood River
The 25-mile long river cuts through both Connecticut and Rhode Island, giving you a great glimpse of both. It is the perfect spot for touring adventurers looking for a river they can conquer within a week.
Various environmental protection agencies want to maintain the river as one of the nation’s clearest, so no motor or electric powered boats are allowed on the river. Class I and II rapids mark much of the river. It’s mostly beginner-friendly with some light challenges for those interested in learning how to paddle on white water.
Stripers, Bluefish, and Bonito, will be among your catches on this river, but be aware that you’ll be competing with many local businesses who keep their restaurants running off of these fish. Whether you want a multi-day adventure or care to spend just a couple of hours on the water, you’ll have a blast exploring the Upper Wood River.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 206
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Westerly
Motor Vehicles Allowed: No
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
4: Narragansett Town Beach/Occupessantuxet Cove
Narragansett Town Beach is another popular paddleboarding destination located on Rhode Island’s coastline, with Narragansett situated on the southeastern shores. Unlike many beaches, which rely on state funding to run, Narragansett Town Beach is popular enough to be self-sufficient, operating based on income generated by its visitors. In the summer months, the beach has as many as ten thousand visitors a day, which is excellent for those looking to make new friends but might not be stellar for those who want a peaceful paddleboarding vacation.
Surfing and sailing are some of the most popular activities off the coastline, though bird watching is also quite popular for paddlers with many shorebirds, such as the Piping Plovers, visible along the sand dunes and beaches. With many coves and inlets worth exploring nearby, such as the cool and somewhat secluded Occupessantuxet Cove, there is plenty to see and do if you wish to paddle around the Narragansett Town Beach.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 207
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Narragansett
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
5: Barber Pond/Yawgoo Pond
While only 28 acres, Barber Island is the best place to visit in the state if you are a beginner paddler. No motorized boats are allowed on the small lake, and due to the shallow depths, younger paddlers can feel very comfortable paddling Barber Pond.
This place is also a fun option if you’re learning how to fish as well. The area is so well stocked with trout that, due to the small lake size, it doesn’t take long to catch something. If you’re confident in your abilities, you can also cut up the brook to the larger Yawgoo pond, which is nearly twice the size of Barber Pond but with similar, tranquil water.
If you are getting into paddleboarding or trying to help your kids get used to the water, you can visit Barber Pond to learn how to SUP. Just make sure you bring your SUP, as you will not find any paddleboard rental companies within 30 miles.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 209
Distance to Major Cities: 15 Minutes to Kingston
Motor Vehicles Allowed: No
Paddleboard Rentals Available: No
Conclusion: Plan Your Paddle Board Trip and Have Fun!
Thank you for visiting our top paddleboarding destinations for Rhode Island. We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading our list but want your help making it even better. If you’ve been paddleboarding in Rhode Island and have a favorite location, leave a comment below or send us an email with your thoughts.
As part of our series, the next state is South Carolina, but you can also check out our top fifteen paddleboarding destinations for the whole United States. We are working hard to make SUPBoardGuide.com the leading paddleboarding resource on the internet, so check out our latest paddleboard reviews, instructional tips, and videos while you’re here.
Thank you again for visiting, and be sure to let us know what you think of paddleboarding in Rhode Island!
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