Located at the Southern point of Narragansett, the Point Judith lighthouse is a Coast Guard base fenced off at the point. Before the lighthouse to the left is Rose Nulman Park, which has free parking year round, but be aware, it gets full quickly on summer days and during the year round swells. The point is known for its consistent waves, ranging from 3 to 12+ ft. The righthand waves break far off shore and can provide a long, smooth ride. With no barrels and long breaks, the waves are smooth with some fast areas, and you should be comfortable on anything from a short board to a long board. However, this is definitely not the best place for beginners, with the rocky shores and scattered rocks off shore, booties are required and boards might be broken. For those with the experience, the waves are unlike many in the northeast. With a strong South swell, the righthanders will break all the way to the avenues off Ocean Rd, however, in the past months new laws have brought parking bans to these avenues. On Pilgrim and Conant Ave there are about two parking spots on each road, but many local surfers are working to have the parking bans removed. The crowd and waves stay consistent, but the reef offers enough good waves for every rider out there during a good swell.
If you are parking at Rose Nulman park, your best bet is to leave your belongings in your car. It is a short distance from the water and there is only small cliffs and rocks at the point. Surf boots are definitely recommended, and are required year round here with the sharp, jagged rocks layering the ocean floor. These are not something you want to cut your feet on.
Video Credit: Diane Malloy and LucidApparel (Youtube)
As mentioned before, from the avenues up to the lighthouse, the shore is covered by rocks. Even during high tide, you can see rocks poking out of the water, and the rocks become even more exposed during low tide. They are definitely something to look out for when riding; you don't want to take a wave too far in and wind up losing a board or breaking some bones, so wearing surf boots is a must. On a good day, however, the waves will break far enough out where the rocks are not a factor; however, it is still smart to be aware when going in or coming out.
All parking is free at the Lighthouse parking lot, but there is little parking at both Conant and Pilgrim Ave. It will be tough to get a spot on a good day. Both avenues offer a straight path to the water with little shoreline. At the park near the main lighthouse parking lot , most of the coast is a cliff. The easiest way to get out is by the fence surrounding the lighthouse. There are no restrooms in this area, but there are restroom facilities at nearby Scarborough State Beach. Scarborough is a five minute drive from Point Judith.