Welcome to the Ocean State!
Rhode Island may be small, but it has mighty options for paddle boarding enthusiasts.
Discover the best places to paddle board in Rhode Island and get ready to ride the beautiful waters of the state.
Let’s dive in and explore together!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Rhode Island
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Narragansett Bay
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Oakland Beach, Warwick (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate water, coastal breezes
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seals, shorebirds, fish
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal communities, marinas, islands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect no-wake zones
Narragansett Bay’s calm waters and picturesque coastline make it a favorite among paddle boarders in Rhode Island.
With multiple access points and a variety of scenic locales to explore, this bay offers a true taste of Rhode Island’s iconic maritime charm.
#2 East Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: East Beach, Charlestown (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle to moderate surf, ocean currents, afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, possible dolphin sightings
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Barrier beach, Ninigret Pond
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of swimmers, respect protected areas
East Beach offers paddle boarders an opportunity to ride the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Charlestown, this beautiful stretch of coastline is perfect for a sunny day adventure.
Paddle among seabirds and enjoy the pristine natural surroundings.
#3 Narrow River
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Sprague Bridge, Narragansett (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm currents, protected waters
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Herons, ospreys, fish
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, estuary
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for small boats, respect private properties
The Narrow River, also known as the Pettaquamscutt River, provides a peaceful, scenic paddleboarding experience. Winding through marshlands and estuary habitats, this river offers a serene escape from the busy coastal areas.
Keep an eye out for herons and ospreys as you glide along the water.
#4 Providence River
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: India Point Park, Providence (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate currents, urban waterway
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Providence skyline, historic architecture
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to waterway regulations
For an urban paddleboarding experience, the Providence River offers a unique perspective of Rhode Island’s capital city. Paddle beneath historic bridges, along the iconic WaterFire route, and marvel at the architectural beauty of Providence.
Enjoy the vibrant cityscape while floating on the tranquil river waters.
#5 Potter Cove
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Potter Cove, Prudence Island (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, shallow waters, minimal currents
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, crabs
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Prudence Island, shoreline views, marshlands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Accessible only by boat, respect wildlife refuges
Potter Cove, located on the secluded Prudence Island in Narragansett Bay, is a hidden gem for paddle boarding. Its calm, shallow waters and picturesque shoreline provide a serene setting for a day on the water.
Accessible only by boat, Potter Cove offers a genuine island escape.
#6 Sakonnet River
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Sapowet Marsh Wildlife Management Area, Tiverton (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm currents, coastal breezes
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Herons, ospreys, various fish species
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, coastal scenery
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for small boats, respect private properties
The Sakonnet River flows between the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay and the Sakonnet River estuary. Paddle boarders can enjoy exploring the tranquil waters and marshlands, teeming with wildlife. The scenic coastal views and calm currents make it a lovely spot for relaxation and adventure.
#7 Barrington River
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Haines Memorial State Park, Barrington (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate currents, wind-dependent
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Residential areas, marinas
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for small boats, respect private properties
Barrington River is a more low-key spot for paddle boarding in Rhode Island. With calm to moderate currents and beautiful residential areas along the shoreline, it offers a relaxed paddling experience.
The river is accessible from Haines Memorial State Park located in Barrington.
#8 Wakefield Pond
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Wakefield Pond Public Access, South Kingstown (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, wind-dependent
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Forested surroundings
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for fishing boats, adhere to designated zones
Wakefield Pond in South Kingstown offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience surrounded by forested landscapes.
The calm waters of the pond, combined with its lush scenery, make it an excellent spot for nature lovers to explore and unwind.
#9 Kickemuit River
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Warren (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm currents, coastal breeze
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, estuary
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for small boats, respect wildlife refuge
Kickemuit River, located near Warren, is a calm and scenic paddleboarding destination. Featuring marshlands and estuary habitats, the river provides a serene environment for paddling.
Access the river from Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the peaceful waters while admiring the local wildlife.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Rhode Island?
Popular paddle boarding spots in Rhode Island include Newport Harbor, Narragansett Bay, and the Sakonnet River.
Do paddle boards need to get registered in Rhode Island?
No, Rhode Island does not require registration for paddle boards.
When is the best time to paddle board in Rhode Island?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in Rhode Island is from late spring to early fall, when weather conditions are favorable.
