Vibrant surf culture thrives in Rhode Island, outshining the West Coast's surfing reputation

In the picturesque town of Narragansett, Rhode Island, the waves call to a unique community of surfers, both new and experienced. At the heart of this vibrant scene is Peter Panagiotis, a 75-year-old surfing enthusiast who started riding the breakers at the tender age of 13.

Peter's passion for surfing led him to establish the Peter Pan Surfing and SUP Academy in Narragansett. Before setting roots in Rhode Island, he gave surf lessons in various locations, including California, Hawaii, Florida, and France. Today, he continues to shred the breakers of Narragansett, inspiring others to embrace the surfing lifestyle.

Narragansett's waves, although beginner-friendly, mean business, ranging from 2 to 3 feet. The water temperatures can dip to a chilly 38 degrees in the winter, making a hearty pre-surf fuel essential. For many locals and visitors, that means a stop at Cool Beans Cafe, a beachside staple known for its breakfast burritos, acai bowls, and cold brew.

Cool Beans Cafe's acai bowls have become a popular choice among surfers, often shared on TikTok. Another favourite spot for caffeine before hitting the waves is Fuel Coffee Bar, which serves coffee from Rhody Roasters.

The surf scene in Narragansett is not limited to Peter's academy. Rhody Surf, a surf school in nearby Newport, specializes in beginner lessons, kids' camps, and surf and yoga retreats. They offer private surf and SUP lessons and board rentals.

For those seeking a more ecological approach to surfing, Board of Education, an aquatic academy for surf-aspirants, offers group and private lessons for all skill levels, including rentals. They have an ecological focus in their daily operations.

Water Brothers, another surf school in Narragansett, offers surf and SUP lessons, board rentals, and surf camps for children. The Narragansett Surf and Skate shop, where Peter Panagiotis operates his academy, has existed in various forms, names, and places around Rhode Island since 1962. It is the longest-running Hobie dealer on the East Coast and has been a team sponsor of champions.

The WB company, a legendary surf shop in Newport, Rhode Island, specializes in "shape-your-own" board experiences by appointment only. For those craving a bivalve-heavy meal after a day of surfing, Matunuck Oyster Bar, a surfer favourite in South Kingston, reopened after a fire earlier this year, offering an al fresco dining experience and a menu fitting for its name.

Completing the culinary scene is Crazy Burger Cafe, an eclectic surfer joint famous for its $16 Whassupy Burger and wasabi-chipotle mayo, featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." For a more refined dining experience, the Coast Guard House, a fine-dining establishment set within a real, historic coast guard house built in 1940, offers local seafood with stellar views of Narragansett Bay.

George's of Galilee, a locally owned resto-bar next to one of the main ports where ferries ship locals and visitors between the mainland and Block Island, rounds off the diverse dining options in Narragansett.

Peter Panagiotis, with his wealth of surfing experience and dedication to teaching, continues to be a beacon in Narragansett's surfing community. However, he believes that making surfing an Olympic sport was the wrong move, as it seems less cool. Despite this, the spirit of surfing in Narragansett remains strong, attracting enthusiasts from all over to experience its unique charm.

Vibrant surf culture thrives in Rhode Island, outshining the West Coast's surfing reputation