Surfing on New Year’s Eve—in Rhode Island

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New Year’s Eve in Rhode Island is typically cold and gray. And the final day of 2020 proved no exception. No matter, SI’s director of photo operations Erick W. Rasco ventured out with those dedicated to surfing off the coast of Newport.

SI has covered New England’s surfing culture before, way back in the 1960s. In the July 18, 1966, issue, Bob Ottum wrote about surfer Phil Edwards and the sport’s rise on the beaches along the United States’ East Coast.

Ottum even called out, specifically, Newport, R.I., with the state’s then recreation inspector Roger Wheeler saying, “Rhode Island will become the surfing center of the East Coast.”

Then, in the March 24, 1969, issue, Dan Levin wrote about winter surfing in New England and spoke to one 18-year-old in Newport who claims to have skipped a December school day in favor of surfing by faking sick. (He ran a thermometer under hot water to prove to his mother he had a high temperature.)

A popular spot for surfers is at Ruggles. Against the backdrop of Newport’s historic mansions, surfers drop in from the rocks on the shore.

Jamie Kelley is one surfer Rasco photographed that day. Kelley travels to compete in surfing competitions.

Ron Lees was also out that day with his longboard at Easton’s Beach, known locally as First Beach. Lees founded Northeast Surfing in 2001, which includes equipment rentals and sales, along with an academy.

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