Rhode Island, along with most of New England, is often marginalized in the surfing community. It’s something that is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because the lineups, compared to most breaks around the globe, are regularly less crowded. Additionally, there is a great sense of diversity among these breaks. Nearly every type of wave imaginable is within a fairly short drive from each other.
By the same token, Rhode Island is cursed because these merits are often overlooked and the talent is ignored in the surf community. A greater recognition for the talented individuals that call this wonderful place home would be nice. However, most locals would agree that the marginalization of Rhode Island is a good thing.
I grew up in Kansas, possibly as far landlocked and as far off from the surfing spectrum as you can imagine, but Rhode Island has become my home. I’ve been blessed as a photographer and surfing fanatic to befriend so many people in the surf community here. One of those individuals is Kevin Tanner from Soundings Surf Co. I stopped by the shop a few weeks ago to snap some photos as the master of surf crafting was deep in his element.
