Fairly long beach, which is for the most part sandy. The designated kite area can have a few cobble stones, especially during the colder months when the beach sand washes away. Even though kites are restricted to the far east end of the beach during the summer, there is still a good amount of room to maneuver.
Water temps range from 20°C in the summer to freezing in the winter. Wear a drysuit for mid-winter, 4 or 5mm steamer for March through April, 3/2 full for May, springsuit for June, trunks and a vest are fine for late July and August, 3/2 again for September and October, and back to the steamer for November and early December.
The windiest time of year is late October into early November, like 3 or more 20 knot days per week, and 35 knot gales not uncommon. September can be good, but a little spottier. March and April can also be good, with a fair number of 20-30 knot days (like one per week). By June the winds aren't so stong, but there is still a pretty consistant thermal sea breeze. Prevailing winds here are Southwest, with clearing Northwest winds when the cold fronts blow through. Southerly winds tend to be steadier, and Northwest are gustier. The best wind here is WSW. Sideshore WNW and ESE.
From TF Green airport take I95 south to Rte 4 south to Rte 138 east across the Jamestown and Newport bridges. Pay toll on Newport bridge. Go straight until Rte 138 comes to stop light in front of Jai Alai Fronton. Take left, continue until 3rd light, go right, then left at light in front of Atlantic Beach Club. That's First Beach you see, no kites allowed there in the summer. Go up over the hill past St. George's School, and bear right at the bottom of the hill. Pass the first parking lot called Surfer's End, take a right into the main parking lot where you see a maintainance building. Drive to the far east end of the lot. Launch just a little farther past the end of the lot.
Kites are now banned until after 6pm at 2nd Beach during the summer months (between Memorial Day and Labor Day). Don't ride through the designated swimming zone (anywhere west of the last lifeguard tower.) Be aware that in the late spring there can be a fenced off section of beach for nesting Piping Plovers. It's usually right in the middle of the kite area. Don't fly your kites anywhere near the birds! You may be jeopardizing the access. There is a talk that kites may be banned during nesting season here. Parking fees between Memorial Day and Labor Day are fairly high, like $10-15. Insider's tip: come after 3:30 in the summer for free parking. Launch restrictions remain in effect even after the parking lot attendants go home.
)