Discover the Lowest Point in Rhode Island

Jerimoth Hill is the highest point in Rhode Island at 812 feet (247 m). The lowest point in Rhode Island is the Atlantic Ocean. Rhode Island’s relationship with the sea has played a significant role in shaping its history and culture. The state’s maritime heritage is intertwined with industries from whaling in the 18th and 19th centuries to present-day fishing and lobstering.

So, it should come as no surprise that Rhode Island’s official nickname is The Ocean State. The ocean and coastal areas of Rhode Island have also been a magnet for recreational water activities. Boating, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular pastimes enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The state’s numerous marinas, yacht clubs, and sailing schools reflect the deep connection between Rhode Islanders and the sea. Rhode Island’s maritime history remains an integral part of its identity. Hop onboard as we troll the waters around and discover what’s up with the lowest point in Rhode Island.

Rhodes Island Statehood and Stateline

Rhode Island entered the union on May 29, 1790. It became the 13th state to join the United States, following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Rhode Island’s delay in joining the Union was due to concerns over the extent of federal power and the lack of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution. However, after the addition of the Bill of Rights, Rhode Island ratified the Constitution and officially became a state.

State lines typically extend out into the ocean up to the specific distance known as the territorial sea or territorial waters. The extent of the territorial sea is determined by international law and can vary depending on the country and its specific maritime claims. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is widely accepted as the primary framework for governing maritime boundaries, coastal states have the right to claim a territorial sea extending up to 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 kilometers) from their coastlines. This allows a state’s sovereignty to extend to that distance from its coastline.

What is Sea Level?

Sea level refers to the average level of the Earth’s oceans. It is commonly used as a reference point for measuring elevation and land heights. It serves as a baseline for determining the height or depth of locations on land. Sea level is influenced by various factors including:

• Thermal Expansion: As the Earth’s oceans absorb heat from the atmosphere, the water expands and occupies more space. This process, known as thermal expansion, contributes to the rise in sea level. As global temperatures increase due to climate change, thermal expansion becomes more significant.
• Melting of Glaciers and Ice Sheets: The melting of glaciers and ice sheets on land contributes to an increase in sea level. When ice on land, such as in Antarctica or Greenland, melts, the resulting water flows into the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.
• Changes in Land Mass: Tectonic activity and geological processes can cause the land to sink or rise relative to sea level. This local effect can influence regional sea levels.
• Ocean Circulation Patterns: Large-scale ocean currents and circulation patterns play a role in redistributing water masses around the globe. Variations in these patterns can cause temporary changes in sea level in certain regions. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects sea levels in the Pacific Ocean.
• Atmospheric Pressure and Winds: Changes in atmospheric pressure and wind patterns can cause temporary changes in sea level. Strong onshore winds can raise the sea level locally, while offshore winds will lower it.
• Human Activities: Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions, are driving climate change. The associated global warming leads to rising sea levels. This occurs primarily through thermal expansion and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets.

Discover the Lowest Point in Rhode Island: Sailing

Rhode Island has a vibrant sailing community. The state hosts numerous sailing regattas throughout the year. These events attract sailors from around the world. They compete in different classes and categories, showcasing their skills and competing for top honors.

The largest and most popular sailing event in Rhode Island is the Newport Bermuda Race. While the race itself extends beyond the state’s waters, it starts in Newport, Rhode Island. The Newport Bermuda Race is a renowned offshore sailing race. It has been held since 1906 and takes place every other year.

Considered one of the premier offshore yacht races in the world, the Newport Bermuda Race attracts sailors from around the globe. The race covers a distance of approximately 635 nautical miles (1,176 km). It features a diverse fleet of sailboats, ranging from high-performance racing yachts to cruising boats. Participants navigate challenging ocean conditions and test their skills and strategies over several days of intense competition.

The Newport Bermuda Race provides an opportunity for sailors to challenge themselves and their boats while experiencing the thrill of offshore racing. The race attracts experienced offshore sailors, as well as amateur crews, all united by their passion for sailing and adventure.

Discover the Lowest Point in Rhode Island: Surfing

While Rhode Island may not be as widely recognized as other surfing destinations, it is considered to have the gnarliest waves in New England. Rhode Island hosts several surfing competitions throughout the year. The Northeast Surfing Championships are held annually at Narragansett Town Beach. The Northeast Surfing Championships is one of the largest surfing competitions in the state. It brings together surfers of all ages and skill levels, showcasing their talent and passion for the sport.

The Clean Ocean Access Surf Contest focuses not only on surfing skills but also on promoting ocean conservation and environmental awareness. It takes place at Sachuest Beach in Middletown and encourages surfers to engage in sustainable practices while enjoying the waves.

The New England Regional Championships offer competitive divisions for surfers of all ages and skill levels. The event rotates among different surf breaks in Rhode Island and other New England states. It brings together a diverse surfing community. Surftoberfest is a family-friendly surfing competition held in Westerly, Rhode Island. It combines surf contests, beach activities, and educational programs to celebrate the sport and promote ocean awareness.

Discover the Lowest Point in Rhode Island: Fishing

Rhode Island is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with abundant opportunities for both recreational and competitive fishing. The state hosts various fishing tournaments targeting species like striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. These tournaments bring anglers together to compete and showcase their angling prowess. One of the most widely recognized fishing events in Rhode Island is the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) Saltwater Fishing Show. While it is not a competitive fishing tournament, it is a highly anticipated event for fishing enthusiasts in the region.

The RISAA Saltwater Fishing Show brings together exhibitors, vendors, and experts in the fishing industry. The show features a variety of attractions, including fishing gear displays, seminars by renowned anglers, demonstrations, and workshops covering various fishing techniques and topics. Attendees have the opportunity to explore the latest fishing equipment, learn from experts, and connect with fellow anglers.

The show serves as a platform to share fishing knowledge, discover new products, and foster a sense of community among fishing enthusiasts. Rhode Island also hosts various fishing tournaments throughout the year, targeting different species and fishing styles. Examples include the South County Fishing Tournament, Block Island Fishing Tournament, and the StriperFest Fishing Tournament.

Discover the Lowest Point in Rhode Island: Music

The Newport Jazz Festival is an iconic and revered event that has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Founded in 1954 by George Wein, this annual festival takes place in the city of Newport, Rhode Island. It is a celebration of jazz and a gathering of some of the most brilliant and influential musicians from around the globe. The festival’s idyllic setting, along the breathtaking Newport Harbor, adds to its charm and allure.

With its rich history, the Newport Jazz Festival has witnessed legendary performances by jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald. More recently, the stage has welcomed Diana Krall, Jon Batiste, and Kamasi Washington. The festival takes advantage of its unique coastal location by offering a special experience for attendees who choose to enjoy the performances from the water.

Known as Jazz on the Water, this feature allows boaters to anchor their vessels near the festival’s main stage and enjoy the music from the comfort of their boats. It provides a distinct vantage point, allowing boat owners and their guests to soak in the performances while surrounded by the waters of Newport Harbor. This waterfront perspective adds an extra layer of ambiance and creates a memorable and immersive experience for those fortunate enough to be on the water. The sight of boats gently swaying to the rhythm of the music, as the melodies float across the harbor, enhances the overall atmosphere and contributes to the festival’s unique charm.