RugglesA surf break popular among Rhode Island surfers could soon be destroyed by a state project.

According to the group Clean Ocean Access, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation proposes repairing the damage done to the Newport Cliff Walk during Tropical Storm Sandy by placing permanent fill below the mean high water level in an area spanning the entire Ruggles Point surf break. That fill, they say, would obstruct the reef, disturb the natural tides, and destroy the waterfront, marine life and surf breaks that have made Ruggles Point so popular.

Consider this: When Hurricane Bill kicked up waves in the area in August 2009, Ruggles Point attracted top surfers like Garrett McNamara, Benji Weatherly and Ian Walsh (footage below). How many other New England spots can attract that talent?

To learn more about the proposed project and view a petition against it, click here.