surfcasting Rhode Island.

[Mr. Kav]

I wonder if you guys could help me out. i am buying a surf outfit for a friend that is a beginner to surf fishing. He has fished before but he is from bermuda and would always fish from boat mostly trolling for tuna and wahoo or reef fishing for snappers. He bought a house in Rhode Island right across from the beach next to the rhode island school of design. i figured he has to have a set up living right across from the beach and i thought it will be a nice house warming gift.
My question is what should i get him for that area of naragansett bay. i would like to see him be able to walk along the beach and throw plugs and not be exhausted by the 10th cast but occasionally be able to sit around and bait fish as well. I was thinking of a shimano baitrunner. do you think is that ok for surfcasting while walking up the beach? rod ??? i have no clue about surf rods. i will going to the expo next weekend so any advise would be appreciated.

thanks
David