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home / tours
GULL COVE KAYAK TOUR
Tour
Description
Narragansett Bay is one of the largest and most ecologically significant estuaries on the East Coast. Coves, bays and salt estuaries buffer and filter the water entering the bay and establish a home for rich coastal resources. Gull Cove is a protected area that's teaming with wildlife. As we glide over waving beds of eelgrass, listen as your naturalist guides explain the areas ecology and significance within the delicate ecosystem of the Bay. In the afternoon we stop and look for ospreys and pickleweed, or perhaps smell some sea lavender. Come with us and discover why Gull Cove is considered one of the best Eco-paddles in Narragansett Bay!
Prerequisites
No kayak expereince required to participate in this tour.
Includes
Paddlers are permitted to bring their own gear. Equipment must be equivalent to gear provided, appropriate for the program, in good working order and approved by the guide. Please call 800-310-4504 with any questions.
1) Kayak
2) Paddle
3) PFD (type III, Coast Guard approved)
4) Booties
5) Spray skirt
**BRINGING YOUR OWN KAYAK? Kayaks 12ft or larger with floatation in front and rear are acceptable (i.e. sealed bulkheads in front and rear). No sit on top kayaks or recreational kayaks smaller than 12ft please.
Does Not Include
Paddlers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. Pack a lunch and snacks for the day. Water bottles should be filled before arrival.
1) Lodging
2) Transportation
3) Personal gear and clothing
Meeting Location
Gull Cove, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
From the North
Route 114 over the Mt. Hope Bridge. Exit at Boyds Lane and go north on route 24/138. Exit just after the Sand and Gravel operation on to the unmarked dirt road on the right, before you get to Hummock Avenue.
From Route 24/138 going South
Over the Sakonett Bridge, exit at Boyds Lane and reverse direction on route 24 to the dirt road. The dirt road leads to a boat ramp with plenty of parking. This somewhat run-down facility is located on a gravel peninsula situated in an enclosed cove off the Sakonnet River.
The facility has one single-width concrete slab boat ramp (in need of repair) and an extensive gravel parking area. There are other launching spots along the cobble shoreline of the peninsula. There are no sanitary facilities at the launch but nearby bushes offer some limited privacy. This well-protected cove offers access to both the Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay, but be warned that that the tidal currents in the Sakonett River can be swift once leaving the Cove.
Gear List
Required Gear and Clothing
Please come dressed for the weather and prepared with the appropriate gear and clothing for your kayak program. Below is a list of gear and clothing recommended by the Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School. If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504.
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Long or Short Sleeve Top Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. |
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Shorts or Pants Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. |
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Water Shoes |
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Food and Water |
Optional Items
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Bug Spray
Camera
Dry Bag
Dry change of clothes and towel
EMS Kayak School Provides
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Kayak |
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PFD |
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Paddle |
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Booties |
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Spray Jacket |
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Spray Skirt |
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Farmer John Wetsuit |
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Drysuit For cold weather paddling only. Goes over all your clothes to keep you dry. |
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Can i bring my own gear
Yes, if it is appropriate. Kayaks for instruction or for tours need to have a minimum of safety features as well as be an appropriate style and size kayak for the class/tour. Call and check with the school or instructor.
What happens of the weather is bad?
We still operate all of our programs in rainy conditions. Kayaking is after all a water sport. We will delay or cancel programs in dangerous weather conditions like thunderstorms or gale force winds. If this happens during your program, we will either credit you at a pro rate, or reschedule you to finish the missed portion at your convenience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations or schedule changes 8 DAYS OR MORE PRIOR to the event start date will be fully refunded or credited with no penalty. Reservation changes of any kind WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE EVENT START DATE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED and you WILL NOT be permitted to carry over deposits to future events. Please mark this date on your calendar after making your reservation!
What time should I plan to arrive for class?
You should get to the launch at least 15 minutes early. Tours start and end on time.
How many students in each tour?
Tours run with a 1:6 guide to paddler ratio.
What certifications do your guides have?
All guides hold current and up to date American Canoe Association (ACA) Certifications. Their level of certification always meets or exceed the level of program they are teaching. All guides are also CPR and First Aid trained.
How is Eastern Mountain Sports different from other outfitters?
While there are other good outfitters, they are in the minority. We spend a great deal of time on staff training and all our instructors are nationally certified. All of our guides and instructors were experienced paddlers before they became instructors, and that is a claim few other outfitters can back up. We perform risk assessments for every site we work at, with emergency procedure plans prepared in advance, and regularly train in conjunction with rescue agencies like the US Coast Guard and local harbormasters. We have instructors who regularly teach at nationally regarded paddles sports events across the US.
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