Tour

Description
Join the EMS Kayak School staff as we go in search of one of the most endearing winter residents of Narragansett Bay, the harbor seal. Harbor seals migrate from the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Canada into Narragansett Bay’s warmer waters in the winter months. Once quite rare in the area, harbor seal populations have rebounded since the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. Here in the Bay, they are protected from many of their natural predators like orcas and sharks.

Viewing these animals by kayak gives you an opportunity not available any other way; you can look these animals right in the eye, from their perspective, in their environment. There are several locations throughout Narragansett Bay that are regular haul out spots for the seals, and due to tides, winds and the cooler temperatures our launch sites often vary!

The plan is to get out on the water and head toward one of these haul out spots like Rome Point and view the seals without spooking them. The viewing is often done on land during one of our breaks, or an occasional on the water “spy hop” as we are paddling around! These curious creatures are often quite interested in kayaks and will investigate boats from behind, following almost silently. Come out with one of our experienced guides and enjoy one of the gifts of 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

North Kingston Town Beach, North Kingstown, RI

30 Beach Street, North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852.

Directions from I-95
Take route 4 south, exit at route 102 east into Wickford. From the south come up route 1 to join with route 4, exit at route 102 to Wickford. Continue on route 102 thru stop light (pass by The Kayak Center), go over the concrete arched bridge (route 1A), and turn left on Beach Street. Follow Beach Street to the very end and turn left. Go to the parking area after the snack bar.

The sandy beach is long and narrow and backed by a three-foot-high bulkhead. Just behind the beach is a large grassy area shaded by tall trees, with many picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, ball fields, and a basketball court. Access is restricted to town residents during the summer. Off-season launching is OK. Sanitary facilities are available only in-season.

 

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.

 

Long Sleeve and Fleece Top Dress appropriately for the days weather. Anything non-cotton and warm is appropriate.

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Pants Fleece pants or long underwear. Anything non-cotton and warm is appropriate. **everyone will be outfitted with drysuits which will keep you dry (neck down) and warm as well.

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Water Shoes Paddle booties can be provided by the Kayak School upon request. No open toed shoes please.

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Warm Gloves

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Hat

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Food and Water Lunch and snacks (sandwich, chips, bars, etc.) and 1 liter or more of water.

Optional Items

Sunglasses

Camera

Dry Bag

Dry change of clothes and towel

EMS Kayak School Provides

 

Kayak Tsunami 120, 125, 160, 165; Tempest 160, 165, 170, 175 *availability of specific kayaks/ sizes subject to change. **Tandem kayaks also used for tours.

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PFD Type III, Coast Guard approved.

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Paddle

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Booties

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Spray Skirt

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Drysuit 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 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.