Hello, my daughter and I have done some casual kayaking on lakes, and we are interested in using the small boat launch on the Seekonk near Blackstone Blvd in Providence. I haven't kayaked on a river before and have never received any formal instruction.
Are there any resources or classes you can point me to to help me plan this in a safe and informed manner?
Thank you,
David
Re: Question
Posted by Erik on 8/29/2023, 7:27 am, in reply to "Question"
The Seekonk River is tidal, so it is actually more like coastal paddling than river paddling. There is river current - especially up at the top near the Pawtucket Falls. There is also tidal current, so you need to be mindful of the tides. It is also wide open and very susceptible to wind and wind-blown waves. Winds are usually less earlier in the morning, and if you launch within an hour or so of high or low tide the tidal currents will be less.
Training is always a good thing. RICKA usually does a flatwater training in the early summer - keep an eye out for that next year. If you don't want to wait, the Kayak Centre has a good intro to kayaking class.
Re: Question
Posted by Gary P. on 8/31/2023, 9:10 am, in reply to "Re: Question"
In addition to RICKA training, EMS and REI also provide kayak/canoe instruction. The EMS school paddles in Lake Pearl, MA (see link).