Kayak Instruction by Location

Massachusetts
Maine
New York
Rhode Island

Flat Water Kayaking

Primary Strokes
Kayak Strokes & Rescues
Pool Rolling
Outdoor Rolling

Open Water Kayaking

Kayak Surfing
Open Water Workshop (2 days)
Ocean Motion & Movement
Ocean Skills Workshop (2 days)
Surfing the Long Boat
Rock Hopping & Incident Management

White Water Kayaking

Introduction to White Water
White Water Workshop (2 days)

Customized Programs

Private Instruction & Tours
Kids & Family Kayaking
Group Adventures

American Canoe Association (ACA) Certification

Kayak Instructor
Stand Up Paddle Instructor

OCEAN MOTION & MOVEMENT

Introduction to Ocean Kayaking

This class is designed for those paddlers who want to venture into the ocean with increased stroke efficiency, better seamanship skills, and more confident boat control. Ocean Motion and Movement is an extension of our Kayak Strokes and Rescues course and takes place on open water. Our focus will be on improving our basic strokes while becoming more comfortable on challenging open water conditions. Building upon these skills allows us to become more confident while doing an open water rescue. We will begin the day with a trip planning session that focuses on factors such as wind, sea state, tide, boat traffic and the group’s overall skills. Before we launch and head out into the bay, we will cover basic navigation with chart and compass skills so that we can use our new skills to navigate to our destination. During our paddle we will get a chance to experience some wind and wave action as we explore the picturesque features of Narragansett Bay. Each paddler will get a chance to practice group awareness, kayak navigation, leading, sweeping and risk assessment. After lunch we will get a chance to work on our open water rescues and towing skills as we head for home. This class is an essential experience for any kayaker that is planning to venture out into open water conditions.

Our goal for this class is to provide the participants with the skills and confidence head out with a group into the open water, perform a rescue in challenging conditions and build a foundation for future open water kayak instruction. The skills you learn in this class will prepare you for several of our ocean based kayaking classes and workshops.

Ocean Motion and Movement takes place on the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. We explore challenging conditions to improve confidence and skills. At the conclusion of this class you will be ready to join our Surfing the Long Boat or Rock Hopping and Incident Management classes.

This is full day open water kayaking course and prior kayak experience is required such as Strokes and Rescues or equivalent. Participants should expect to be in their kayak for most of the day. Appropriate midsized kayaks with proper flotation are used during this class. Swimming is not required.

Length: 7 hours
Skill Level:     Intermediate
Prerequisites: Kayak Strokes & Rescues or equivalent kayak course, previous kayak expereince

  • Itinerary

    Groups meet promptly at  9am. In the morning you will meet your instructor, sign a waiver form, and get fitted with kayak equipment for the day. The whole day will be spent outside so please dress according to the gear list and bring enough food and water for the entire day. Plan to wrap up the day around 4pm.

  • Included/ Not Included

    Course Includes: Students will be outfitted with all kayak equipment for this course. You are welcome to bring your own equipment but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes kayak, paddle, PFD (floatation vest), safety accessories, dry suit or wet suit if needed, water shoes

    Not Included With Course Fee: Students will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. See gear list for required gear and clothing. Students will be responsible for lodging, meals, transportation, personal gear and clothing

  • Gear List

    Clothing is as important as your kayak and paddle. Being properly dressed is essential to enjoying your outdoor adventures. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504.

    view gear check list

  • Policies

    Payment is due in full at time of reservation to secure your reservation. Events run rain or shine. Eastern Mountain Sports Schools reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events for low participation, weather or safety concerns at any time. We will try to give as much advance notice as possible, but may not always be able to give much advance warning, especially for weather cancellations.

    1) Cancellations or schedule changes 8 DAYS OR MORE PRIOR to the event start date will be fully refunded or credited with no penalty.

    2) 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 calender after making your reservation!

    **EMS Kayak School does not provide any transportation unless otherwise specified.

    **For participants 17 or younger, a parent MUST sign a waiver form for EACH days course.

    If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504. We will be more than happy to review our cancellation policy with you.

  • Contact Us

    Reservations are required in advance for all Kayak School programs and full payment is required to hold your spot. Please call 800-310-4504 to make your reservation and have credit card ready for payment.

    *Please follow up your request with a phone call. All reservations finalized over the phone.

Dates & Cost


Rhode Island