SEAL WATCHING KAYAK TOURS
Join the EMS Kayak School 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!
As featured on “The Rhode Show” with Michaela Johnson
Skill Level: Beginner
Length: 3 hours
Prerequisites: No previous kayak experience required
Meeting Location:
North Kingstown Town Beach in Wickford, Rhode Island
Directions from route 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 102 thru stop light, go over the concrete arched bridge (route 1A), and turn left on Beach Street. Follow Beach Street to the very end and turn left.
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Below is a list of items you will be responsible for while out kayaking with the EMS Kayaking School. The Kayak School will provide you with the essential kayaking equipment for the day. Please review the required gear and clothing list for each class/tour and bring these personal items as needed. Optional items are personal suggestions that we find our paddlers enjoyed having. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504 or email schools@ems.com. We expect that you will be dressed and ready to go upon arrival to your program.
Clothing is as important part of your paddling experience, as it will provide you with the warmth and comfort you need to enjoy your day. Cotton should be avoided as part of your layering system as it often remains cold and wet and it takes a long time to dry out. Synthetic fabrics (wicking) or wool keep you warmer when they become wet with sweat/water and certain synthetic base layers are designed to wick the sweat away from your skin to keep you drier and warmer. During the warmer summer months paddlers often get away with wearing a bathing suit, light synthetic T shirt, sunglasses and some paddle shoes! Very often these paddlers find warmth and comfort in their spare set of dry clothes that include: a thicker synthetic long sleeve shirt and pants, nylon spray jacket and insulating hat. When we get into those colder weather situations paddlers must dress in layers of synthetic fabric and need to be insulated from the cold water by wearing a farmer john wetsuit and paddle jacket. Dry suits are warn when the water temp drops below 50 degrees and your multiple layers of synthetic clothing keep you dry and warm when you need it.
Synthetic underwear/ bathing suit
Long sleeve rash guard to wear under long underwear
Thin to mid weight full length long underwear to wear under dry suit
Mid to heavy weight synthetic or wool socks
Fleece or wool gloves to stay warm and comfortable
Fleece or wool hat
Spare change of clothes
Lunch, Snacks: PB&J, bagel, trail mix, granola bars. Avoid soft fruits (bananas), as they don’t pack well. Larger lunches with coolers can be brought into our established locations. At least one quart of water
Eye glasses retainer to hold onto head or float
Optional Items
Camera, sunscreen, neoprene hood or hat, neoprene gloves, neoprene pogies, towel, small dry bag to hold personal items.
Gear Provided by EMS
For these programs, the EMS Kayak School will provide:
12-18 ft sea kayak
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Paddle
Dry suit
Booties
Not Included With Tour Fee: Paddlers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. See gear list for required gear and clothing. Paddlers will be responsible for lodging, meals, transportation, personal gear and clothing.
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 Climbing 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.
