Outfitters and Gear:
There are many outfitters across the state of Rhode Island and in nearby parts of Massachusetts who provide various services including selling and renting boats and gear for paddling and walking, and providing guided trips. Below is a map and list of the outfitters we know about, with some brief information about the services they provide. Many of these outfitters have generously contributed their time and resources to the Rhode Island Blueways Project.
Unless otherwise noted, outfitters listed as having a sporting goods store sell canoes or kayaks as well as other paddling, walking, and camping related gear. As always, it is a good idea to call first before visiting a store to find out if they have the type of gear you are seeking. For boat rentals an "on the water location" means that you can rent a boat and put it in the water at the outfitter's location rather than having to drive the boat to another location in order to go paddling.
In both of the lists below, the outfitters are listed alphabetically and the number in front of each listing matches up with the numbers in the red dots on the map at right.
Outfitters List:
The number in front of the name of each outfitter correlates with the numbers in the red dots on the map above.
Address: 1150 Main St # B Hope Valley, RI 02832
Telephone: (401) 539-2757
Services: Boat rentals, sporting goods store.
2. The Kayak Centre of Rhode Island
Address: 9 Phillips Street, Wickford, RI 02852
Telephone: 888-732-5292
Services: Sporting goods store, lessons, guided trips, adventure travel, boat rentals (on the water location)
Address: 95 Middlebridge Road Narragansett, RI 02882
Telephone: 401-789-0334
Services: Boat rentals (on the water location), guided trips
4. Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures
Address: 489 Old County Rd., Westport, MA 02790
Email: westport@ospreyseakayak.com
Telephone: 508-636-0300 or 774-930-2668
Services: Sporting goods store (new and used boats), lessons, guided trips, kids' camps, adventure travel, American Canoe Association instructor certification training, boat rentals (on the water location), boat repairs
Address:10 Memorial Blvd. Providence, RI 02903 (Waterplace Park)
(See also #7 below for their rental location at Lincoln Woods)
Telelphone: 401-829-1769
Services: Kayak rentals, guided urban tours
6. Providince Kayak Co. Boathouse at Lincoln Woods
Address: Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, RI
Telephone: 401-829-1769
Services: Kayak rentals.
Address: 21 Glen Rock Road, Usquepaugh, RI 02892
Telelphone: 401-667-0434
Services: Boat rentals (on the water location) and guided trips
Address: 22 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston, RI 02920
Telephone: 401-275-5250
Services: Sporting goods store and adventure travel.
Address:1009 Main Street Hope Valley, RI 02832
Telephone: 401-539-4050
Services: Sporting goods store
If you are looking for ways to get out on the water, don't forget to also check our links page for non-profit groups that run guided trips. RIC/KA and the AMC both run regular paddling trips (both are membership organizations). Many of the watershed councils also run occasional paddling events that are open to the public.