Full Moon Paddle at the URI Bay Campus - July 27, 2026

Heading out

During the summer months, RICKA does a “meeting on the water” to replace its usual monthly meetings. We try to do a mix of trips that will be of interested to everyone. This month we did a Full Moon Paddle at the URI Bay Campus.

The Bay Campus provides access the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. To the south lies Bonnet Shores and Whale Rock - a frequent rock gardening site. From there, more experienced paddlers can cross to Beavertail at the southern tip of Jamestown - one of the most scenic and exposed-coast locations in Rhode Island. To the west is Dutch Island and Conanicut Island. To the north is the Jamestown Bridge and the more sheltered waters of the West Passage.

Bonnet Point

We met at the beach at the Bay Campus for a 7:00 launch. High tide was 7:18 with winds from the south at 10 knots and waves around 1 foot. Perfect conditions for our group of 13, which was mostly experienced flatwater paddlers rather than sea kayakers. Sunset was 8:08 and moonrise was 7:19.

We headed south from the Bay Campus toward Bonnet Shores paddling into the wind. When we reached the rocks at the tip of Bonnet Shores we gather up for the crossing. As the sun set we were able to see the moon rising over Beavertail. We paddled across Bonnet Cove, and then south along the Anawan Cliffs. From there, we paddled out into the West Passage with amazing views of the moon rising over the Beavertail Light. 

Moon rises over Beavertail

Eventually we turned north to head back to the Bay Campus. We were now in a following sea, and the main concern is broaching when the wind turns the kayak sideways in the waves. The waves were small, but a stern rudder can still help to keep you going straight.

We made it back to the Bay Campus at around 9:00 after a trip of about 5-miles. It was great night to be out on the water.

Links:

My Pictures

Skye's Pictures

Steve's Pictures

Bay Campus from Rhode Island Blueways