Salt Pond 2024

Salt Pond is a very user-friendly launch facility in a small park called "Marina Park" at the head of Point Judith Pond. There are two cement plank boat ramps here. If the ramps are busy with trailered boats (as is common on a nice weekend) space can be a little tight for launching hand-carried boats, but you should be able to find some space. If the ramps are not too busy with trailered boats you can drive to the boat ramp area to load and unload, and then park across the street.

Paddlers can explore the pond or explore the lower Saugatucket River from here. Be mindful of the heavy pleasure boat traffic on the pond! Aside from the pleasure boat traffic, both the pond and the river are usually calm and easy to paddle.

The large grassy area next to the boat launch is the site for a number of annual events such as carnivals and boat shows. The URI sailing club is also in Marina Park.

On most days the southwest wind fills in across this area in the morning and blows throughout the afternoon, so be prepared for this when planning your trip.
With a possible channel crossing and heavy boat traffic, this paddle is considered intermediate.

Requirements to attend this paddle

• arrive 1/2 hour prior to posted launch time
• event start time is in your boat, in the water, and ready to paddle! You will need to transport your boat a few hundred feet, from the parking lot to the beach to launch.
• 12 foot kayak or longer recommended (no inflatables or SUP's)
• light
• whistle
• a Coast Guard approved PFD (inflatable PFDs are not allowed)
• spray skirt
• bilge pump
• appropriate clothing for the water temperature

Suggested
We strongly recommend that you bring along the following:

• drinking water
• food
• sunscreen
• a change of dry clothes in a dry bag
• familiarize yourself with the area prior to paddling
• check weather conditions for wind speed direction and tides

Any paddle sport is an assumed risk sport. Some aspects of canoeing and kayaking involve the risk of serious injury or death. Southern New England Paddlers (SNEP) although safety conscious, cannot guarantee your personal safety in our Meetup activities.