Seize the Flood – Urban Kayaking

Out of work early during a 100 year storm=once in a lifetime opportunity.

Threw on the rain gear, pulled down the kayak from its secret storage location, and carried it across Post Rd to the launch point – access to the Pawtuxet Industrial Park on most days.


Unfortunately, I launched “downstream,” so I had to work to head west on Bellows St. The sites were uncanny:

*Pretty high water level.*

*Not for groceries this time.*

Got the idea to try to cross Warwick Ave since the road was flooded but didn't want to push my luck, especially because the cops probably weren't in the mood.

*Tempted to cross…*

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Chatted it up with some of the folks out there. Headed back down the street to explore more. It was strangely quiet and peaceful.


This made me a little nervous:


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Then headed back to where I started for some whitewater (kinda).


The rain picked up for this video:


Afterwards, I paddled over the chain and hit some parking lot rapids. The river was strong enough to keep me from paddling back the way I came...


...so I had to do portage around some “dry” spots and hump the kayak back home.

The hardest part of the day was getting this back to storage:


Awesome day!