Paddle, Yoga, Float & Flow at Flora Whiteley Preserve
Paddle, Yoga, Float & Flow at Flora Whiteley Preserve combines yoga, kayaking and a quiet trip along the Pawcatuck River on Friday, August 14, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The Westerly Land Trust program begins on shore with yoga before participants launch their own kayaks, paddleboards or canoes for an evening on the river.
Certified yoga instructor Janice Fifer leads the group through Sun Salutations with an emphasis on opening the hips and shoulders, useful preparation for the paddling that follows. Once everyone is on the water, the group heads upstream on the Pawcatuck, stopping along the way for a short meditation before turning around and letting the river’s gentle current help carry them back.
This isn’t intended as a strenuous paddle or a race. The Westerly Land Trust describes it as a moderate outing for paddlers with some previous experience, with much of the emphasis placed on slowing down and spending time outdoors. Back on shore, the evening concludes with relaxation and a closing circle. (The Westerly Land Trust)
Yoga Before the Paddle
The first portion of the evening takes place on land.
Fifer’s yoga session concentrates on movements that prepare the body for paddling, particularly the shoulders and hips. Participants should bring their own yoga mat along with a large towel to place beneath it.
That last item may prove useful. This isn’t a studio floor. The program takes place at a Land Trust preserve beside the Pawcatuck River, and participants are specifically warned to expect wet and muddy shoes.
After yoga, the group moves from mats to boats.
Paddling the Pawcatuck River
The paddle launches directly from the Flora Whiteley Preserve on Potter Hill Road.
Rather than immediately following the current downstream, the group paddles upriver first. A meditation stop breaks up the trip before everyone turns around for the easier return journey with the current.
Participants need some paddling experience. The program is described as moderate, so it’s better suited to people already comfortable controlling a kayak, canoe or paddleboard than someone getting into a boat for the first time.
Bring Your Own Boat
This is a BYO equipment event.
Participants must provide their own kayak, paddleboard, canoe or similar suitable watercraft, along with the necessary paddle.
You’ll also need to bring your own life jacket.
Rhode Island regulations require every participant, regardless of age, to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket during the paddle. It must be properly fastened and worn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What to Bring
Come prepared for both the yoga and paddling portions of the evening:
- Kayak, paddleboard, canoe or other appropriate watercraft
- Paddle
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Yoga mat
- Large towel to place beneath the yoga mat
- Water
- Bug repellent
- Shoes that can get wet and muddy
Since this is an August evening beside the river, bug repellent is one item that’s particularly easy to forget until you wish you hadn’t.
About Flora Whiteley Preserve
The Flora Whiteley Preserve is part of the Westerly Land Trust’s network of protected properties throughout Westerly.
For this program, it serves as both the gathering place and river access point, allowing the group to transition directly from the yoga session to the paddle without relocating vehicles.
Parking is available at the preserve at 197 Potter Hill Road in Westerly, which is also the put-in point for the paddle.
Registration and Cost
The program is free for Westerly Land Trust members.
Admission for non-members is $10 per person.
Registration is required, and the number of participants is limited. Because this isn’t a large festival or open-ended drop-in event, reserving a place ahead of time is necessary.
Event Details
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Flora Whiteley Preserve
Address: 197 Potter Hill Road, Westerly, RI 02891
Presented By: Westerly Land Trust
Instructor: Certified yoga teacher Janice Fifer
Admission: Free for Westerly Land Trust members; $10 per person for non-members
Registration: Required. Space is limited.
Experience Level: Moderate paddle. Some previous kayaking or paddling experience is recommended.
Equipment: Participants must bring their own kayak, paddleboard, canoe or other appropriate watercraft and paddle.
Life Jackets: A properly fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be worn by every participant regardless of age.
Parking: Available at Flora Whiteley Preserve.
Important Note: Expect wet and muddy conditions and dress accordingly.
More Information
For more information, visit the event website using the Event Website link below.
For ticket purchases, click on the Ticketing link below.
