Kayakers navigate their way through the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier on the Roger Williams Paddle Trail last month.

The Providence Journal / Gretchen Ertl

Do you look for company when you go paddling on local waterways? Are you interested in boating in new places?

If so, a group called the Rhode Island Blueways Alliance has organized a series of paddling events throughout the state this summer to get people out on the water, ranging from an old canal in the Blackstone River Valley to the South County salt ponds and the nearly pristine Wood River in the state’s southwestern corner.

A total of 19 events have been organized. They start May 30 with a paddle on Point Judith Pond and conclude Aug. 1 with a paddle across Bristol Harbor.

Go to www.exploreri.org, the group’s Web site, for more information on each event, plus links to outfitters, more information on the Blueways Alliance and on its partner organizations. The Web site also has information on boat launches, useful maps and guidebooks, and other water-related events, and an illustrated report on last year’s trips.

The alliance was initiated three years ago to encourage people to make more use of local waterways.

Initial support came from volunteers, the Rhode Island Rivers Council, the National Park Service and several commercial outfitters. Other supporters include: the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund, the RI Resource Conservation & Development Area Council and the Rhode Island Foundation.

The group organized a series of events last year that included a fog-enshrouded attempt to paddle on Charlestown’s Ninigret Pond and a successful effort to retrace Roger Williams’ historic trip from East Providence to Providence hundreds of years ago.

Denise Poyer, one of the group’s board members, said she believes the interest in local paddling is increasing., in part because the sport is accessible to people with a wide range of abilities and because there are several good outfitters available to help people get started at reasonable prices.

Also, instruction is provided by such groups as the Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association.

And, there are lots of good places to go.

“In Rhode Island alone there are hundreds of miles of rivers, dozens of lakes and ponds and the entire Narragansett Bay to get out and explore,” said Poyer. “Paddle 09 is one way for people to discover new areas and learn to paddle safely.”

All trips require preregistration. Some have fees. On some trips, but not all, boats are provided. Lifejackets are required on all trips.

plord@projo.com