TheCanoeMan Terms & Conditions

Statement of Assumed Risk - Please ensure all members of your party (or their guardians in the case of under 18s) have read the following:-

The use of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other water craft come with inherent dangers that are beyond the control of TheCanoeMan/Activ-8 Adventure/Norfolk Broads Tourist Information and Activity Centre (The Provider) and its employees. Dangers include, but are not limited to capsize or falling from a water craft, changeable weather conditions and water levels, pollution and waterborne pathogens, submerged objects and other river users. Risks involved from participation in activities organised by or through The Provider include injury, illness, damage to or loss of property or even fatality.

To minimise these risks we have evolved a "safe system of work"

• We only employ fully qualified staff
• We provide appropriate personal safety equipment for all participants
• We provide appropriate equipment for the course or activity booked
• We regularly check equipment to ensure it is safe and in a fully serviceable condition suitable for the activity for which it is being used
• We work to National Governing Body guidelines in respect of instructor to student ratios
• We have a robust risk management system in place
• We reserve the right to cancel or modify any activity if we believe there to be excessive risk ie adverse weather.
• We will not allow anybody thought to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics to participate in any activity.
• We will not allow participants to exceed the maximum weight/person limit of any water craft. Where participants are within the stated limits it is still at our staff's discretion as to whether the hired craft is both suitable and safe for the participants. In the event the booked craft is deemed unsuitable we will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative. Dependent on circumstances this may incur additional cost.
• For your safety and comfort we advise you bring sufficient food and drink with you and you read any joining instructions and kit list carefully to ensure that you bring the correct clothing and footwear.

Swimming ability

All participants taking part in water activities are equipped with buoyancy aids; therefore an inability to swim will not exclude you from taking part. However we do ask that you have a certain level of water confidence relevant to the activity in which you are participating. If you have any concerns about this please discuss it with our staff prior to booking.

Your Responsibilities

Bookings are accepted on the understanding that The Provider's safety regulations are observed by all participants.

It is the responsibility of the individual who makes an activity booking to ensure that all details are correct. Particular note should be made to contact details and activity dates and times. The Provider cannot be held liable for participants missing an activity due to incorrect booking details. If an error is noticed in a booking please contact The Provider as soon as the mistake is noticed in order that it be rectified.

It is the responsibility of the person making the booking to ensure that all members of their party have fully read, understood and agree to these terms and conditions. You must also ensure that you have disclosed all relevant information relating to the individuals within your party, in particular with regards to any health conditions which may be relevant to the activity being undertaken.

If booking a self-guided activity (hire) on behalf of a group we ask you to consider whether your group/club or you as the organiser has any liability in the event of an accident or fatality. If so you may wish to consider allowing us to provide you with a guide/instructor at which point the liability becomes ours.

Unless otherwise stated, there is no minimum age for our activities however if your child is below 4 years old you must contact the office prior to booking to ensure appropriately sized safety equipment is available.

Guided Activities

When booking a place on a guided activity you are reserving a place on that activity and not the exclusive use of a water craft. Although we endeavour to keep participants together with others from within their party, on occasions it may be necessary split groups or for groups to share a boat with other participants.

One-Way Trips

These are self guided trips along a route specified in your booking. I.e Buxton to Coltishall. 

Travel to the start of the activity is provided and involves travel in a mini bus. For children that may require a booster seat in vehicles, we do not provide them and ask that you bring your own along with you.

Water Temperature

Due to insurance restrictions we are unable to hire canoes, kayaks or paddleboards when water temperatures are below 10°C. If booking for the colder month please be aware that we may need to cancel your booking at short notice if water temperatures are deemed too low. In such circumstances we will either rearrange your hire of fully refund your booking.

Damage Deposits

We always want everyone to have a great time on the water and to safely use our crafts for their celebrations. With this in mind, on occasion we may request a £200 damage deposit and a signed disclaimer for some larger groups, especially those that take to the water self guided. If you are unsure if your group will be subject to the deposit then we do ask you email us at info@thecanoeman.co.uk where we can answer all of your questions. We aim to return all deposits 1-3 business days after the activity date.

Booking Changes/Flex Pass

We are happy to offer all of our customers the opportunity to move their booking up to 72 hours before their start time. To do this please see your confirmation email which has the option to manage your booking within. 

For those looking for extra flexibility, we do offer a Flex Pass. This allows changes to a booking up to 12 hours before the start time of your activity. 

The Flex Pass costs are worked out as the following, 10% of total booking cost at time of the booking and/or before 72 hours of the booking start time. If requested between 72 hours and 12 hours of the start time, it is only approved at the discretion of management, and the cost can rise up to 20% of the total booking.

Any change to the bookings date or time made within 12 hours of its start time is subject to the manager on duty's approval and an admin fee equal to at least equal to 25% of the total cost of the booking. For those with a Flex Pass this will be reduced to at least 10% of the booking cost. 

Any alterations to a booking made at our hire bases will incur a £5 admin fee per vessel. 

Cancellations/Refunds

Due to insurance restrictions we are unable to hire canoes, kayaks or paddleboards when water temperatures are below 10°C. 

If booking for the colder month please be aware that we may need to cancel your booking at short notice if water temperatures are deemed too low. 

In such circumstances we will either rearrange your hire of fully refund your booking.-refundable. Refunds for cancellations will be made as follows:-

• Cancellations less than 5 weeks before the start date OF THE ORIGINAL BOOKING, 40% of full payment will be refunded.
• Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start day 25% of full payment will be refunded.
• Cancellations less than 2 week before the start day no refunds will be made.

There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather or non-usage.

We reserve the right to alter or cancel any activity and will endeavour to give the participants as much notice as possible. In the instance of The provider cancelling your activity you will be offered an alternative or a full refund. Where your activity had been paid for using a gift voucher the gift voucher will be revalidated.

Coronavirus

If the Government issues guidance that precludes the running of our activities, we will offer the opportunity to rearrange for a later date or alternatively issue a gift vouchers to the full value of the activity. In this event, please contact us to make arrangements. No refunds will be given.

Loss or Damage or Equipment

Participants are responsible for the care and return in good condition, as determined by the The Provider, of any equipment made available to them.

Participants are liable for any costs incurred by The Provider due to equipment being returned dirty or damaged, or equipment lost or stolen whilst in their possession.

The Provider is to be notified as soon as practicable of any loss or damage.

Fishing Boat Hire Fuel Policy

Fishing boats with outboard motors are supplied with a full tank of fuel, enough for approximately 2 hours of continuous motoring. At the time of booking customers have the option to purchase an additional 5 litre can of fuel, the cost of which will be reimbursed if returned unopened and unused. Customers who run out of fuel and require recovery will be liable for a £40 recovery fee.

Gift Vouchers

All gift vouchers non refundable and can only be exchanged for activities provided by TheCanoeMan. They cannot be redeemed against items for sale either on-line or in our shop. Original gift voucher must be presented at the time of booking/payment and must be used within the expiry date. At our discretion the expiry date maybe extended for a further year but will incur an administration charge of £10 or 15% of the value of the voucher(whichever is the greater).

Gift vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer/promotion.

Liability

The provider is not under any liability whatsoever in respect to the loss of or damage to personal property of participants, supporters, observers or by-standers where the loss or damage is not as a direct result of the negligence of The Provider.

Data Protection Act 1998

The information you supply to us will only be used to process your booking and for our mailing list. If you DO NOT wish to be placed on our mailing list please advise our office staff.

Photography

We occasionally take photographs which may be used in future articles or advertising material, both online and in non-digital formats. If you DO NOT wish to photographed, please inform a member of staff.