Please read carefully as not complying with these terms and conditions may affect your experience.
Statement of Risk:
Canoeing is an assumed risk sport, participation in any watersports has a level of risk. As a participant make sure you are happy with the risks involved in participation and feel empowered to ask questions from your coach. You must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please make sure every participant is water confident as capsizes do happen. Be aware that the activities you choose to take part in are of a strenuous and adventurous nature. By booking you acknowledge such risk and therefore accept the need for responsible behaviour, including listening to and following safety instructions.
Persons under 18 years of age.
Canoeing is a perfect activity for young people to experience.
We ask that supervising adults are in attendance with young persons under the age of four, this needs to be on a 2 adults to 1child ratio. With persons under ten years old, this can be reduce to a ratio of 1 adult to 1 child. Over ten, 1 adult to 2 children who are water confident is recommended.
Youth and school groups when booking please discuss ratio of teachers and leaders to participant ratio.
The river at West Bay (The Brit) is slow flowing sheltered and not more than 50 meters wide. This means we cannot and do not meet the requirements for the adventurous activities licensing scheme formed to cover the young persons safety act. Our team are happy to facilitate your group on an adventure but we will be busy running your session, so should not be left solely in charge of the children.
Adults are required on the session with young people.
Medical and Fitness Declaration
Persons who suffer from back or neck complaints or who are pregnant join in at their own risk. We do advise against it.
All participants should be able to swim with a buoyancy aid the width of the river at its widest point this is over 25 meters. This includes younger paddlers, but can include the assistance of their parent/ guardian. We advise 1 adult to 1 child for weak swimmers who may need assistance.
Asthma and other breathing difficulties may be agitated by cold water immersion shock, please bring and inhalers with you.
Please inform your West Bay Canoes team member if you have any condition that may affect your ability to participate in the activity, including swimming in cold water!
Weather and Environment
The durations and activity are subject to change due to weather conditions. We can operate normal activities on the River up to a Gale force 7 wind. We do not control the sluice gate on the river and if this is opened (usually open October- Easter) emptying the river into the sea, then activities will not proceed and full refunds will be given. West Bay Canoes reserve the right to cancel your tour at short notice after a weather forecast is issued. Cancellations due to weather Warnings/Adverse weather is for your own safety. A full refund will only be applied if the experience is cancelled due to adverse weather.
In the event of cancellation, West Bay Canoes will not be held liable for other third party costs incurred associated with the booking such as coach hire, taxis etc.
Buoyancy Aids are supplied and must be worn at all times, please protect these items of essential PPE by wearing clothing (i.e. a T shirt) under the Buoyancy Aid.
We cannot guarantee specific bird or wildlife sightings.
The water quality in the Brit is generally good but use of pesticides, sudden downpours of rain or prolonged sunshine may affect its quality. You are advised to wash faces and hands after the experience and please do this before eating or drinking anything. If you are ill post contact with the water please tell the doctor you have been in contact with the river. West Bay Canoes cannot be held responsible for any post activity illness.
Clothing and changing
We recommend that you should wear warm clothing as water conditions are slow to adjust to the weather. If you wish to bring an extra fleece, hat and a windproof/waterproof jacket we will happily store these in a dry bag. We advise against wearing cotton items such as Jeans as they are very heavy when wet and can be difficult to swim in.
Please note we do not have changing facilities for you to use after the activity. We advise that you have a change of clothing in your car ready for when you finish with us. Please change with consideration for others and avoid exposure.
You will also need to wear something on your feet, old trainers are ideal.
General
Full payment before your session is required.
When booking, you must leave us with contact details for the day of your scheduled Experience.
72 Hours’ notice is required for cancellations or changes with regards to your booking.
Please note that groups are required to arrive 15 minutes before their experience time for essential safety briefing and to put on Buoyancy Aids.
Groups arriving late forfeit their experience unless we can reschedule to other times/dates or have their experience altered. These options are entirely at the discretion of West Bay Canoes.
Tickets & gift vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Third party liability insurance is provided.
Personal items (e.g. cameras and Mobile phones) are carried at the paddler’s own risk and should be waterproofed. We can store electronic car keys in a dry bag but can not guarantee their safety. If this is required please ask your instructor. West Bay Canoes cannot be held responsible for any damage sustained to electronic equipment during your session.
All information is correct at the time of posting but is subject to change.