Participation and risk

This describes the risks inherent in our courses that participants must accept.

Sea kayaking is inherently a potentially dangerous sport and conditions on the sea can change quickly and dramatically. The risks of the sport include (but are not limited to):

• Drowning

• Hypothermia / hyperthermia

• injuries (including head injuries) from impacts with rocks, equipment or other kayakers

• Trips and falls on the shore, especially when carrying kayaks

• Illness or medical conditions which cannot be easily dealt with due to the remoteness of the location and the fact we may not be able to easily land

Much of our coaching is aimed at helping people better understand, recognize and mitigate these risks to enable them to paddle independently and with acceptable safety margins. However, participants must recognize that risks cannot be entirely mitigated and that mishaps do sometimes occur. Information on safety and risk is availiable from Paddle UK, including in the annual safety reports. Paddle UK estimates that paddlesport fatalities occur at the rate of around 1 per million participants per year.

When booking a course, you

• Accept that there is an element of risk in all outdoor activities, and that kayaking is a hazardous activity with risks including personal injury and death.

• Agree to follow the instructions and guidance provided by us.

• Undertake to act sensibly and prudently at all times with regard to your safety, the safety of others and use of kayaks and equipment.

• Agree to accept the risks inherent in kayaking and take responsibility for your own actions and involvement.

• Undertake to treat any equipment that we lend you as if it were your own.

• Agree that you have the appropriate level of fitness required, and meet any pre-requisites listed for the course booked.

• Undertake to advise our team of any medical or non-medical conditions that may affect your safety and enjoyment or that of other participants, both at the time of booking (in a booking form or by email) and to the coach at the start of the activity.

• Recognize that our coaches are happy to discuss risks, dangers and mitigation with you ahead of your booking or participation and agree to initiate such discussions if you have any concerns.

We are covered by Paddle UK’s Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. This insurance does not cover individual for personal accident, loss of possessions or inability to attend all or part of a course. We strongly recommend participants to ensure that they have appropriate personal insurance in place to cover them against such eventualities.