Terms and Conditions...
All sessions are weather dependent - the final decision on the going ahead of any session will be made the evening before the sessions is to take place. Should a session be cancelled then you will be notified via email and you will be entitled to a full refund, if you have paid in advance, or be given the option to rebook when then conditions are more favourable.
Fees are payable in advance or by cash on the day by agreement. Should you cancel a session and you have already paid then you will be entitled to a full refund up to 48 hours in advance of cancelling the session, 50% at up to 24 hours and 0% at less than 24 hours.
Sessions will include: wetsuit hire - you will need to let the instructor know in advance of the session your size, buoyancy aid hire, water craft and paddle hire, parking and use of changing facilities. You will need some form of rubber sole foot ware for use on the docks and pontoon. Vale Paddle Sports accepts no responsibility for any injury incurred whilst not wearing suitable foot ware. Neoprene wetsuit boots are not advised as they only have thin soles that will not sufficiently protect the feet.
Buoyancy Aids (BAs) are to be worn at all times when on the slipway, pontoon or on the water. Vale Paddle Sports provide these during a session.
Foul language and/or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. Should this occur then the instructor is not at liberty to give you a warning - you will be asked to leave and your session will be instantly cancelled. You will not be eligible for a refund.
Complaints Procedure: Feedback sessions are a ritual part of any session and these are suitable times for you to air any issues or complaints you have with the equipment or services offered. They will be reviewed at the time, in the first instance, by the instructor and an attempt at rectification will be made. For instance, if you are not satisfied with a piece of equipment then you are entitled to ask for a replacement. The instructor will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative should the request be reasonable and an alternative be made available. If you feel that the instructor has not been reasonable or not shown you due respect or been impolite then make them aware of the offending attitude during the session. Every attempt will be made to rectify the issue or the instructor will offer a reason for their attitude. For instance, it is sometimes necessary for an instructor to raise their voice and issue a command if they feel that a participant maybe in danger or they are exhibiting dangerous behaviour. If you are not satisfied with an explanation then email Vale Paddle Sports with a description of the incident, outlining what you found unacceptable and Vale Paddle Sports will review the incident. Should the Instructor be found to have been unreasonable or impolite then an apology with full or partial refund maybe be offered.
Breakages: All equipment is subject to reasonable wear and tear that clients will not be responsible for nor be required to pay additionally for. However, if an accident or loss of equipment occurs due to client negligence then you will be asked to pay in full or part for a replacement or repair. For instance, instructors always give clear guide lines to how equipment should be handled to minimise damage. If damage to equipment should occur subsequent to these instructions then clients will be asked to pay in full or part for repairs or replacement. Typically, this would be £25 for lost or damaged SUP fins up to the cost of a replacement boat or board should they be damaged by client negligence. Repairs costs will be forwarded to clients via email with a full breakdown of costs and a description of repairs undertaken. Clients have 7 days to respond should they wish to question any aspect of the repair invoice.
Helmets: Head protection will be offered during a session but is not mandatory unless the instructor requests that you wear a helmet. For any session that takes part close to, around or in the water at the docks then helmets are not part of the requisite equipment - however, they are available upon request and you will be offered one prior to a session. Helmets are usually required during our sea kayak or rescue courses where the conditions can be more challenging.
