Terms and Conditions

By booking with Sandeman Outdoors you are in agreement with the terms and conditions listed below.

Understanding of Risk & Participation Statement

Participating in paddlesports, safety and rescue training, and outdoor activities involves an inherent element of risk. By booking with Sandeman Outdoors, you acknowledge that kayaking, canoeing, and associated activities are physically exerting and take place in potentially hazardous environments where minor injuries, and in severe cases, serious accidents can occur without any negligence from the Company.

 Activities are conducted on a "Challenge by Choice" basis. Participants will be presented with challenges appropriate to the course, but the ultimate decision to attempt them rests with the individual. You agree to follow all safety instructions given by staff and take reasonable responsibility for your own safety.

 Liability, Insurance, and Governing Law

Sandeman Outdoors is not liable for loss or damage to personal property (including but not limited to phones, cameras, watches, paddles, and boats) or for personal injury or death, except where such loss or injury is caused by the proven negligence of the Company.

 We strongly recommend participants take out their own personal injury and third-party liability insurance. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of its courts.

 Under 18s and Guardianship Policy

Sandeman Outdoors does not operate under an AALA licence for independent youth groups. Therefore, our supervision policy is strict:

 All participants under the age of 18 must have a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to the activity.

A parent or legal guardian must remain on-site (or on the water with the group, if applicable) for the entire duration of the session. * Failure to provide a supervising adult on-site will result in immediate cancellation of the minor's participation without a refund.

 Disclosure of Medical Conditions & Additional Needs

To ensure safety and inclusivity, any medical conditions, injuries, or additional needs must be disclosed at the time of booking, or declared to the lead instructor before the session begins. These include, but are not limited to: heart conditions, breathing issues/asthma, joint or spinal problems, vision issues, allergies, dizziness, or recent surgeries. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate disabilities or additional needs; please contact us prior to booking to discuss adjustments.

 Equipment (Own Kit vs. Provided Kit)

Using Your Own Kit: You are entirely responsible for your own equipment during a course. Sandeman Outdoors reserves the right to deem any personal equipment unsafe or inappropriate for the activity.

 Company Kit: If you are provided with equipment by us, you are responsible for looking after it. Sandeman Outdoors reserves the right to recover the costs of repair or replacement for any damage or loss caused by a participant’s carelessness or deliberate misuse.

Course Fees, Access Fees, and Certification

Our course fees cover guiding and coaching instruction only. Unless expressly stated in your booking confirmation, course fees do not include:

  • Venue access fees or parking charges.

  • Transport- Transport is not included in the course unless expressly included in the description or pre-course information. Please be prepared to help with shuttles with other participants on the course.

 Late Arrivals and Early Departures

Participants are expected to arrive at the specified meeting time. Sessions involve vital safety briefings; if you arrive late, the session may begin without you, and you may not be able to participate in the course. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for late arrivals or if a participant chooses to leave a session early.

Participant Conduct, Alcohol, and Drugs

We reserve the right to refuse participation or expel any individual whose conduct is disruptive, puts themselves or others at risk, or who fails to follow safety instructions. Strict sobriety is required; anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be immediately excluded. In the event of exclusion due to conduct, no refund or credit will be issued, and we are not liable for any resulting travel or accommodation costs.

Cancellation or Alteration by Sandeman Outdoors

Outdoor activities are subject to the unpredictable nature of weather and water levels. Instructors dynamically risk-assess conditions. If a venue or river level becomes unsafe, the instructor may alter the venue to fit the spirit of the course, or cancel the session entirely. If we must cancel a course due to safety or unforeseen circumstances, we will offer to rearrange the dates or provide a full refund.

Cancellation by the Client

If you need to cancel your booking, you must inform us as soon as possible.

Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the course start time will receive a full refund.

 Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time will incur a 50% course fee charge, unless a medical certificate or suitable extenuating reason is provided.

Media, Photography, and Data Protection

Media: Instructors may take photos or videos during activities for group sharing and promotional/marketing purposes (website and social media). If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform your instructor on the day. You can request the removal of any online media featuring you at any time.

Data Protection: Sandeman Outdoors processes personal data (names, medical forms, contact details) in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Medical data is held securely, accessed only by necessary staff for safety purposes, and shared only with emergency medical personnel if required.

Complaints and Appeals

We want you to have an incredible experience. If you have an issue, please contact us immediately so we can resolve it. For Paddle UK assessments, if you wish to appeal a grading decision, you will be directed to the official Paddle UK appeals procedure. Please contact us as soon as possible to initiate this.

 Before engaging in any activity with us please ensure you have read and agreed to these terms and conditions. Should you need to discuss anything with us further please do so as soon as possible.