Terms & Conditions

River Medway Canoes Terms & Conditions of Hire for Canoes, Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards

1. Before Hiring

A. The Hirer must complete the Hire Agreement form before taking possession of any equipment or starting any hire.
B. For Groups, each member of the group should sign the Hire Agreement ensuring that each member of the party is fully aware of the risks and health and safety issues involved, any person under the age of 18 must be signed on behalf of by a parent or guardian.
C. All group members must be individually named on the Hire Agreement and each must affirm:
D. Their acceptance of the terms of the “Hire Agreement” and the “Hirer’s
Obligations” (Section 4, below);
E. That they have disclosed any medical conditions from which they suffer in respect of asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease;
F. That the hazards and safety rules have been explained to them by River Medway Canoes, and that they are clearly understood.

2. General

The ‘Company’ is River Medway Canoes. The ’Hirer’ is any person or company who hires or has agreed to hire Equipment from the Company. ‘Equipment’ means items provided by the Company detailed on the “Hire Agreement”, upon the terms and conditions set out in the agreement.

3. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

Hirer’s booking by telephone or online will be deemed to have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions of Hire outlined above and below:

4. Hirer’s Obligations

A. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in their canoe.
B. Youngest allowed passenger is 5 years, all children aged 5 to be accompanied by 1 adult, children 10-18 to be accompanied by one adult.
C. Children and adults participate subject to a correctly fitted buoyancy aid.
D. A minimum of 2 people must paddle a Canadian canoe.

E.  A Maximum paddler weight is 18st.

5. The Hirer Agrees To:

A. Keep the Equipment in their possession and under their control at all times and use the Equipment only within the area of, and for the purposes of, their trip as previously agreed with the Company.
B. Allow a Company representative access to the Equipment at all reasonable times, for the purpose of inspecting, repairing or removing the Equipment.
C. Be responsible for losses of, or damage to, the Equipment caused by their own fault and will be charged in full for any such loss or damage at the end of their hire period.
D. Not sell, sub-let, or dispose of the Equipment, and will indemnify the company against all losses, costs, claims, damage and expenses howsoever occasioned by their breach of these conditions.
E. Alcohol can only be carried for overnight trips. Consumption of alcohol in boats is prohibited and any Hirer caught consuming alcohol within their boat will be in breach of the hire agreement. Anyone who appears under the influence of drink or drugs will not be allowed on our boats. The final decision is ours.
F. Hirer’s should act in a reasonable manner and respect other river users. Any unruly behaviour may result in the Hirer’s agreement being terminated, any damage caused by unruly behaviour will be charged for.
G. All participants must wear a buoyancy aid at all times whilst on the river.
H. No Fishing allowed unless with the appropriate licence.
I.  Participants are to beach/ moor and picnic at suitable permissive areas

6. Maintenance

The Company confirms that all Equipment hired will be in a full working condition, provided that the Hirer has abided by all their obligations outlined above.

7. Loss or Damage

The Hirer assumes complete responsibility for loss of or damage to the Hire Equipment (other than fair wear or tear) from the time the Hirer takes possession of the equipment.

8. Breach

Any breach of this agreement on the Hirer’s part may result in the termination of the Agreement without any refund and the continued possession of the Equipment will be without the consent of the Company and authorities may be contacted.

9. Bookings

All bookings made via the website require full prepayment in advance.

10. Travel

Hirer is responsible for arranging and paying for own parking and travel arrangements.

11. Cancellations

A. Hire on the day is subject to safe river and weather conditions. River Medway Canoes are unable to allow customers to canoe red boards as determined by the Environment Agency for insurance reasons. If a postponement of your hire is deemed necessary by River Medway Canoes, we will give you as much notice as possible and we will offer you alternative dates. Under these circumstances only, and if no convenient alternative date can be agreed, any monies paid will be fully refunded. We are not liable for any losses incurred to clients due to cancellation of trips.

B. Cancellations made by the Hirer within 14 days of the first day of hire will be charged 50% of the hire charge. If cancellation is made by the Hirer within 48 hours of the start of the booking then the Hire Costs will be charged in full.
Cancellations made by the Hirer outside 14 days of the first day of hire will be refunded in full.

12. Weather Policy

Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding is an all-weather outdoor activity and with the great British weather, if we closed every time it rained, we would never be open. However, if we deem the conditions to be too dangerous, we will not allow your trip to go ahead. If there are high winds, high river levels, lightning, too cold or a combination of all of them, we will notify you at our earliest opportunity and we will offer you alternative dates or a gift voucher valid for 1 year.

River Medway Canoes does not offer a refund for rainy days, we do however offer a free reschedule service enabling you to re-book your trip within 12 months of your original planned trip, at no extra cost. So, if it is raining and miserable on your original booking date and do not fancy it that day, we can reschedule you to another date of your choice.

13. Disclaimer

The Company will not be liable for any death, personal injury, or loss of or damage to goods arising out of the hire of any items by them.

River Medway Canoes does not have any responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage to your personal belongings. You should be aware that any water resistant containers supplied by us are not guaranteed to be waterproof. Therefore you should not rely on the water resistant containers that we supply to keep your property dry, and you accept that you are taking your personal property on to the river at your own risk.

14. Changes

We reserve the right to make amendments to these Terms and Conditions without notice. The full and latest version of our Terms and Conditions are on our website.