Terms and Conditions

1. ( Party Leader) of the agreement is responsible for ensuring that each member of the party is fully aware of the risk when participating in a canoeing activity, that they participate at their own risk, and that they are aware of health and safety issues involved. Additionally each member of the party must be individually named on the agreement.

2. Risks: Change in air temperature, water temperature, wind speed, requires significant physical effort, capsizes, boat entrapment and personal injury cannot be excluded.

3. Anyone with a medical history has disclosed to us any medical conditions from which they suffer in respect of asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Anyone that is pregnant or epileptic cannot participate.

4. You will ensure that all people carried in any canoe that forms part of your booking who are affected by a physical, behavioural or mental condition or illness (this includes but is not limited to:loss of limb, immobility, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, allergy, partially blind ) have sought medical advice and that you have informed us in the booking process and noted in the additional comments.

5. You will ensure that all people carried in any canoe that forms part of your booking who have an impairment of sight or hearing likely to affect safety have sought expert advice and that you have informed us in the booking process and noted in the additional comments advice given prior to the trip.

6. The test we ask parents to apply is,’ would you be happy leaving one child to fend for themselves in the water?’

7. A canoe must have at least 2 people in it. The maximum is 3 – which could be with 1 or 2 adults with 2 children. The maximum number of adults is 3 (with no children). There is a weight limit to each craft of 40 stone or 254 Kgs.

8. The minimum age of children is 4 years old

9. Any person 14 years of age or younger will be supervised by an adult on a ratio of 1:1.

10. It is at the discretion of the Directors & Staff of River Wye Canoe Hire as to whether to allow an adult/adults with a 4 year old to paddle in a single canoe. We reserve the right to cancel/amend the booking upon registration. However if circumstances permit we may be able to offer an upgrade to a family rafted canoe on the day or offer to reschedule/amend the booking to a future date

11. Children 15 and above could be supervised 1 adult to 2 in some situations, such as both being competent swimmers.

12. You shall keep the goods in your possession and under your control at all times and use the goods only within the area of, and for the purposes of, your trip previously agreed with us.

13. Listen to and adhere to the safety brief given prior to your launch.

14. Loss or damage

You shall be responsible for losses of, or damage to, the goods caused by your own fault and indemnify us appropriately.

15. Consequential damage

16. We accept no responsibility for consequential loss or damage howsoever arising from the letting evidenced by this agreement unless it arises from our negligent act or default.

17. Breach

Should you commit any breach of this agreement we may terminate the agreement and you will no longer be in possession of the Goods with our consent.

18. Cancellation by us

We have the right to cancel or re-schedule bookings at our discretion if adverse weather or water conditions are in force on the day of your booking or leading up to your booking. In the event that we have to cancel your booking due to the conditions being unsuitable, You will be entitled to move Your booking to a future date (subject to availability), put your booking on hold or receive a voucher for the amount paid to date ( a deposit or in full ) that will be valid for 2 years.

19. Cancellation / Termination by you

Once our service provision has started as detailed in the booking confirmation, should a booking be terminated early, before the agreed end time of the hire period no refund will be given.

If any additional Services are required either as part of the hire or as a result of early termination you will pay for these costs.

If you rearrange your booking at the time of cancellation, provided that it is more than 48 hours prior to the date of the original booking. At our discretion we will move your deposit to the new booking and no cancellation fees will be applied.

20. Disclaimer

River Wye Canoe Hire a subsidiary of Ross on Wye Canoe Hire Ltd. We 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 unless that death, personal injury or loss of, or damage to, the goods arises directly from an act of omission on the part of the company, it’s servant or agent.

21. Your safety is paramount to us, and to your enjoyment of your trip.

22. No fishing is allowed unless you have the appropriate permit to fish on the stretch of the river your journey takes you on and a National rod license. No fishing is allowed whatsoever from the canoe itself.

23. Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your allocated launch/transport time, allowing time to be kitted out with buoyancy aids. If you are late, unfortunately we may have to leave without you, meaning your trip may have to be cancelled or rescheduled.

24. Buoyancy Aids must be worn at all times whilst you are canoeing. They must be adjusted to fit correctly prior to your trip as instructed in your briefing on the day. Please note that if you do stop on your journey and your buoyancy aid is removed, you will need to ensure your buoyancy aid is refitted in the same safe manner.

25. Please when leaving the river take all your belongings, buoyancy aids and paddles with you, as these are your responsibility and you will be charged in full if lost or stolen.

26. We operate a zero tolerance to Alcohol. Alcohol should not be consumed prior to your trip. Anyone found under the influence of alcohol or any other substances will not be permitted to hire or participate in the event. We do not allow alcohol to be taken on your trip and reserve the right to confiscate it until your return.

27. Dogs

Dogs are welcome. However under no circumstances are they to be leashed in the canoe.

28. River Safety Cover

Please note that there is no safety cover on the river as most trips advertised are self-guided. However, safety cover is in place if the trip is guided. Additionally we are contactable at all times to effect or organise a rescue. Call: 01600 890470.

29. Mobile Phone Coverage

Please be aware that mobile phone coverage on the river is minimal for a lot of the major networks. Hot spots are Kerne Bridge, Lower Lydbrook, Symonds Yat Rock and the lower sections of the Wye Valley.

30. What to wear and spare equipment

Loose lightweight clothing. Footwear – trainers, aqua boots or full sandals. Do not wear wellington boots, flip flops or jeans. Please be aware when the sun is out it will reflect off the water making it very hot , so please dress accordingly to minimise risk of heat stroke and sunburn. Also weather conditions can change very quickly on your journey. We always recommend that you bring a full change of clothes.

31. Do bring

Fluids, snacks or picnic, especially if you are not planning to stop off at a pub en-route.

High factor sunscreen is highly recommended.

32. Do not bring

Expensive jewellery. Watches, cameras, video cameras ETC if not waterproof. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to any of your effects.

33. Rubbish

As per the countryside code please protect the countryside and wildlife by not leaving rubbish on the river banks or by dropping it in the river. Bring it back with you and we will dispose of it for you.