TERMS & CONDITIONS OF HIRE

1. Hirer’s Obligations

A. The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that each member of the party is fully aware of the risks associated with participation, that they do so at their own risk, and that they are aware of health and safety issues involved.

C. They must disclose any medical conditions from which they or any other member of their booking suffer from including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease etc;

D. Ensure all members in their group listen and adhere to the safety briefing about the risks involved, prior to your launch.

E. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by someone 18+, the youngest allowed passenger is 4 years or +15kg to fit smallest lifejackets we have.

F. Although we do not mandate the need to swim we do ask the Hirer to apply the simple test “would they be happy leaving their passengers to fend for themselves in the water?”

G. Ensure a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 people in a canoe – this can be made up of 2 adults with 2 children or 3 adults with no children. A total weight limit of 40 stone per canoe cannot be exceeded.

2. 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. Be responsible for losses of, or damage to, the equipment, 3rd parties or 3rd party property caused by their own fault and will be charged in full for any such loss or damage after the end of their hire period.

C. 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.

D. 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.

E. Ensure all participants wear a buoyancy aid at all times whilst on the river.

F. No Fishing unless with the appropriate licence.

G. Leave no 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.

H. Under no circumstances leash their dog to the canoe, or any other object within the canoe.

3. Loss or Damage

A. 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.

B. We can require a security deposit before the hire, which will be returned within 48 working hours after safe return of the hired equipment either by a refund on the Hirer’s card or by cheque.

C. 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.

4. Breach

A. 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.

5. Bookings

A. Cost of Hire must be paid for in full at time of booking. Bookings are made only once full payment has been received.

B. 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 cancel or re-scheduled your trip.

C. Late Returns: Penalty charges will be applied for boats that are late back without prior arrangement. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, you are running behind schedule, please call.

6. Cancellations

A. Hire on the day is subject to safe river and weather conditions. We are unable to allow customers to canoe when flood warnings are determined by the Environment Agency for insurance reasons. If a postponement of your hire is deemed necessary by Pulborough Paddles, 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 less a £15 administration fee per canoe.

7. Disclaimer

A. 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.

B. We accept no responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage to your personal belongings.

C. 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.

8. 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.