Terms and Conditions
Standard Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions for Encounter Cornwall
Welcome to Encounter Cornwall. These Terms and Conditions outline the terms of your booking with us and govern your use of our services. By making a booking or partaking in any of our activities, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
How to Book
To make a Kayak Tour, Kayak Hire booking, SUP lesson, or SUP Tour booking, please use the booking facility on our website. Alternatively, you can contact us via our "Contact Us" page, or email us directly at [email protected] with your enquiry. You can also reach us by phone at 01726 832451 or 07932 469803.
Please note that our kayak trips and hire options are limited in numbers and are therefore subject to availability. School holidays, bank holidays, and weekends tend to be busy, so we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Additionally, parking is limited in Golant, so we encourage guests to car share where possible or arrange to be dropped off.
Payment
We require full payment at the time of booking through our online system. For offline bookings, payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card at our office or over the phone.
Trip Information and Joining Instructions
Upon booking, you will receive confirmation along with information and joining instructions for your trip. This will include directions to our location, details on what to bring, and other useful local information. Once payment has been received and your booking confirmed, we guarantee that no price alterations or surcharges will apply.
Hire Policy
- Kayak Hire: As the Fowey Estuary is tidal, you must assure us that you are proficient in kayaking and know what to do in the event of a capsize. Single kayaks are only recommended for experienced paddlers as they are less stable than doubles. If you are unsure, we advise booking a double kayak and consulting us for further guidance. We reserve the right to cancel any hire booking if we believe your actions could put you or others in danger.
- SUP Hire: Please note that we do not offer SUP equipment for hire.
- Canadian Canoe Hire: Only experienced paddlers or those with prior canoeing experience may hire Canadian canoes. If our instructors do not feel you have the necessary skills, we reserve the right to refuse the hire.
All hires must be returned to the Boatshed by the designated time. Late returns will incur additional charges. There is a STRICT NO ALCOHOL policy for all hires and sessions.
Cancellation and Changes to Bookings
- Cancellation by You: We do not offer refunds for cancellations or reduced numbers of participants. In exceptional cases, we may offer an alternative launch date or a credit note.
- Changes by You: If you reduce your number of participants after booking, payment will be forfeited for the cancelled guests.
- Cancellation by Us: In the event of adverse weather or other uncontrollable circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel a session. If this happens, you will be offered an alternative date, or a credit note valid for one year. We do not offer refunds unless the weather or tide conditions are unsuitable.
Session Timings
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled launch time for a briefing and induction. We are unable to delay launches if you are late, and we do not offer refunds for late arrivals. Sessions are tide and weather-dependent, and late arrivals may result in missed activities, so we strongly advise allowing plenty of time for your arrival.
Insurance and Liability
Encounter Cornwall has public liability insurance with Brunel Insurance, which covers accidents and incidents during your session. This insurance does not cover personal travel or accident insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure you have personal insurance that covers you for outdoor activities, including kayaking and SUP.
Medical Information
If you have any medical conditions that could affect your ability to safely participate in a hire, guided tour, or any session, you must disclose this information to us before booking or prior to the session. All guests must be able to swim at least 50 meters in light clothing with a buoyancy aid. Failure to disclose relevant medical information may result in exclusion from the activity, and we will not be responsible for any consequences.
For participants under the age of 16, or those with specific medical conditions, you must seek approval from a medical professional before taking part.
1.Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, you may partake in activities at your own risk. You must confirm that you are fit and healthy, and are aware of the risks involved, including potential injury to the unborn child. Only experienced paddlers are advised to participate while pregnant.
Under 16’s and Schools
Encounter Cornwall holds an AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) license, enabling us to guide those aged 16-18 on water-based activities without a parent or guardian present. We require signed consent from both parents/guardians and the school/organisation for participants under the age of 18. Please contact us for more information.
Damage to Equipment
We have invested in high-quality equipment for all our sessions and hire. It is your responsibility to care for the equipment. Any damage, loss, or neglect of equipment will result in charges for replacement at the current market value.
Consent for Photography and Film
By participating in activities with Encounter Cornwall, you consent to the use of any photographs or video recordings taken during your session. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify us prior to your session.
Privacy
We respect your privacy and will not share your personal information with any third parties unless required by law.
Launch Location
Our hire launch and return point is located at The Boatshed, Golant, PL23 1LW. We will inform you if there are any changes.
Client Safety
For safety reasons, all participants must follow the instructions of our guides and instructors. Failure to do so, or if we feel that your skill level is insufficient to safely participate in the activity, may result in exclusion from the session. Encounter Cornwall is not responsible for any injuries or damages that occur due to your failure to comply with safety instructions.
Changes by Us
We reserve the right to modify or cancel any session due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or instructor availability. In the event of a cancellation, we will contact you directly to offer an alternative session date, or a credit note for future use.
Acknowledgment of Terms
By completing a booking online, you automatically agree to these Terms and Conditions. If booking offline, a signature is required to confirm your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Please note: If booking for a group, please ensure all attendees have been made aware of these Terms and Conditions. For schools, community groups, and under-18 participants, you confirm you have obtained written consent from the parents/guardians and will provide a list of participants along with any pertinent medical information prior to the session.
Thank you for choosing Encounter Cornwall! We look forward to guiding you on your adventure. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at [email protected].