Hire Terms

Please familiarise yourself with our club documents.

Our Commitment

Our priority remains the health and well-being of our members. We are committed to ensuring that all of our members are aware of the current restrictions and work together to ensure any club activities only take place in as safe an environment as possible.

We are taking all reasonable precautions to help suppress the Covid-19 virus and act in accordance with all relevant legislation and government guidance to maintain our Duty of Care to you as a Club member at all times.

Hire Consent and Declarations in regards to controlling the spread of Covid-19

  • I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Club’s any Club guidance, communications, or policies related to Covid-19.
  • I confirm that I will adhere to Government and Public Health England guidelines whilst attending the Club, partaking in Club activities or Hiring Club Equipment
  • I understand that I am required to book online for any equipment hire
  • I understand that I am required to book online for any club activities and that I should read, understand and agree to the latest published event booking terms before attending.
  • I confirm that, if I require to arrange collection of any kit or equipment, that arrangements will only go ahead, if I have not displayed any Covid-19 symptoms or to the best of my knowledge been in close contact with someone who has displayed symptoms in the last 14 days
  • I understand that currently hiring of club kit or equipment should be done exclusively on a per person basis and at no point should it be shared or handled with anyone outside of the household during the hire period with the exception or collection or return
  • I understand that I may be requested to hire for a minimum of 14 days (potentially longer if government restrictions result in a club closure) this is to minimise the frequency of transporting equipment between households
  • If I am required to self isolate and due to return the equipment, I should make this known as early as possible by emailing [email protected] so the hire period can be extended and downstream hirers can be appropriately informed
  • Avoid equipment-sharing as much as possible
  • Limit handling of the same equipment during the same session
  • Regularly wash/sanitise equipment between uses
  • Encourage that equipment is taken home by those using it or hiring it to wash between sessions and avoid one person taking everything
  • I have sought answers to any and all questions I have regarding the Club’s position on Covid-19 from the relevant Club officials.

Hire Consent and Declarations regarding Data and Information

  • I understand that all members are responsible for ensuring their own information is accurate and up to date, as it might be required by the by the committee to contact me about use of any club assets. (You can view and edit your details in my account > profile and settings)
  • I agree that the information about hire may be held digitally online and may be used in the administration of the Club
  • I confirm that I have detailed to the best of my knowledge any temporary changes to my health, disabilities, medication and medical conditions in my account and that any recent changes shall be made known to the club committee members before continuing further use of the equipment

Hire Consent and Declarations regarding Club Activity

  • I understand that club activities (sessions, trips, events, etc.) are only considered as those promoted through our official website www.bvcc.org.uk as outlined by the Authenticity Statement

Hire Consent and Declarations regarding Eligibility

  • I understand that in order to hire equipment and use it outside of club activities I require to hold one of the clubs paid membership levels and that I should also have read and understood the membership terms
  • I understand that new starters / non members membership level and affiliate membership levels are not eligible to hire equipment for use outside of club activities

Hire Consent and Declarations regarding Liabilities

  • Although wear and tear is inevitable, the club cannot be held responsible for any damage resulting from inappropriate use of club equipment
  • I understand I am responsible for the craft during the hiring period and that I am therefore liable to cover up to the full cost to repair or replace the equipment as necessary in the event of damage, theft or loss
  • I understand that the club reserves the right to hold any deposits or request additional payment as necessary in the event of damage, theft or loss.
  • On collection of kit or equipment as the start of the hire period I am responsible for checking and reporting any damage to [email protected].
  • On return of kit or equipment at the end of the hire period I am responsible for checking and reporting any damage to [email protected].
  • I understand that if I choose to use club kit or equipment for anything that is not a club activity
    • I am responsible for ensuring I have the appropriate waterways licence
    • I am also responsible for ensuring I hold boat insurance for the equipment or have sufficient means to cover the costs of repair or replacement 
    • I am liable, responsible and accountable for my own planning and safety and that of my child or children

Hire Consent and Declarations regarding use of Club Kit and Equipment

  • I understand I should follow the clean, check, dry for equipment I use to prevent aquatic plants and animals being transported on the equipment to other locations
  • Hire of any kit or equipment is exclusively for club activity and recreational use and at no point should any kit or equipment be used for any commercial purposes.
  • Equipment should be returned on or before the last day of the hire period unless there has been prior written consent from a committee official extending the hire period, the club reserves the right to hold any deposits for any equipment not returned on time
  • All equipment hires should be made and authorised through the online hire booking 
  • Club equipment should be stored securely and protected from theft, for example 
    • Crafts that are remaining on a car that will be left unattended, should be adequately secured to the car roof 
    • Crafts that are left at home unattended, should be either stored in a locked shed/garage, indoors or secured and locked to a suitable permanent fixture or post if in the garden
  • Club equipment should be looked after as if it were your own and care taken to ensure it remains in a serviceable condition for other users.

Hire Consent and Declarations regarding Safety and Good Practice 

  • I understand that if I don’t already hold an appropriate safety qualification(s) I am required to complete the British Canoeing Introduction to Paddlesports eLearning and watch the following British Canoeing Safety Video
  • I understand when using any club kit or equipment that I am expected to wear a buoyancy aid at all times whilst on or within 1m of the waters edge in an outdoor setting, the only exception being Stand up Paddle Boards, when the hirer can provide sufficient evidence or training in safe use of an appropriate leash (i.e. ankle or quick release for white water) 
  • It is advisable to paddle in a group size of at least 2
  • Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult on their trip when using club kit or equipment 
  • I understand that participant(s) are responsible for ensuring provisions are packed such as food, water and snacks and that there is a suitable dry bag to place it in for any activity 
  • I understand that participant(s) are responsible for ensuring provisions of suitable clothing and waterproofs for the weather and intended activities
  • I understand that if I choose to use club kit or equipment for anything that is not a club activity
    • I am liable, responsible and accountable for my own planning and safety and that of my child or children
    • I am required to take due care to adequately plan the location, distance and assess local conditions before undertaking any activity
    • I am responsible for ensuring I carry a means to call for help and alert friends and family of any planned activities, start and finish times
    • I should hold appropriate safety qualification(s) or be accompanied by someone who does, for the environments paddled using club equipment
    • It is recommended to hold a relevant paddling award or have equivalent experience or shall be accompanied by someone who does, for the environments in which I or my child or children paddle
    • It is recommended to hold a relevant coach or leadership qualification or shall be accompanied by someone who does, for the environments in which I or my child or children paddle

Planning  Your Own Activities – Need Help?

As a club we aim to support our members towards becoming safe independent paddlers. We recommend everyone builds up experience gradually, starting with shorter distances in sheltered environments before considering longer and more adventurous activities.

While we do offer training through our club activities outside of this, we also welcome our members to request support from club officials, experienced coaches and leaders. Members can request help for reviewing their planning or even ask our community of paddlers for an experienced team member to accompany them on a journey they have planned. 

Although not exhaustive, we have listed just a few websites and tools that may help planning your own paddling trip or journey. 

Remember even with planning in place, you must always take care to review on the day risks and conditions before attempting your activity and that it is sensible to make a decision not to paddle if anything you observe appears unsuitable or unsafe including any equipment, clothing, river conditions, weather