What to wear

Wear comfortable clothes, layers are always a good idea. Avoid jeans!

Comfortable footwear that are secured to your feet. No wellington boots or flip flops!

Bring a warm/windproof jacket or a fleece with you.

What to bring

Water – Water/refreshments are available to buy in our reception.

Suncream – Water Reflects 100% of UV light, you can burn easily on a warm day.

Food – A light snack for a half day trip or maybe a picnic if you are having a full day adventure!

A warm fleece or jacket just in case!

Make sure you bring a towel and a change of clothes to leave in your vehicle…

A mobile phone is not essential but is a good idea to take with you, this is at your own risk and discretion.

Are Dogs Welcome?

Well behaved dogs are more than welcome providing there is space in the canoe.

Please be aware though that dogs are a major cause of capsize. Small dogs/ puppies in particular, are extremely vulnerable to cold water immersion. Medium /large dogs can also make canoes unstable. Large dogs are not advised.

We do not provide dog buoyancy aids. We ask that you remove the dogs lead whist you are on the water.

All dogs are taken at your own risk!

I’m on my own. Can I hire a canoe or kayak?

Unfortunatley we are unable to hire to solo individuals

Is There a Weight Limit?

Canadian Canoes
There is a maximum number of small 3 Adults in any one canoe. Total weight limit is 35 stone/222kg Individual weight limit 17 stone/108kg

Single Sit in/sit on top kayaks
Weight limit 16 stone/ 102 kg

What is the Minimum Age?

Depending on the temperatures and weather conditions we allow children over the age of 4. Providing they correctly fit one of our Child’s Buoyancy Aids.

Can we stop off for lunch?

On a full day trip you are able to stop for lunch, either a picnic or maybe a pub lunch. On a half day trip you will not have time for anything more than a snack, you should have lunch either before or after your trip.

We’ve never done it before. Can we go?

Canadian Canoes and sit on top kayaks require no previous experience. Sit in kayaks however will only be hired to those who have had previous kayaking experience and those we deem competent. There is a 25 metre swimming requirement in kayaks and unrafted canoes.

If you are not confident about undertaking a river trip then an hours hire is a great place to start!

Is there somewhere to park?

There is a pay and display car park situated next to us. The machine will ony accept pound coins.

Do we need to book?

Ideally yes! Email booking is best . We do get very busy particularly at weekends . But you can always turn up to our riverside centre and we will do our best to get you out onto the river if at all possible.

Booking

Booking by email is preffered.

Clients booking by telephone will be deemed to have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions.

We require a 25% deposit when you make your booking to secure the booking. This payment is non-refundable and in the event of you cancelling your booking, will be used as a cancellation fee to cover administrative costs.

All bookings are treated as provisional until the deposit payment has cleared.

Appropriate Adult

There must be an appropriate adult over the age of 18 years in each group. The appropriate adult is responsible for ensuring that each member of the group is aware of and agrees to these Terms and Conditions.

The appropriate adult, upon receiving the hired equipment, also accepts full responsibility for any loss or damage to our equipment or to any third party’s equipment up to the value of replacement.

Hiring of Equipment

All equipment should be returned in the same condition as when hired. You will be charged the cost of replacement/repair of any damaged equipment. We reserve the right to charge for the late return of equipment.

Liability

We recognize that outdoor adventurous activities can be inherently dangerous with a danger of personal injury or death attached. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. By accepting these Terms and Conditions you are confirming that you are aware of this and accept the risks associated with these activities.

Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any personal injury or death. However, nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall affect the statutory rights of any client or exclude or restrict any liability for death or personal injury arising from the negligence of Symonds Yat Canoe Hire Ltd.

By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions you accept that Symonds Yat Canoe Hire Ltd 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 water proof. 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.

Weather

Canoe hire on the day is subject to river levels and weather conditions.

If cancellation of your canoe hire is necessary due to adverse weather/river conditions we try our best to give you as much notice as possible but please be aware that these conditions can change very quickly and late cancellation is sometimes unavoidable. We will try to offer you an alternative date or refund any monies already paid.

If we have to cancel your trip because of high river levels or adverse weather conditions we do so for your safety and these decisions are non negotiable.

Physical Effort

All canoe hire involves physical effort, which at times may be more than you are used to. This may involve stamina or physical strength. If you have medical conditions or injures, past or present, which may make some activities ill advised you should make us aware of them. Rest assured however, that we can accommodate almost anyone provided we know about the condition.

Safety Equipment

You MUST wear the safety equipment that we provide at all times. If you do not wear the appropriate safety equipment the canoe hire will be terminated immediately. Under these circumstances you will not be entitled to a refund.

Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Alcohol / illegal substances should not be consumed before commencing or during canoe hire. Anyone under the influence, will not be permitted to hire our equipment. The canoe hire will be terminated immediately. Under these circumstances you will not be entitled to a refund.

Special Needs

We want you to get the most from your canoe hire with us and therefore we need to know any special requirements at the time of booking, for example if you or a member of your group suffers from a disability so that we can seek to accommodate them.

Right to Terminate

We reserve the right to terminate a booking in the event of unreasonable conduct, which is likely to cause distress, damage or danger to other clients, employees or any third party. This includes a failure to disclose any serious medical condition or disability. Should any of the above occur, our cancellation policy applies.