Effective: May 01, 2025
By booking with Catawba River Kayaking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms below. This policy supplements the on-site liability release that every participant signs at check-in.
This policy applies to all activities provided by Catawba River Kayaking, including kayak rentals, transportation, equipment rental, guided tours, and lessons.
Kayaking and related water activities involve inherent risks. These include but are not limited to drowning, capsizing, hypothermia, exposure to weather, contact with wildlife, equipment failure, collisions with other watercraft or objects, river currents, submerged hazards, and other unforeseen risks. By booking and participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks, known and unknown, of injury, illness, death, damage, or loss.
You confirm that you are in good physical condition, capable of participating in the activity, and able to swim. You have not been advised against participating in water activities by any medical professional. If you have any condition that may affect your safety on the water, do not book.
Catawba River Kayaking provides all required equipment, including kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD). You agree to:
You are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of any equipment that is damaged or lost due to your negligence, misuse, or failure to follow instructions. Normal wear and tear during proper use is not your responsibility.
You agree not to participate while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any other drug or substance that may impair judgment, balance, or reaction time. Catawba River Kayaking reserves the right to refuse service to any participant who appears impaired, without refund.
You agree to follow all safety instructions and guidance provided by Catawba River Kayaking guides and staff. Failure to comply may result in immediate termination of the activity without refund.
You grant Catawba River Kayaking permission to use any photographs or video recordings taken during your participation for marketing, promotional, social media, and website purposes, without compensation or further notice.
In consideration of being permitted to participate, you, for yourself, your heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, release, waive, and forever discharge Catawba River Kayaking, its owners, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising from or related to your participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Catawba River Kayaking, its owners, employees, agents, and affiliates from any third-party claims, damages, expenses, or liabilities arising from your own actions or negligence during the activity.
Catawba River Kayaking is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property, including phones, sunglasses, keys, wallets, or other items brought to the activity. Items are brought at your own risk. We strongly recommend leaving valuables in a secure location off the water.
In the event of an emergency, you authorize Catawba River Kayaking and its staff to administer first aid and to seek emergency medical treatment on your behalf or on behalf of any minor you are signing for. You are responsible for any medical costs incurred.
Participants must be at least 10 years of age to operate their own kayak. Participants 5 years of age and older may ride with an adult. Any participant under 18 years of age must have this policy and the on-site release signed by a parent or legal guardian, who also agrees to these terms on behalf of the minor.
Catawba River Kayaking reserves the right to delay, modify, or cancel any trip due to weather, river conditions, water levels, lightning, or any other safety concern at our sole discretion. If we cancel a trip due to safety, you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund of the trip fee. We do not issue refunds for participant no-shows, late arrivals, or participant-initiated cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled trip time unless required by law.
You agree to stay within the designated launch, paddling, and take-out areas identified by your guide or by signage. You agree not to trespass on private property along the river or on adjacent land. You assume responsibility for any consequences of leaving the designated area.
You agree to respect the river environment by:
You acknowledge that participating in any group activity involves potential exposure to communicable illness. By booking, you assume this risk and agree not to participate if you are currently ill, knowingly infected, or have been advised to isolate.
This policy is governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.
By checking the agreement box during the booking process and by signing the on-site liability release at check-in, you confirm that you have read this entire policy, understand its terms, understand that you are giving up substantial legal rights, and agree to it freely and voluntarily.
For questions about this policy, contact Catawba River Kayaking before booking.
