Notes for participants
- No responsibility is implied nor will be
accepted by NWSK for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions in the information
contained on this website. Don't make assumptions about the level of expertise
of the leader, the only thing you can assume is that the 'leader' of the trip
is not responsible for your absolute safety but is simply planning a journey
that they believe is within their own personal experience. It maybe that they
are not skilled to deal with deteriorating conditions where several beginners
cannot cope with a difficult surf landing, it's up to you as a participant to
determine whether the trip is suitable for you BEFORE you launch.
- Tour Organisers act as a contact point for
paddlers who are interested in paddling in a stated area. Organisers do not
accept responsibility for other paddlers or for instructing them as part of
the trip. These are NOT guided trips run by qualified instructors. If you are
unsure whether a particular trip is suitable for you then contact the
organiser and ask, be honest about your experience and ability.
- You are responsible for your own safety, all
paddling equipment, suitable camping equipment, food, travel etc. We assume
that you have checked the weather forecast just prior to the trip and are
suitably equipped for the trip, (by all means contact us for advice). We
recommend that every paddler should carry, as a minimum, a 1st aid kit, food &
drink and spare dry clothes, survival bag and map. Flares, towlines and the
more technical equipment will be by personal choice and experience.
- Although it is not absolutely necessary to
contact the organiser in advance, it certainly helps to know who is likely to
turn up so that decisions whether to cancel or meet in a different place can
be made and allow others to be informed. (remember that last minute
attempts to contact the organiser may not work if they are unable to pick up a
signal on their mobile!)
- The organiser may change or cancel the trip
depending on weather conditions or personal circumstance, if you haven't
indicated to the organiser your intention to take part then don't be surprised
if no-one is at the originally planned launch site!.
- A trip may well be cancelled/changed because
the 'leader' is unsure about the appropriateness of the trip, don't complain
since this is a group formed purely by a contact/message-board. We are not a
training club, so just accept the decision and/or discuss it with the leader
as a group to come to a sensible decision.
- As a participant in any trip you ALSO accept
responsibility to the group, please consider that the group may well have
discussed a plan for the day, individuals joining the group for the first time
then 'doing their own thing' without communicating with the leader(s) may put
the leader in serious difficulty especially if the group has split up. We have
no problem with individuals doing their own thing but please talk to the
leader first.
- If the sea and weather conditions are poor you
may be asked about your experience in such conditions. It may be that the
conditions and your experience are not suitable and on the grounds of safety,
you will be advised not to partake in a particular trip. We aim have a
nominated leader for every trip who will be responsible for the group whilst
on the water (within the limitations outlined at the top of the page). If you
don't know who the leader is then ask, it maybe that the rest of the group
know each other so well that there may not be a leader as such, it's up to you
to ask and let the others know if you feel slightly anxious about the trip,
someone is bound to offer a guiding hand! The leader may well not be the trip
organiser but will be the person with the most experience or knowledge of the
area.
Contact