FAQs

6.       Do I need to have personal insurance?

The Charity holds Public Liability Insurance. Participants’ own equipment, loss or personal injury is not insured at any time..

7.       Do I need to book and pay online?

The online WebCollect booking and payment system that is linked to our website is our preferred method payment. If however, you do not wish to use this system you should email the course leader to discuss the options available and to ensure that a place is held for you.

8.       I have special needs, will this affect me?

Paddlers with additional needs are welcomed onto our courses. Obviously the level of assistance required needs to discussed prior to booking on the course to make sure that we have the necessary facilities and voluntary staff available to work with you. In the past we have worked with a number of disabilities including partial sighted paddlers. Should you be unable to cope with the session we would discuss alternative arrangements with you.

9.       Do I need to shower or wash after the activity?

The River Thames water quality whilst good is not absolutely clean and it is recommended that you shower after every canoeing activity and before eating any food. Any minor cuts should be covered and re-cleaned afterwards. If you have more significant injuries you may need to consider avoiding getting them wet to avoid any infections taking place. If you find yourself suffering from flu like symptoms with sickness we suggest you contact your Doctor and say you have been in the river and mention Weil’s Disease.

10.       What should I wear to take part in canoeing and will I get wet?

Whilst the course you are booked on may not involve in the water activities it is recommended that you should always come prepared for any accidental capsizes that may take place. When the course starts you should be told when the wet activities are planned. It is recommended that you wear:

• Wet suit type shoes or similar that are securely fitted (not clumpy large trainers)
• Leggings / trousers (not cotton jean or shell suit type materials) with optionally a wind proof waterproof over trousers for warmth.
• Several thin thermal layers (not cotton) with a waterproof type cagoule over jacket for warmth
• Think can I swim in what I am wearing …you will however, be wearing a buoyancy aid at all times.
• Plastic bag suitable for initially placing your dry clothes and towel in and then any wet clothes for returning home.

11.      Should I be able to swim and if so how far?

For the Basic 1 Star Award the guidelines are you should be water confident and ideally be able to swim (but not essential). For the 2 Star Award you should be able to swim 25m wearing a buoyancy aid. Courses including the Foundation Safety and Rescue course states that you should be able to swim in normal paddling clothing for the prevailing conditions.

12.      I wish to use my own equipment including canoe, is this okay?

Speak to the course leader and describe what you wish to use. If the equipment is not of the required standard we reserve the right not to allow it to be used. In the majority of instances this is not an issue, especially with newer and well maintained equipment, including clothing, canoes, spray decks and paddles.

13.      If there are only a few booked on the course will it get cancelled?

Some courses require a minimum number of paddlers to be able to run. If the numbers are too low then an alternative course will be offered and/or a refund provided. Generally, courses can be adequately adapted to cope with mixed ability so we are confident that this should not be an issue for you.

14.      What if the course I want is already fully booked?

If the course you would like is fully booked please contact the course leader and register your interest. You may need to wait until the next block of Summer courses (2 blocks x 6 week + 1 block x 7 week) or it may be possible to find vacancies on an alternative evening.

15.      I wish to cancel my booking what do I need to do?

In the first instance speak to the course leader who will try to offer you an alternative date or course. If this is not possible then they will give you the details of our treasurer and arrangements can be made. The terms and conditions of your booking provide further details on the fee that may be charged (click here).

16.      What time should I arrive for my course?

It is recommended that on the first evening of the course you arrive 15  minutes before the start to allow time for your payment to be checked, medical forms reviewed and to change into your activity gear. On subsequent weeks this can be reduced once you are familiar with the booking-in process.

17.      I understand that everyone needs to complete a medical form, how do I get one?

Everyone is required to submit a completed and signed medical form that can be obtained from the website (click here). If you are under 18 years of age your parent / guardian is required to sign the form.

18.      I wish to take part in some trips, how can I find out about when they are?

A range of trips are run throughout the year and are listed on our website homepage and calendar (click here) as well as on our Facebook page (click here).

19.      I have heard about the Trips Planning Meetings what happens at these meetings?

The group of leaders and coaches run a Trips Planning meeting held every two/three months who review past canoeing events and plan forward trips and week-long mini-expeditions away that you may be interested in. The team are always looking for new ideas or requests for trips and journeys and you can submit requests via email to tripsplanning@adventuredolphin.co.uk

20.      Who is the Charities Welfare Officer and how do I contact them?

Should you need to contact the Charities Welfare officer this can be done one, via the course leader, two by emailing the welfare officer welfare@adventuredolphin.co.uk or three, by calling 0118 440 3038.

21.      Who will be running my courses?

Each course will be run by a qualified British Canoeing Coach who has DBS clearance. Currently all our coaches, instructors and administrators are volunteers.

22.      Can I go along to Sunday Morning paddling as a non-member?

You can go along to the Sunday Morning paddling as a non-member but unlike members a fee will be payable. You will also be required to bring a completed medical form with you. Your fee will cover the cost of canoe / equipment hire. (max 5 visits)

23.      Why do I need a membership card?

To help distinguish who are members from non-members of the Charity membership cards are issued by the membership secretary. If you have not received your card please email: membership@adventuredolphin.co.uk asking for your card. You should bring your card to every Charity event.