Kayak and Paddleboard Hire at it's Best in the UK's First National Marine Park!

Before we can authorise your launch on your kayaking or paddleboarding trip, there are some rules and requirements that must be met and satisfied.

 PERSONAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS  

1. All renters of kayaks or paddleboards from TK Watersports MUST be able to swim at least 50 metres and wear suitable clothing for paddling and wear the  required buoyancy aids supplied, always whilst on the water. 

2. All renters of kayaks and paddleboards from TK Watersports MUST only use the equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, paddles, leashes, buoyancy aids, seats, dry  bags etc.) supplied by TK Watersports for that rental. 

3. All kayaking and paddleboarding with the equipment supplied by TK  Watersports MUST be carried out with utmost safety in mind, not paddling  beyond your own limitations, not paddling in a dangerous manner, following all instructions given by TK Watersports staff, harbour authorities, coastguard, RNLI or other authorised persons. 

4. All kayaking and paddleboarding MUST be undertaken in a minimum group size of three persons (on three separate kayaks / paddleboards). 

WEATHER REQUIREMENTS  

5. Wind speeds and wind gusts for all rentals MUST NOT exceed a forecasted 15kph or a moderate breeze. If the wind speed increases, then all paddlers  MUST return to their launch point immediately or upon being instructed to do so. TK Watersports and our staff reserve the right to cancel the rental due to excessive winds and gusts. 

6. Visibility MUST be always clear with no mist or fog forecasted. TK Watersports and our staff reserve the right to cancel the rental due to poor visibility. 

7. Bad Weather – light drizzle or light rain showers does not preclude paddling if visibility is not impaired, or wind speed is below 15kph with no gusts. NO  PADDLING MUST TAKE PLACE IF CB CLOUD IS PRESENT OR THERE IS A THRET  OF THUNDERSTORMS. 

 LOCAL RESTRICTED AREAS AND OTHER  RESTRICTIONS.  

8. Kayakers and paddleboarders MUST NOT paddle within the operating area of  a commercial marina such as Queen Anne’s Battery, Sutton Harbour,  Mayflower Marina etc., unless permission to paddle in that area has been sought. 

9. Kayakers and paddleboarders crossing the shipping lane MUST do so taking a direct route across the shipping lane and only crossing after ensuring that the lane is clear and safe to cross. 

10. Kayakers and paddleboarders MUST NOT paddle in designated swimming areas and must always keep clear of swimmers. 

11. Kayakers and paddleboards MUST NOT launch from or land on any private pontoon, ferry pontoon or other private structure without the permission of the  owner. 

12. Kayakers and paddleboarders, when paddling on the river Tamar north of Commando Beach and South of the Tamar Bridge MUST paddle only on the  western side of the river. NO PADDLING MAY TAKE PLACE ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE RIVER TAMAR NEAR TO THE HM NAVAL BASE AT DEVONPORT.

13. TK Watersports staff will advise during the safety briefing, where the best place to paddle will likely to be on that day, considering the wind, tide and sea  conditions. Refer to the TK Watersports Customer Paddling Card for help. 

ESCORTING NOVICE PADDLERS  

14. All novice paddlers MUST be accompanied by a member of TK Watersports staff or by other paddlers in the party who holds a paddle sport instructor qualification or the British Canoeing Level 3 Kayak Award or equivalent. 

15. To qualify for an unescorted paddle, the minimum group size is three boats (kayaks or paddleboards) and nominate a group leader, who is suitably  experienced and qualified. All instructions of the group leader MUST be obeyed by the other paddlers in that group.

TK Watersports carries out a full risk assessment before every single launch, to ensure your safety. This document outlines the principles of this risk assessment.

MUSCLE INJURIES 

There are two ways in which kayakers and paddle boarders can suffer muscle injuries – either while loading and unloading their kayak or paddle board, or during paddling. Here’s a list of precautions which will help alleviate the risk of  muscle injuries. 

• Make sure at least two people carry each kayak. 

• Use at least two people to share the load when moving boats or equipment. 

• Research proper lifting techniques or ask a member of TK Watersports staff to demonstrate these to you. 

• Ensure you are wearing a tightly fitted buoyancy aid. 

• Ensure that a proper warm-up routine is carried out before every paddle. 

• Practice paddling techniques that avoid injury. 

• Ensure you receive training in rescue techniques that avoid excessive strain when handling waterlogged boats and heavy kayaks or paddleboards in the water. 

DROWNING 

If you’re paddling in deep waters like lakes, rivers and seas, there is a risk of  drowning (albeit a relatively low risk as you’re in a kayak or on a paddleboard). Here are some measures to help minimise this risk. If renter is a novice kayaker or paddleboarder, they MUST be escorted on the paddle by a member of TK Watersports staff, and that staff member MUST ensure that these steps are put in  place. 

• Buoyancy aids MUST be worn and correctly fitted. 

• Keep away from bank and canal side edges. 

• Leaders with a Paddle Sport Instructor Award or above MUST hold a first aid certificate. 

• Leaders MUST be trained to carry out resuscitation techniques, and on the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 

• The appropriate safety and rescue methods for kayaking and paddleboarding MUST be understood and followed by all paddlers. 

• TK Watersports staff MUST ensure that the necessary safety equipment is available, including tow lines, throw ropes, first aid kits including AED defibrillator, blankets and towels, and high energy foods and drinks.

• A capsize drill with all novices MUST be demonstrated in controlled conditions, with them showing their ability to right the kayak or paddleboard and climb back on safely unaided and with the help of other paddlers. 

• There MUST be an appropriate group to staff member ratio for the environment. The typical industry standard is one leader to four kayakers or paddleboarders. 

SEVERE WEATHER 

Some of the best kayaking and paddleboarding spots are known for their volatile weather conditions. While battling wind, waves and rain can sometimes be enthralling; sometimes it can be dangerous – especially when you’re up  against severe tides or currents. To stop the weather from causing significant  problems while you’re in the water, you or your leader should: 

• Allow for the worst possible weather. TK Watersports does not permit paddling with our equipment if the forecasted wind speed exceeds 15kph. 

• Obtain a reliable local weather forecast and be ready to assess conditions and change plans as appropriate. 

• Map out suitable emergency escape routes in the event of bad weather. 

• Continually observe the weather while kayaking and where necessary, take suitable action to eliminate or reduce its associated risks. 

HYPOTHERMIA 

Again, there is only a moderate probability of suffering from hypothermia while kayaking or paddleboarding.  

Hypothermia is the term which is used to describe a drop in body temperature  and can be brought on by a number of factors, including inadequate clothing in  cold weather, falling into cold water and getting cold in wet clothes. Therefore, the following steps should be taken: 

• TK Watersports staff MUST ensure all kayakers and paddleboarders are appropriately clothed for kayaking. 

• Renters MUST have spare clothing, hot drinks and high energy foods available, in the event a kayaker suffers from hypothermia. 

• If going on a kayaking ore paddleboarding trip, TK Watersports staff will ensure that their group carries appropriate equipment to deal with mild and severe hypothermia. 

• All renters MUST undertake the launch briefing at the beginning of their rental period. That includes preventing, diagnosing and dealing with hypothermia. 

CONTAMINATED WATERS 

When you’re kayaking, or paddleboarding you are at risk of encountering contaminated water – perhaps it could infect a wound, or you could accidentally  swallow it. In the most extreme cases, this can result in waterborne diseases like  Leptospirosis, which causes headaches, muscle pains and fevers. To manage the  risks of contaminated water, there are a few steps you can take. 

• The water quality will be assessed by TK Watersports staff before paddling. 

• All cuts and grazes MUST be covered with waterproof plasters. 

• Wash your hands before eating after you’ve been kayaking or paddleboarding. 

• Equipment needs to be rinsed with clean fresh water after each activity. 

COLLISIONS 

Even the most skilled and experienced kayakers can collide with other paddlers  or solid objects such as rocks. While most of these collisions are fairly minor, the  occasional collision could result in injury or damage to the kayak or paddleboard. To avoid this happening: 

• Renters will be suitably briefed to identify potential dangers.  

• You MUST modify your activity if risks to other water users from kayaking or paddleboarding are identified. 

• Beginners MUST be kept separated from other water users and escorted by TK Watersports qualified instructors. 

• If you’re kayaking or paddleboarding in harbours and estuaries, be aware of commercial, amateur and deep draught shipping that can collide with small craft. 

• Operations of other water users on site should be identified and assessed. 

ALL COLLISIONS AND NEAR MISSES MUST BE  REPORTED TO TK WATERSPOSTS AS REQUIRED BY MARITIME LAW.

These are the rules and regulations by which we operate at TK Watersports. You will be asked to sign a rental agreement before you launch.

YOUR SAFETY  

1. All of our instructors and guides are vetted and DBS checked and cleared to work with those under 18 years of age. Our guides will carry a VHF marine radio so we're in contact with the coastguard or harbourmaster.  ALL INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY LIFEGUARDS, OR OUR SAFETY BOAT OPERATORS, INSTRUCTORS, COACHES AND GUIDES, MUST BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the hire being terminated without refund.  

 BOOKING  

2. Bookings are available seven days a week, and must be made by prior appointment. We do not have the facility to provide rentals without notice due to logistical reasons. Full payment of the rental charges must be paid at time of booking. The charges are set out when booking. There is an additional charge of £25.00 per person for an instructor or guide for your trip, to pay for the instructors / guides time.  

3. Kayaks and paddle boards are booked out for hire for set periods each day, with half day hires limited to four hours and full day hires limited to eight hours, it is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that they arrive punctually at the start of their hire period and that the kayaks and paddle boards MUST be returned on or before the end time of the hire period, failure to do will result in additional hire charges being made, or/and charges made for search and rescue purposes.  

4. Rentals of 24, 48 hour, 3 Day, 7 Day or 30 Day periods are available and hirers MUST ensure that all property of TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees is kept secure, locked and insured when not in use. TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees reserves the right to charge the full replacement cost for any of our equipment not returned  

5. Upon booking, you‘ll be issued with your ‘R’ booking reference number, example #R12345678, and you will need to provide this number to your TK Watersports operator when confirming a date for your booking, and on the day of the activity itself. You will also need this number should you wish to change, amend, or cancel your booking. 

DEPOSITS, PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION USE, AND INDEMNITIES  

6. A security deposit of £50 (refundable) MUST be paid per kayak or paddleboard on the day of your rental and MUST be supported with photo ID in the form of a current passport or photo driving licence where a copy will be taken and retained by TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees. All our boats carry serial numbers and are easily identifiable. In the case of equipment not being returned we will always involve the Police and other agencies in the attempt to reclaim our equipment. All our boats are fitted with GPS trackers so you and our boats can always be located. The deposit will be forfeited if the terms of this agreement are not met or followed, or if you are more then 15 minutes late returning at the end of your hire.  

7. As the main renter, you will be responsible for all the equipment owned by TK Watersports™ or it’s franchisees which is being used by members of your group. All paddlers MUST conduct their kayaking and paddle boarding activities in a safe and considerate manner  

AGE RESTRICTIONS   

8. Any person under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. Sorry kids but we do not hire to persons under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied. The minimum age of a child riding in a double seat kayak with an adult will be 5 years and in single seat kayaks will be 8 years. 

 DELIVERY AND COLLECTION  

9. TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees will make arrangements for your rented kayaks and paddle boards and their associated equipment to be available at your launch location on the day requested and TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees will collect from the same location at the end of your rental. A fee will be charged for the delivery and collection service. 

 CLOTHING, BUOYANCY AIDS AND ACCESSORIES   

10. All participants MUST wear a correctly fitted buoyancy aid provided by TK Watersports™ at all times whilst kayaking and paddle boarding with our equipment. Helmets provided MUST be worn by those under 13 years of age. Use of your own buoyancy aid is not permitted with our equipment as it may not meet our minimum specification requirements.  

11. It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that they wear suitable clothing as these will get wet, and sun cream where appropriate and that they are fit enough to participate.  

12.  TK Watersports™ will provide a dry bag on request of a hirer to contain personal belongings. It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that it is fastened shut correctly and in conjunction with the supplied instructions.  

SAFETY BOAT  

13.  In some of our operating areas, large paddling groups will be accompanied by our safety PWC or rib on which the duty operator is fully trained in marine rescue and first aid. THE SAFETY PWC OR RIB MUST NOT BE OPERATED BY CUSTOMERS AND IS ONLY TO BE DRIVEN BY RYA POWERBOAT TRAINED STAFF EMPLOYED BY TK WATERSPORTS OR IT’S FRANCHISEES. 

 INSURANCE  

14. TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees holds a valid £10 Million Public Liability, £1 Million Professional Indemnity, and Employers Liability Insurance policy to cover participants whilst hiring our kayaks or paddle boards, this policy will NOT cover injuries caused or inflicted by your own, or another participant's carelessness.  

DISCLAIMER  

15. Paddlers should be aware that kayaking and paddle boarding can be dangerous. Hazards include (but not limited to); drowning, hypothermia, repetitive strain injury, slips, trips, falls, paddle strike, muscular injuries from paddling or moving equipment. All participants accept that the above mentioned hazards may occur. TK Watersports™ it’s franchisees or insurers accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for death or personal injury, or for any loss or damage to personal belongings incurred whilst hiring any of our kayaks or paddle boards, or using our equipment, UNLESS that death, personal injury or loss of, or damage to the goods arises directly from an act of omission on the part of the TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees, its servant or agent, or held liable in law.  

16. The hirer agrees to pay for, and indemnify TK Watersports, it’s franchisees, or insurers against claims for, any lost or damaged equipment not belonging to TK Watersports or it’s franchisees, where the loss or damage is caused by your paddling activities whilst using our equipment. Examples would include damage to vessels, docks, buoys, and pontoons caused by you striking the object or vessel with your hired boat. TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees reserve the right to compensate themselves, and claim against you for any loss or unnecessary damage to our kayaks, paddle boards or equipment including paddles, helmets, seats, buoyancy aids, lights, dry bags, thigh braces, spraydecks, cags etc. The hirer agrees to pay in full, the replacement costs of any missing, lost or damaged equipment belonging to TK Watersports or it’s franchisees.  

17. People with existing injuries should not participate and should seek guidance from TK Watersports™ as to their suitability.   

 LOCAL RESTRICTIONS   

18. Renters will be restricted to Kayaking and paddle boarding within a designated area, shown as a green area on the TK Watersports Customer Paddling Card map, attached to every boat hired out, and will be issued to renters on the day of rental. Kayaks or paddleboards belonging to TK Watersports or it’s franchisees, MUST NOT be taken more then 1 (one) nautical mile offshore and Sea touring kayaks MUST NOT be paddled more than 3 (three) nautical miles off shore. Paddlers are reminded that they do not need to paddle in the main shipping channel (shown by a yellow line on the TK Watersports Customer Paddling Card), but can explore the edges of the river out of the way of other vessels. Restrictions are in place in the following areas.  

A)  Paddlers are to stay well clear of naval vessels and MUST NOT paddle in the vicinity of the HM Naval Base at Devonport (shown in red on the TK Watersports Customer Paddling Card map, paddlers to keep to the Cornwall side of the River Tamar), the Brittany Ferries terminal in Millbay Marina, and MUST NOT enter Mayflower Marina (except to access the Richmond Walk slipway), Queen Anne's Battery, and MUST NOT paddle within the perimeter of any private or commercial marina. 

B)  You MUST NOT launch from or land on any private, commercial or ferry pontoon. The only public pontoon is the floating pontoon next to the sea wall at Phoenix Wharf. For help you can refer to the TK Watersports Customer Paddling Card attached to the boat. 

C)  No landing is permitted on Drake's Island except that you may land on the beach on the northern side of the island only. You MUST NOT attempt to access any other part of the island. This is so you do not disturb nesting birds and the local wildlife.  

D) There are three chain operated car ferries operating on the River Tamar between Devonport and Torpoint. Kayakers and paddleboarders MUST NOT launch from or land on any slipway operated solely for the use of the Torpoint Ferry. Kayakers and paddleboarders MUST NOT paddle in front of an oncoming Torpoint Ferry and MUST wait for the ferry to pass. Kayakers and paddleboarders MUST always give priority to a ferry displaying a blue flashing light

CANCELLATIONS, TERMINATIONS AND REFUNDS  

19. Any person who appears to be under the influence of Alcohol or drugs WILL NOT be allowed to hire a kayak or paddleboard and WILL NOT be eligible to a refund.  

20. TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees reserve the right to cancel hire of their kayaks and paddle boards if they perceive weather conditions to be unsuitable for kayaking and / or paddle boarding. In these instances the hirer will be offered to rebook for an alternative time or be issued with a full refund, or a TK Watersports gift card.  

21. Any cancellations made by you more than 30 days before a booked slot will be eligible to a full refund, 14 to 30 days before a 50% refund will be given. Between 7 and 13 days before the booking a 25% refund will be given. Less than 7 days before or in the event of you not turning up for your hire or activity, no refund will be offered UNLESS cancelled by us due to unsuitable weather or sea conditions, pursuant to clause 20, or by you due to a genuine provable emergency. We will need your ‘R’ booking reference number to process your refund.  

22.  We reserve the right to terminate the hire without a refund if any of the conditions of this agreement are breached, or if the instructions issued by TK Watersports, its staff, agents, or franchisees are not followed.  

CHANGES TO AGREEMENT  

23. TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees have the right to amend or change these terms and conditions at any time.  

DEFINITIONS  

24. 'Renters', 'Paddlers', 'You', 'Hirer', 'Customers' shall always refer to you, the customer of TK Watersports™ and it’s franchisees  

1. 25.This agreement is governed by and under the jurisdiction of English Law. ‘Our’, 'TK Watersports™', 'We', 'Us',  shall always refer to TKL Leisure Ltd, 12 Gloucester Court, North Cross, Plymouth, Devon PL1 5EJ,  or the local TK Watersports franchisee.