Like all adventure activities, kayaking is a sport which carries a degree of risk. Equipment is hired entirely at your own risk. NBKC cannot advise on weather conditions, tides, the suitability of your plans or your paddling ability. The following should be adhered to for Peer Paddles, as a minimum requirement

- No-one takes overall responsibility for the safety or instruction of the group. There is no leader. Everyone is responsible for making their own decision about whether they feel confident in the conditions etc, regardless of their level of qualifications. While the group will adapt plans for the least experienced member, participants should consider if the trip details & weather conditions suit their ability before indicating they wish to participate in a peer paddle. 

- Review each individual's level of experience; discuss capability levels, trip plans (duration, distance, etc), weather conditions including tides, etc.

- The trip is not covered by club insurance as it sits outwith the definition of 'club activity'.

- Be competent at a wet exit, and be able to rescue others back into their kayak.

- Consider your ability to self rescue, and can you rescue others? Be explicit in this ability to the group.

- Please review weather conditions and suggested route against your own abilities before deciding to take part. Review (again) before setting off and opt out if the plan is beyond your ability level.

- Please ensure you have the right kit to take part including (as a minimum) wind proof layer, spare clothes, hot drink, etc. Do not hire or paddle without the right kit. Be suitably dressed for immersion in the paddling conditions. 

- Be aware of all the minimum kit required with the kayak; spare paddle, correct buoyancy aid fitting, at least 1xmethod of communication, tow rope. Do not hire or paddle without the right kit.

- Do not get separated from the group while on the water, and remain in speaking and hearing distance of at least one other person at all times. 

- Club recommendation is that 3 people or more is best for a paddle, for safety reasons.

- Be prepared to opt out if the plan is beyond your ability level.

- If booking a club kayak to take part, you must be assessed by one of our coaches before being eligible for hire. Booking details and payment details are on our website.

Please be aware of the Club's Insurance Position: Club Membership gives you the ability to hire a club boat, and take it away for daytrips. However, the third party accident insurance in respect of officially designated club activities does not apply to independent paddling (e.g. peer paddles) and hire of boats. Individuals who are interested in obtaining insurance cover for their paddling activities outside of official club sessions/trips can achieve this by joining the Scottish Canoe Association as individual members . You might also wish to consider taking out your own boat insurance.

Please email us if you have any concerns or questions. If you have been assessed by our coaches and added to the Peer Paddle Whatsapp group, you are also welcome to suggest a PeerPaddle within your own limit of ability - we have previously arranged peer paddles to practice rescues for example.