Terms & Conditions


Arrival

All participants must arrive at least 15 minutes before the course start time.  We are unable to delay the start of the course by more than 20 minutes.

 

Health

All participants must be physically fit and able. They must, at the time of booking, advise of any illness or disability (such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, heart condition, recent injuries, hearing impairment, visual impairment etc) that may affect their ability to participate. If at all unsure, participants must check with a doctor before booking and must be able to produce a note from their doctor if required.

Participants must bring any necessary medication with them and ensure that staff are made aware of what medicine this is and how it is to be administered. Be advised that some of the activity locations are remote and self-contained. The centre reserves the right to refuse any booking on medical grounds if the medical condition is considered to be detrimental to the safety and smooth running of the course.

Participants may not participate in any activities if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 

Safety

All participants must comply with the safety regulations and instructions of centre staff. Watersports and adventure activities are hazardous by their nature. Participants, parents or guardians must accept that there are risks: inevitably bumps and scrapes will happen during the thrills and spills of fast-moving activities. To manage these risks, so far as we are able, we:

  • employ staff trained within national governing body guidelines and teach to national governing body recommendations
  • have robust management and safety systems which have been inspected by approved bodies such as AALA and RYA
  • reserve the right to modify or cancel an activity if we feel that there are unmanageable risks

 

Age limits

Accompanied children of all ages can take part in our Branwen boat trips. The minimum age is 8 for instructor-led sessions in canoeing/kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, sailing, windsurfing, climbing, archery and camp craft. The minimum age is 10 for a whitewater rafting safari (lower river). The minimum age is 12 for standard whitewater rafting (upper river), and instructor-led sessions in gorge walking, hill walking, and powerboating. The minimum age is 16 for a safety boat course.

 

Off-site Activities

Climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, hill/mountain walking and mountain biking all run off-site. Therefore, participants must use their own transport to and from the venue. A packed lunch is required for full day sessions that are run off-site. Participants may bring their own packed lunch or order one from us at the time of booking (at a cost).

 

Payment

All activities must be paid for in full at the time of booking.  Vouchers should be sent to Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre, Bala Lake Foreshore, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7SR.

 

Vouchers

Vouchers are normally purchased for 12 months it is possible to extend expiring voucher for a fee, but only if still in date and extensions can only be made for 6 months.

 

Cancellation by Client

Clients must notify Bala Adventure and Watersports of cancellations in writing.  The responsibility for obtaining relevant insurance to cover the cost of the cancellation rest with the client.

Clients who cancel 28 days or more before the start of their course will have 50% of their course fee returned to them.

Clients who have paid by voucher will have 50% of the course fee returned to them in voucher form.

Clients who cancel fewer than 28 days before the start of their course will forfeit the full course fee.

Clients who have paid by voucher will forfeit the voucher.

Course bookings may be transferred 28 days or more prior to the commencement of their original course.  No transfers may be made fewer than 28 days prior to the commencement of the course. Transfers are subject to course availability and a £15 administration fee will be levied for each transfer.  Non-attendance or late arrival on any course without prior agreement will result in the entire fee or voucher being forfeited.

 

Cancellation by Bala Adventure and Watersport

Every attempt will be made to ensure all courses run. However, Bala Adventure and Watersports reserve the right to cancel a course if viable participant numbers are not achieved.  Instructor led sessions may be cancelled by Bala Adventure and Watersports up to 14 days prior to the start date. Courses lasting 2 days or longer may be cancellled by Bala Adventure and Watersports up to 28 days prior to the start date.

When a  course has to be cancelled, we will offer either a full refund of course fees, or another course on the same date, or a different date.

Bala Adventure and Watersports will not accept any liability for any other expenditure or costs incurred by prospective participants.  The responsibility for obtaining relevant insurance to cover the cost of cancellations rests wholly with the client.

 

Equipment

All necessary safety equipment is provided as part of your course fee, apart from footwear. The Centre shop sells a small number of items, including clothing, log books, wetsuit boots, gloves,chandlery, tea & coffee, etc. Please check for availability prior to your course.

 

Unruly Behavior

Participants and members of their party are required to have consideration for others at the Centre. If, in the reasonable opinion of centre staff, a person acts in such a way as to cause, or be likely to cause, danger, upset or distress to any other customer or member of staff, they shall be asked to leave the Centre immediately. The Centre will not pay any refunds, expenses or costs as a result.

 

Disputes

Any complaint should, in the first instance, be addressed with the member of staff concerned. If they are unable to resolve the issue, they should refer the matter to the Duty Manager. If the Duty Manager is unable to resolve the issue to the client’s satisfaction, complaints should be sent in writing to the Director, Bala Adventure and Watersports, Bala Lake Foreshore, Bala, LL23 7SR.

 

Photographs

Participants agree to photos and video being taken of them engaging in activities. Participants grant Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre full and free rights to use these photos and videos. Please make us aware upon arrival if you do not agree to your image appearing marketing material for Bala Watersports or others.

 

Privacy Policy

At Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre we are committed to protecting the privacy of our clients. We will only use the information collected about clients in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. We will not contact clients in the future unless given consent to do so by the client. We will not transfer clients’ personal information to any third party.

Please note that personal information will be supplied to any governing body who request details following a complaint or issue made to them directly

 

We reserve the right to alter these conditions at any time during the year. E&OE

 

Bala Adventure and Watersports booking terms and conditions – 2021