Terms & Conditions

General

  1. These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings and equipment hires made with Moo Canoes.

  2. By making a booking, the customer confirms that they have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all participants within their group.

  3. The person making the booking will be designated as the Group Leader and will act as the main contact for the booking.

  4. Moo Canoes reserves the right to refuse hire to any person who appears unable to safely participate in the activity.

  5. Moo Canoes accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings during the hire period.

  6. Age Requirements: Moo Canoes operates with no upper or lower age limit. However, all participants must be able to safely wear a properly fitted flotation device (buoyancy aid) for the duration of the trip.

  7. If a participant is unable to safely wear a flotation device, they will not be permitted to take part.

  8. Under 18s: Participants under the age of 18 are permitted but must be accompanied and supervised by the group leader who made the booking, or another responsible adult within the group for the duration of the experience who is over 18 years of age.

Booking & Payment

  1. Bookings are confirmed once payment or deposit has been received.

  2. Moo Canoes may require full payment in advance of the hire date.

  3. All bookings are subject to availability.

  4. The Group Leader confirms they are authorised to make the booking on behalf of all participants.

Rescheduling & Cancellations

  1. Customers may reschedule or cancel their booking free of charge with at least 10 days’ notice prior to the scheduled booking time.

  2. Rescheduling requests made within 10 days of the booking date may not be possible and are at the discretion of Moo Canoes. Any changes will incur a 30% change fee.

  3. If Moo Canoes must cancel a booking due to:

    unsafe weather conditions

    unsafe water conditions

    equipment issues

    operational requirements

    Customers will be offered the opportunity to reschedule to another available date within 12 months of the original booking.

  4. Refunds are not provided for cancellations made by the customer within 10 days of the booking.

Arrival & Safety Briefing

  1. Guests should arrive at least 5 minutes before their scheduled hire time.

  2. All participants must attend a mandatory safety briefing before departure.

  3. Failure to arrive in time for the safety briefing may result in the hire being shortened or cancelled without refund.

Group Leader Responsibility

For all group bookings, the person making the booking will be designated as the Group Leader.

The Group Leader agrees that they:

  • Are responsible for ensuring all members of their group follow the safety instructions and Terms & Conditions provided by Moo Canoes.

  • Confirm that all participants are physically capable of taking part in the activity.

  • Accept responsibility for the conduct and behaviour of their group during the hire period.

  • Ensure that all participants understand and follow the instructions given during the safety briefing.

Moo Canoes reserves the right to terminate a hire without refund if the behaviour of any participant is considered unsafe or inappropriate.

Use of Equipment

  1. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with instructions provided by Moo Canoes staff.

  2. Equipment must not be taken outside the designated route or operating area described during the briefing.

  3. Participants must follow all navigation rules and behave responsibly toward other waterway users.

Buoyancy aids provided must be worn correctly at all times, as shown by staff.

Alcohol & Behaviour

  1. Participants must not operate equipment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  2. Guests may consume a maximum of two alcoholic drinks per person during the hire period. All drinks must be purchased from Moo Canoes or Barge East. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

  3. Moo Canoes reserves the right to refuse participation or terminate a hire if guests appear intoxicated or behave in a way that compromises safety. In such cases, no refund will be provided.

Hire Period & Late Returns

  1. Hire durations are agreed at the time of booking.

  2. Equipment must be returned at the agreed end time.

  3. Late returns may incur an additional charge of £75 / hour

  4. If a group is significantly overdue and cannot be contacted, Moo Canoes may initiate safety procedures.

Damage Deposit / Behaviour Authorisation

To protect equipment and staff, Moo Canoes may require a payment card to be held on file or pre-authorised prior to departure.

  1. The Hirer is responsible for all equipment provided during the hire period.

  2. The Hirer agrees to pay for any loss or damage to equipment caused during the hire.

  3. Any damage must be reported to staff immediately upon return.

The card authorisation may be used where necessary to cover:

  • damage to equipment £100.00

  • loss of equipment £100.00

  • excessive cleaning required due to misuse £50.00

  • failure to return equipment on time per hour charge 

  • behaviour that causes disruption or safety risk £50.00

  • breaches of these Terms & Conditions £100.00

  • Littering in the canal £50.00

Moo Canoes may charge more depending on the cost of repair, replacement, or damages incurred. Where charges are applied, Moo Canoes will notify the Group Leader and provide details where appropriate.

Risk Acknowledgement

Canoeing, kayaking and paddle sports involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

  • Capsizing

  • Falling into water

  • Collision with objects or other vessels

  • Environmental conditions

  • Weil Disease

By participating, guests acknowledge that they take part at their own risk.

Termination of Hire

Moo Canoes reserves the right to terminate a hire without refund if:

  • Safety instructions are ignored

  • Participants behave dangerously

  • Alcohol or drugs impair safe operation

  • Equipment is taken outside the permitted area

  • Behaviour causes risk to staff, participants, or other waterway users, local residents or wildlife.

Liability

Moo Canoes will take reasonable care to provide safe equipment and instruction.

However, Moo Canoes shall not be liable for:

  • Personal injury

  • Death

  • Loss of property

  • Damage to personal belongings

Environmental Responsibility

Participants must respect the waterways and surrounding environment.

Guests must not:

  • litter or dispose of waste in the water

  • deliberately disturb wildlife

  • damage surrounding property or vegetation.

Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.