Paddle Tour Policy
This Paddle Tour Policy outlines the standards, procedures, and expectations for all guided paddle tours operated by Liverpool Adventure Outfitters (LAO), including kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours. The policy is designed to ensure guest safety, high-quality experiences, environmental stewardship, and consistent operations.
This policy applies to:
All LAO-guided paddle tours (half-day, full-day, and multi-day).
All LAO staff and guides.
All guests participating in LAO paddle tours.
Participant Eligibility
Guided Paddle Tours Minimum Age
Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants under 19 years of age must have parent/guardian consent.
Paddle Clinics Minimum Age
No age restrictions, however, Participants under 19 years of age must have parent/guardian consent.
All Tours
Swimming Ability: All participants must be comfortable in and around water.
Physical Condition: Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions, injuries, or limitations prior to the tour or clinic.
Intoxication: Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate
LAO reserves the right to refuse participation if a guest’s condition poses a safety risk.
Waivers & Documentation
All participants must complete and sign LAO’s waiver and release of liability prior to the tour.
Minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Emergency contact information is required for all participants.
Equipment Standards
LAO provides properly maintained:
Kayaks, canoes, and/or SUPs appropriate to the tour conditions.
Transport Canada–approved personal flotation devices (PFDs), worn at all times on the water.
Paddles, spray skirts (when applicable), and safety equipment.
Guest Equipment
Guests may bring personal equipment with prior approval from LAO.
Personal equipment must meet LAO safety standards.
Guide Qualifications & Responsibilities
All LAO guides are certified and trained to the standards of Paddle Canada, Transport Canada and Liverpool Adventure Outfitters
Guides are responsible for:
Pre-trip safety briefings.
Route planning and risk assessment.
Monitoring weather, tides, and sea state.
Group management and decision-making.
Emergency response and incident reporting.
Guide decisions related to safety are final.
Safety Procedures
Mandatory pre-trip safety briefing covering paddling technique, communication, hazards, and emergency procedures.
Guides carry safety and communication equipment appropriate to the tour.
Regular headcounts conducted throughout the tour.
Tours operate within Guide-to-guest ratios appropriate to conditions and experience levels.
Weather, Tides & Environmental Conditions
All tours are subject to weather, wind, tides, and sea conditions.
LAO reserves the right to:
Modify routes.
Delay start times.
Cancel tours when conditions are deemed unsafe.
Safety decisions related to environmental conditions are non-negotiable.
Environmental Stewardship
LAO is committed to responsible outdoor recreation:
Follow Leave No Trace principles.
Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances.
Avoid sensitive habitats and nesting areas.
Pack out all garbage.
Guest Conduct
Participants are expected to:
Follow Guide instructions at all times.
Treat fellow guests, staff, and the environment with respect.
Use equipment responsibly.
Guests who fail to comply may be removed from the tour without refund.
Cancellations & Refunds (Tours)
LAO Tours & Clinics operate "rain or shine".
Cancellations received within 48 hours of your tour/clinic will receive a credit of the value of the tour (less a $10 administrative fee-Paddle Tour or less a $25 administrative fee-Paddle Clinics), to be used during the same operating season.
If no notice of cancellation is given, no refund or credit will be issued.
We reserve the right to cancel paddle tours due to dangerous weather (lighting or high winds), guide availability or insufficient registration. In these cases, full refunds or credits (if you wish) will be issued and rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
Incident & Emergency Management
All incidents, injuries, or near-misses must be reported to Guide/staff.
Guides/staff complete an incident report as soon as practical following the event.
Emergency services will be contacted when necessary.
Photography & Media
LAO may capture photos or videos during tours for promotional use.
Guests who do not wish to appear in media must inform staff prior to the tour.
Policy Review & Updates
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as required to reflect operational changes, regulatory updates, or best practices.
Liverpool Adventure Outfitters is committed to safe, memorable, and responsible paddle adventures.
This policy applies to:
All LAO-guided paddle tours (half-day, full-day, and multi-day).
All LAO staff and guides.
All guests participating in LAO paddle tours.
Participant Eligibility
Guided Paddle Tours Minimum Age
Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants under 19 years of age must have parent/guardian consent.
Paddle Clinics Minimum Age
No age restrictions, however, Participants under 19 years of age must have parent/guardian consent.
All Tours
Swimming Ability: All participants must be comfortable in and around water.
Physical Condition: Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions, injuries, or limitations prior to the tour or clinic.
Intoxication: Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate
LAO reserves the right to refuse participation if a guest’s condition poses a safety risk.
Waivers & Documentation
All participants must complete and sign LAO’s waiver and release of liability prior to the tour.
Minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Emergency contact information is required for all participants.
Equipment Standards
LAO provides properly maintained:
Kayaks, canoes, and/or SUPs appropriate to the tour conditions.
Transport Canada–approved personal flotation devices (PFDs), worn at all times on the water.
Paddles, spray skirts (when applicable), and safety equipment.
Guest Equipment
Guests may bring personal equipment with prior approval from LAO.
Personal equipment must meet LAO safety standards.
Guide Qualifications & Responsibilities
All LAO guides are certified and trained to the standards of Paddle Canada, Transport Canada and Liverpool Adventure Outfitters
Guides are responsible for:
Pre-trip safety briefings.
Route planning and risk assessment.
Monitoring weather, tides, and sea state.
Group management and decision-making.
Emergency response and incident reporting.
Guide decisions related to safety are final.
Safety Procedures
Mandatory pre-trip safety briefing covering paddling technique, communication, hazards, and emergency procedures.
Guides carry safety and communication equipment appropriate to the tour.
Regular headcounts conducted throughout the tour.
Tours operate within Guide-to-guest ratios appropriate to conditions and experience levels.
Weather, Tides & Environmental Conditions
All tours are subject to weather, wind, tides, and sea conditions.
LAO reserves the right to:
Modify routes.
Delay start times.
Cancel tours when conditions are deemed unsafe.
Safety decisions related to environmental conditions are non-negotiable.
Environmental Stewardship
LAO is committed to responsible outdoor recreation:
Follow Leave No Trace principles.
Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances.
Avoid sensitive habitats and nesting areas.
Pack out all garbage.
Guest Conduct
Participants are expected to:
Follow Guide instructions at all times.
Treat fellow guests, staff, and the environment with respect.
Use equipment responsibly.
Guests who fail to comply may be removed from the tour without refund.
Cancellations & Refunds (Tours)
LAO Tours & Clinics operate "rain or shine".
Cancellations received within 48 hours of your tour/clinic will receive a credit of the value of the tour (less a $10 administrative fee-Paddle Tour or less a $25 administrative fee-Paddle Clinics), to be used during the same operating season.
If no notice of cancellation is given, no refund or credit will be issued.
We reserve the right to cancel paddle tours due to dangerous weather (lighting or high winds), guide availability or insufficient registration. In these cases, full refunds or credits (if you wish) will be issued and rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
Incident & Emergency Management
All incidents, injuries, or near-misses must be reported to Guide/staff.
Guides/staff complete an incident report as soon as practical following the event.
Emergency services will be contacted when necessary.
Photography & Media
LAO may capture photos or videos during tours for promotional use.
Guests who do not wish to appear in media must inform staff prior to the tour.
Policy Review & Updates
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as required to reflect operational changes, regulatory updates, or best practices.
Liverpool Adventure Outfitters is committed to safe, memorable, and responsible paddle adventures.