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 up to 48 hours before your tour/clinic/rental reservation will receive a refund of the full amount paid.
• ​Cancellations received within 48 hours of your tour/clinic/rental reservation will receive a credit of the value of the tour to be used during the same operating season.
• If no notice of cancellation is given, credit will be issued.

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.

​