Terms, Cancellation, Payment and Conduct Policy

Essential Eligibility and Terms of Registration

Level Up Kayak School provides paddlesports instruction, clinics, and guided programs designed to help participants progress their skills, build confidence, and enjoy safe, empowering experiences on the river. Programs may include full-day private whitewater kayaking lessons, custom small group private whitewater kayaking lessons, or multi-day instructional courses (swiftwater rescue courses).

Attending one of our activities is a great way to develop skills and explore the whitewater river environment. To ensure a safe and positive experience for all, participants must meet the following eligibility requirements and agree to our policies.

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Eligibility

To participate in a Level Up Kayak School program, each participant must:

• Register and pay in full through our website.

• Be able to independently participate in the skills and activities outlined in the course description while maintaining safe body positioning.

• Be able to hold their breath underwater and, while wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, turn independently from face down to face up, keeping the head above water.

• Be able to effectively communicate with instructors and fellow participants.

• Manage personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion.

• Refrain from alcohol or non-prescription drug use during all course activities.

• You can swim and actively participate in your own rescue if you become an involuntary swimmer. It is strongly recommended to have the ability to continuously swim unassisted for 100 yards while wearing a PFD.
• If Taking Medications: If taking medications, the ability to maintain proper dosage by medicating independently, or with the assistance of a friend or family member.

Some courses may have specific prerequisites that must be met to ensure participant safety and course success.

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Registration

To attend a lesson or course, participants must:

• Register online.

• Pay in full or provide a non-refundable 50% deposit (if available for specified courses). Full payment is required before the start of all lessons/courses.

• Submit a signed liability waiver before participating for both the Chattooga Whitewater Shop AND Level Up Kayak School.

• Kayak lessons only: Fill out the questionnaire that will be emailed to you

• Provide a valid email address and phone number for course communications.

• Arrive on time. Courses will not be delayed or prorated for late arrivals or early departures. Participants arriving 30 minutes or more after the scheduled start time will be considered a no-show and will not be permitted to join the course. No refunds or credits will be issued in such cases.

•  Instructors have full authority to remove a participant from a course if they pose a risk to themselves or others (skills, behavior, intoxication, non-compliance). A discussion will take place with the participant of the reasoning as to why.

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Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Participant Cancellations:
  • • No refunds are provided for group or private instruction unless you can find someone to fill in your spot. 

    • Deposits are non-refundable.

    • Cancellations within 15 days of the start date are non-refundable. 

• Rescheduling:
  

  • Rescheduling is not permitted within 30 days of the course.

  • Rescheduling more than 30 days prior is subject to a $50 fee per participant (waived if a replacement is found).

• School Cancellations:

• • Level Up Kayak School reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to unsafe conditions (rising water levels), insufficient enrollment, instructor availability, or events beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, road closures, government restrictions, etc.).

  • If a course is canceled by LUKS, participants will receive a full refund or course credit.

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Trip Insurance

We recommend participants purchase trip insurance (such as Allianz Trip Insurance) to cover the cost of the course in case of cancellation, early departure, or medical emergency. Policies are affordable and typically cost 10–15% of the course fee.

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Drug and Alcohol Policy

Level Up Kayak School maintains a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and non-prescribed drug use before or during program activities. Any participant found under the influence will be dismissed without a refund.

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Conduct Policy

Level Up Kayak School is committed to creating an environment that is safe, inclusive, and supportive. Disorderly, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, or abusive behavior toward staff, participants, third parties, or wildlife will not be tolerated. This includes any actions or language that compromise safety or undermine the learning environment.

Participants who violate this policy may be dismissed from programming without refund.

Instructor Authority

Instructors have full discretion to:

• Remove a participant from a course if they pose a safety risk to themselves or others.

• Modify, shorten, or cancel an activity in response to safety concerns.

• Terminate instruction if a participant fails to follow safety protocols, demonstrates inadequate skills, or behaves inappropriately.

No refunds will be provided under these circumstances.

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Unforeseen Circumstances

If a participant is delayed or prevented from attending due to unforeseen circumstances, they must contact their instructor immediately. The instructor has sole discretion to determine whether the lesson or course will continue, be rescheduled, or forfeited.

Force Majeure

LUKS is not liable for failure to perform obligations if prevented by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, extreme weather, war, government restrictions, pandemics, or transportation disruptions.