WHITEWATER 101
Terms, Conditions & Participant Waiver
Whitewater 101 • A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Columbia, South Carolina • ww101@whitewater101.org
1. Acceptance of Terms
By registering for and participating in any Whitewater 101 course, session, clinic, or program, you (“Participant”) agree to be bound by these Terms, Conditions, and Waiver (“Agreement”). If the Participant is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must also agree to these terms on the Participant’s behalf. This Agreement is entered into with Whitewater 101, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina (“WW101,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
2. Definitions
-
Course — the overall curriculum (e.g., Whitewater 101, Whitewater 201, Whitewater 301).
-
Session — a specific scheduled offering of a course (e.g., Spring Session, Summer Session). A multi-week session consists of multiple individual meetings.
-
Meeting — a single scheduled class day within a session (e.g., a Tuesday evening or Sunday afternoon paddling day).
-
Clinic — a standalone weekend event, separate from multi-week sessions.
3. Class Eligibility & Enrollment
Age Requirements
Whitewater 101 courses are primarily designed for adults (18 and older). Students 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also enrolled in the same course and present at every session. Students under 16 are not eligible for enrollment without prior approval.
Gear Inspection
Participants who choose to bring personal equipment rather than selecting a Gear Package must submit that equipment for inspection at orientation. Equipment must pass instructor review for safety and suitability before use in class. WW101 reserves the right to deny use of any equipment deemed unsafe or unsuitable.
Gear Packages
Gear Packages are sold as complete sets — kayak, PFD, helmet, skirt, and paddle. Individual items are not available for separate selection. Package equipment must be returned at the conclusion of the course in good condition. The Participant is responsible for any loss or damage beyond normal wear.
4. Class Conduct
Attendance & Punctuality
Participants are expected to arrive a few minutes before each scheduled meeting ready to get on the water. If you are unable to attend a meeting or have a scheduling conflict, please notify us as early as possible.
Respect & Conduct
All Participants are expected to treat fellow students, instructors, safety boaters, and WW101 staff with respect at all times. Behavior that is disrespectful, threatening, harassing, or disruptive may result in removal from the course without refund.
Alcohol & Substance Policy
The use of alcohol or any impairing substance before or during any WW101 meeting, trip, or event is strictly prohibited. Any Participant found in violation of this policy will be immediately removed from the program without a refund.
Challenge by Choice
All activities are challenge-by-choice. Instructors will encourage Participants to grow and push their boundaries in a safe environment, but no Participant will be required to perform any skill or activity they are not comfortable with.
5. Instructor Authority & Progression
WW101 instructors continuously assess each Participant’s skill development and readiness. Instructors have the authority to determine whether a Participant is ready to participate in any given activity, meeting, or out-of-town trip.
Out-of-town trips, are contingent on instructor assessment of readiness. A Participant who is not assessed as ready for a given trip will not attend that trip. WW101 will discuss future progression options in such cases.
6. Cancellation & Refund Policy
Individual Meeting Cancellations — No Refund
Individual meetings within a session may be canceled or rescheduled due to unsafe weather conditions, river levels, or other safety concerns at the sole discretion of WW101 instructors and staff. No refund or credit is issued for individual canceled or rescheduled meetings. WW101 will make reasonable efforts to reschedule when possible but cannot guarantee makeup opportunities.
Cancellation of an Entire Session or Clinic by WW101
If WW101 cancels an entire session (all scheduled meetings) or an entire clinic, registered Participants will receive a full refund of all fees paid, or the option to transfer enrollment to another available session at no additional cost. WW101 is not responsible for incidental expenses (e.g., travel, lodging) related to a cancellation.
Cancellation by Participant
The following refund schedule applies when a Participant cancels. Cancellations are measured from the date of written notice to the date of the session’s first scheduled meeting:
-
30 or more days before the first meeting: full refund, less a $25 administrative fee.
-
15–29 days before the first meeting: 50% refund.
-
8–14 days before the first meeting: 25% refund.
-
7 or fewer days before the first meeting: no refund.
-
Once the first meeting has taken place: no refund under any circumstances.
To request a cancellation, contact ww101@whitewater101.org. Cancellations are effective upon written confirmation from WW101.
Session Transfers
Participants may transfer enrollment to another available session one time without penalty, provided the request is received at least 14 days before the original session’s first meeting. Requests received with fewer than 14 days’ notice are subject to the cancellation schedule above.
7. Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver
Acknowledgment of Inherent Risk
I understand and acknowledge that whitewater kayaking is an inherently hazardous activity involving real and significant risks of injury or death. These risks include but are not limited to:
-
Capsizing, entrapment, or submersion in moving water
-
Collisions with rocks, logs, riverbanks, or other obstacles
-
Strainers, hydraulics, and other river features
-
Hypothermia from cold water and weather exposure
-
Physical exhaustion and muscle injury
-
Equipment failure
-
Actions of other Participants, instructors, or third parties
-
Acts of nature, including unexpected changes in weather or water conditions
I acknowledge that WW101 instructors and safety boaters are trained volunteers and that no amount of instruction or supervision can eliminate all risk associated with whitewater paddling.
Release of Liability
In consideration of being permitted to participate in WW101 classes and activities, I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, estate, executors, administrators, and assigns, hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Whitewater 101, its officers, directors, volunteers, instructors, safety boaters, agents, and representatives (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, causes of action, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with my participation in WW101 programs, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise.
Indemnification
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any loss, liability, damage, cost, or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees) that they may incur due to my participation in WW101 activities, including any claims arising from my own negligence.
Medical Authorization
I authorize WW101 instructors and safety boaters to administer or arrange for emergency first aid or medical treatment if I am injured or incapacitated during a WW101 activity and am unable to make decisions for myself. I acknowledge that any costs associated with such treatment are my sole responsibility.
8. Health & Medical Disclosure
By registering, I confirm that I am in adequate physical health to participate in whitewater kayaking instruction. I agree to disclose any medical conditions, physical limitations, medications, or health considerations that could affect my safe participation. WW101 treats this information as confidential and uses it solely for the safety of all Participants
9. Photo & Media Release
WW101 may photograph, film, or record Participants during sessions and events for use in educational materials, social media, website content, and promotional purposes. By registering, Participants grant WW101 a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use their likeness in such materials. To opt out, notify us in writing at ww101@whitewater101.org prior to the first meeting.
10. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina. Any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of Richland County, South Carolina.
11. Contact
Questions about this Agreement may be directed to:
Whitewater 101
Columbia, South Carolina
Participant Agreement & Signature
By signing below, I confirm that:
-
I have read, understand, and agree to all terms and conditions in this Agreement.
-
I am 18 years of age or older, OR I am the parent/legal guardian signing on behalf of a minor Participant.
-
I understand that whitewater kayaking involves inherent risks and I voluntarily assume those risks.
-
I agree to the Release of Liability, Indemnification, and all other provisions of this Agreement.