Paddle Participation & Mutual Responsibility Agreement

1. A Gathering of Friends (Non-Commercial)

This activity is an informal paddle organized between friends.

It is entirely non-commercial. No participant is being paid, and no one is acting as a instructor, coach, guide, or leader.

Any coordination provided through the app is solely to help the group share information and plan effectively.

2. Personal Competence & Physical Capability

You confirm that you have reviewed the details of the planned route, expected conditions, and skill requirements.

To the best of your knowledge, you have assessed your own physical capability, health, and paddling competence, and you are fully able to safely complete this trip.

You are responsible for bringing, wearing, and maintaining your own suitable equipment (e.g., board, paddle, buoyancy aid/PFD, appropriate leash, weather-appropriate clothing).

3. Independent Decision-Making

You remain responsible for your own safety and your own choices before, during, and after the trip.

You retain the absolute right and duty to assess conditions on the day and turn back, alter your route, or withdraw from the paddle at any time if you feel unsafe or out of your depth.

4. Shared Hazards & Group Safety

You agree to act mindfully and with the safety of the group in mind at all times.

If you are aware of any local hazards, weather changes, or route risks that have not been accounted for in the trip plan, you agree to highlight them to the group before setting off or as soon as you notice them.

5. Experience Tier and Trip Requirements

SUP Buddies uses self-declared Experience Tiers to help paddlers choose Trips that match their experience and confidence. These tiers are suitability indicators, not formal qualifications, certificates, or guarantees of safety. You remain responsible for honestly assessing your own ability and deciding whether to participate.

The required Experience Tier for a Trip is calculated from the highest level indicated by the expected wind speed, current speed, or wave height. Wave height is used as the proxy for swell and wave conditions. Other information, such as wind direction, current direction, tide, and additional dynamic risks, should also be reviewed but does not by itself determine the Experience Tier.

You may only be invited to, or accept, a Trip when your stated Experience Tier meets or exceeds the Trip's required tier. Conditions can change, and the required tier may be recalculated if the expected risks change. You must review the updated information and decide whether you remain able and willing to participate.

No organiser or fellow paddler is acting as a guide, coach, or instructor. You remain responsible for your own safety decisions and for withdrawing if the conditions are beyond your ability or comfort level.

• Beginner: Suitable for sheltered water, wind below 5 knots, no meaningful current, and no wave or swell.
• Improver: Suitable for wind to below 10 knots, current up to 1 knot, and wave height below 0.3 metres.
• Advanced: Suitable for wind below 15 knots, current up to 2 knots, and wave height below 0.8 metres.
• Expert: Suitable for wind of 15 knots or more, current above 2 knots, or wave height of 0.8 metres or more.