This waiver contains important information about your rights and the risks involved in paddleboarding. By signing, you are agreeing to assume full responsibility for your own safety on the water. Do not sign if you have not read and fully understood every section.
1About this activity
Paddleboard hire provided by Paddleboard Hire Brighton is an unsupervised, self-directed activity. We are an equipment hire operator only. We are not an instruction provider, a water safety service, or a rescue service.
This means: Once you leave the beach with our equipment, you are solely responsible for your own safety and the safety of anyone in your group. We have no staff on the water and no on-water rescue provision in place.
2No instruction or supervision
Paddleboard Hire Brighton does not provide tuition, instruction, coaching, or supervision of any kind. We will provide a brief equipment orientation and safety information at the point of hire, but this does not constitute instruction in paddleboarding.
If you have not paddleboarded before, or are not confident in open water, we strongly recommend you seek professional instruction from a qualified SUP instructor before hiring our equipment. We can signpost local providers upon request.
3Recommended paddle area
We strongly recommend that all hirers paddle only within the lifeguard-patrolled beach zone between Brighton Pier and Hove Lagoon. This area benefits from RNLI lifeguard supervision during patrol hours (seasonal). You should:
- Check RNLI patrol times before your session — these vary by season and weather
- Always paddle parallel to the shore, not directly out to sea
- Stay within your depth and ability at all times
- Avoid areas with heavy boat traffic, jet skis, or strong currents
- Never paddle in offshore winds — if in doubt, do not go out
Paddling outside of lifeguard-patrolled areas, or beyond your ability level, significantly increases your risk of injury or death. This choice is entirely your own.
4Assumption of risk
I understand and acknowledge that paddleboarding and all water-based activities are inherently dangerous. Risks include but are not limited to:
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Striking submerged or floating objects
- Collision with other water users, vessels, or craft
- Sudden changes in weather or sea conditions
- Cold water shock and hypothermia
- Equipment failure or damage
- Physical injury including serious injury or death
- Rip currents, tides, and offshore winds
I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks inherent in paddleboarding, whether or not described above, and whether arising from foreseeable or unforeseeable causes.
5Fitness and swimming ability
By signing this waiver I confirm that:
- I am physically fit and in good health, with no medical conditions that would make paddleboarding unsafe for me
- I can swim at least 25 metres unaided in open water
- I will wear the buoyancy aid provided at all times while on the water
- I will carry any medication I require with me on the water
- I am not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
6Release of liability
In consideration of being permitted to hire equipment from Paddleboard Hire Brighton, I agree to release, waive, and discharge Paddleboard Hire Brighton, its owners, partners, employees, agents, and representatives (collectively "the Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, or death that may be sustained by me, or to any property belonging to me, while participating in this activity.
This release applies whether the loss, damage, or injury is caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Nothing in this waiver excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot be excluded by law.
7Indemnity
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties against any claims, costs, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from my participation in this activity, or from any breach of this agreement.
8Responsibility for others
As the lead hirer, I accept responsibility for ensuring that all members of my group, including any children under my supervision, have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this waiver. I confirm I have authority to sign on behalf of any minors in my group, and that I accept full responsibility for their safety on the water.
Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete this waiver on their behalf.
9Emergency information
In the event of an emergency on the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not rely on mobile signal — inform someone onshore of your plans before you paddle. Always paddle with a friend where possible.
Declaration & signature
By completing the fields below and clicking "I agree and sign this waiver", I confirm that:
- I have read and fully understood this waiver in its entirety
- I am 18 years of age or older, or signing on behalf of a minor in my care
- I agree to be bound by all terms set out above
- I sign this waiver freely and voluntarily
✦ Waiver signed. Thank you — enjoy your time on the water. Stay safe!
Your digital signature (name, timestamp, IP address, and email) will be recorded and stored securely. This constitutes a legally binding agreement under UK law. A copy will be sent to your email address. Signed waivers are retained for 3 years in accordance with our Privacy Policy.