FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cancellations
How do I cancel my booking?
Cancellations can be made within 14 days of the booking will be charged 50% of the hire charge and refunded the balance via the means of payment within 3-5 working days from when cancellation was confirmed with The Paddle Centre. If cancelling your booking within 48 hours of the start of the booking then the costs will be chargd in full.
Under what circumstances would The Paddle Centre cancel a booking?
Our priority is your safe use of our hire equipment and during instructor led activities. To ensure we can achive this and for our insurance purposes we constantly assess the prevailing weather and tidal conitions. On occasion it may be deemed by The Paddle Centres management that activities have to be restricted or postponed due to this.
What if the weather is bad?
At The Paddle Centre we only offer outdoor activities and as we are based in the UK, weather can be changeable at the best of times.
General FAQ's
Are there any age restrictions to hiring from you?
Yes, Our insurance only allows us to offer hire to those who are 12 years old and over. Anyone hiring under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied on the water by a parent or gardian who is at least 21 years old and who is also hiring either a Stand Up Paddleboard or Kayak from The Paddle Centre within the same time frame.
Do you supply bouyancy aids?
Yes, we supply bouyancy aids as part of your hire from us. Everyone who goes on one of our Paddleboards or on one of our sit on top Kayaks must wear it prior to taking to the water and during their session time. We will fit you with these before you go afloat.
What should I wear Kayaking?
If joining us for a sit on top kayak session or hire we recomend wearing no jeans or heavy weight cotton or material trousers. Lightweight clothes and layers are the order of the day. While it is unlikely you will fall in, there is a high chance that you wil end up with a damp bottom due to the seat of the kayak collecting some water during you session.
What should I wear Stand Up Paddleboarding?
If joining us for a sit on top kayak session or hire we recomend wearing lightweight clothes and ideally shorts or leggings paired with a short or long sleeve t-shirt. On cooler days it would be advisable to bring a fleece top or light jumper.
Will I fall in?
While we can not guarantee you will stay dry, in our experience it is less likely when on one of our beginner sessions (unless we are having fun and splashing around). We also use the best inflatable SUP's on the market, which are very stable and give you the very best experience possible for you to learn on. The conditions at Swanwick also are sheltered which makes it a great place to learn to SUP and Kayak.
I cannot swim, can I still hire from you?
Everyone participating should be able to swim 50 metres.
Do I have to pre-book my hire?
We do welcome and accept walk in's for hire however we would always recomend booking to ensure that we have equipment available for you. Pre-booking is almost essential during peak times such as weekends and during sunny periods.
How far can we paddle?
We are based on the River Hamble at Premier Marina Swanwick. From us you can paddle down to Universal Marina and as far us as you like.
Can I bring my pet?
While we love household pets, we are afraid we cannot offer access to our hire equipment or lessons for those wishing to share their experience on the water with their furry best friend.
Can we take a picnic with us?
Absolutely! Nothing is better than a picnic on the river bank and we would be happy to advise of suitable locations (as some of the river bank is private access only). Both our sit on top kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards have areas you can store bags in or under. We would of course strongly recomend that you goods are stored in a waterproof bag of some kind as not to spoil your lunch.
Where is the nearest place to park?
We have a dedicated free car park on site that is solely for the use of our customers. Just make sure you give your registration at the time of signing in for your session.
Do you have changing rooms on site?
Yes, We have two single occupancy unisex changing rooms next to our office. these are available to use for all customers.
Do you have somewhere I can leave my belongings while I am out on the water?
Yes, we have lockers in The Paddle Centre office that are free to use.
Do you sell Stand Up Paddleboards?
Great Question! Yes we do. To ensure our fleet of SUP's remain up to date and the best of quality we do replace our paddleboards which means we do offer ex-hire boards for sale at certain points in the year.
Do you sell Sit On Top Kayaks?
Yes we do, we want to make sure all of our Sit On Top Kayaks are up to date and of great quality. To ensure this we occasionally throughout the year release models for sale via our Facebook page. Be sure to go and like our Facebook to make sure you get all of the updates.
What if the weather is bad?
At The Paddle Centre we only offer outdoor activities and as we are based in the UK, weather can be changeable at the best of times.