Before booking a spot on an expedition, we request all participants to please read carefully the details and information below:
Safety
To ensure the safety of all participants and our guides, Jackpine Paddle emphasizes the importance of adhering to our safety requirements:
1. Please carefully review and accept our full Terms and Conditions and Liability Waiver. Click on the links to access these documents.
2. Review the information on the trip webpage and ensure your skill level, physical fitness, and health are appropriate for your wilderness expedition
3. Ensure your personal gear is suitable for the specific wilderness activity you plan to join. Please be aware that our guides may deem certain equipment inappropriate, and in such cases, you may need to procure or rent the necessary gear.
4. Listen attentively to and follow the instructions and procedures outlined by your experienced guides.
5. Wear and utilize the safety equipment provided as required for your adventure.
6. Participate in group and safety briefings led by your guides.
7. Make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of both yourself and fellow group members.
8. Disclose any existing injuries or illnesses on your Guest Information Form before the trip and promptly inform your guide during the journey if any health concerns arise.
9. If considering activities that involve separation from the group, consult with your guide to ensure safe planning and coordination.
Risk Awareness
In the following text, the term “ Activities” shall include but is not limited to:
- hiking and backpacking
- wildlife viewing
- canoeing, rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
- wilderness camping and lodge accommodation
and all services and use of facilities either provided, arranged or organized by Jackpine Paddle including orientation and instructional sessions or classes; transportation; accommodation; food, beverage and water supply; and multi-day camping or overnight trips in the outdoors.
As with many adventure sports and outdoor travel, participation in Activities involves the risk of serious injury, including head injury, paralysis and death.
Jackpine Paddle trips often involve a combination of Activities. Below is an outline of some general and specific risks, dangers, and hazards.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALL ACTIVITIES
These inherent risks are an integral part of participating in wilderness activities. It is crucial for participants to be aware of and acknowledge these risks before embarking on any adventure with us. Your safety is our priority, and we are committed to minimizing these risks to the best of our abilities.
Participating in each of the listed Activities involves many risks, dangers and hazards including but not limited to:
Human-Related Risks, Dangers, and Hazards:
- Venturing into remote wilderness and backcountry locations, where access to assistance, medical services, and first aid may be limited or unavailable, and communication may prove challenging or impossible.
- The potential for getting lost or separated from your guide or group.
- The risk of negligent first aid administration or medical advice.
- The possibility of negligence on the part of other individuals.
- Accidents resulting from slips, trips, falls, or loss of balance.
- The risk of drowning.
- Exposure to hypothermia.
- Various health issues arising from overexposure to elements such as water, sun, insect bites, fatigue, stress, dehydration, exertion, high altitudes, and lack of physical fitness.
- The potential transmission of infectious diseases from viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, which can occur through direct or indirect contact with other individuals.
Equipment-Related Risks, Dangers, and Hazards:
- Accidents that may occur during transportation to and from the Wilderness Activity.
- Equipment failures, whether mechanical or non-mechanical.
- The possibility of watercraft, aircraft, or land craft overturning, malfunctioning, or encountering unforeseen issues during transportation to and from the Wilderness Activity.
- Sudden, violent, and unexpected movements of watercraft, aircraft, or land craft.
Environmental Risks, Dangers, and Hazards:
- Entrapment by natural elements such as trees, logs, deadfall, ice, snow, rocks, or equipment.
- Impact or collision with trees, logs, deadfall, ice, rocks, equipment, or other individuals.
- Encounters with both domestic and wild animals, including but not limited to bears, muskoxen, moose, wolves, and dogs.
- Exposure to high winds.
- Varied and unpredictable terrain, water, and ice conditions.
- The risk of rock or mudslides.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
Participating in various outdoor activities, such as hiking and backpacking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, wilderness camping and lodge accommodation, entails distinct and particular risks, dangers, and hazards, including but not limited to:
Hiking and Backpacking:
- The risk of falling from land craft moving at high speeds onto rugged terrain.
- Hazards associated with falling onto surfaces or into currents during stream or river crossings.
- Exposure to large or irregular ocean waves.
- Accidents related to hiking, backpacking, glacier and snow travel, scrambling, climbing, and backcountry exploration.
Wildlife Viewing:
- The potential for falling from watercraft or land craft into open and potentially turbulent waters.
- Risks associated with falling onto surfaces or into currents during stream or river crossings.
- Exposure to large or irregular waves.
- Accidents during fishing activities.
- Accidents related to proximity to wildlife.
Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- The possibility of falling from watercraft into long sections of continuous rapids or bodies of water.
- Exposure to large or irregular waves.
- Accidents that may occur during fishing, hiking, backpacking, glacier and snow travel, scrambling, climbing, and backcountry exploration.
Wilderness Camping and Lodge Accommodation
- Accidents during the setup of camp, including pitching tents, arranging tarps, and organizing the kitchen area.
- The potential for tents, tarps, and other campsite equipment to overturn or become upset.
- Sudden, violent, and unforeseen movements of camping equipment.
- Accidents related to cooking over an open fire or using camping stoves.
- Incidents within a wilderness lodge, including but not limited to slipping on floors, stairs, or bathroom facilities.
- The possibility of fires at a wilderness lodge, which could result in accommodation loss, injury, or loss of life.
- Allergic reactions resulting from the consumption of food prepared during camping or while staying in lodge accommodations.
