About UsReserving a Lesson
All it takes is a couple easy and quick steps:
- Stop by or call 1-800-SOUTHWIND to sign up! Remember that courses often fill up early!
- We'll help you select the class that's right for you.
- Pay by cash, check, debit or credit card in full to confirm your reservation.
- We'll send you a confirmation packet with a map, checklist, and liability waiver about five days before the class and let you know about anything else you may need to bring!
Note: Canoes are welcome on most calm-water outings. Also watch for "own boat" prices. There is usually a $10 discount when you provide your own boat and gear. Rental wet suits are $10/day; paddling jackets are $5/day.
Class Cancellation and Refund Policy
Full Refund: If we cancel due to unsafe or unsuitable weather or sea conditions, we'll give you a rain check
or credit for another scheduled class. If we cancel for any other reason, you will have the option of getting a full,
prompt refund or transferring to another class.
Partial Refund: If you choose to cancel or transfer your reservation eight days or more before your class, we
will gladly refund your fee or reschedule your reservation, less a $10 per person service charge.
No Refund: No refund will be given if you cancel less than eight days before your class or fail to attend part
or all of your class. You may substitute another paddler who meets the skill requirements.
Weather Alert! We know it doesn't rain often in Southern California, but just in case it does...
Southwind classes are conducted whenever the conditions appear safe. A little rain and grey skies don't affect us. It is
often very sunny at the beach while it is raining or threatening inland from November through April. We pay very close
attention to the weather radio and call everyone who has a paid spot the evening before (or sooner, if bad weather is
certain) if we believe our venue will have heavy rain or heavy wind. This usually only happens once or twice each season.
Also, very infrequently, the forecast looks favorable but when we arrive at the class, or during the day, winds are high
enough that it would neither be comfortable nor safe to continue. If we have to call it quits right there on the beach,
then follow the cancellation policy above.
So, if you don't get a call the afternoon or evening before a class (you are responsible to check your answering machine at home and at work, please), that means everything looks pretty good and we will be there as scheduled. Of course, if we do hold a class and you choose not to come because you think it might rain (or it was raining at your house), your spot in the class is lost and there will be no refund or rain check for you! If you have any questions, please call us. Our web site is always a good source of informantion but we do not maintain weather conditions or class status information there.
Medical Advisory
Kayaking can be physically demanding and some of our trips are often distant from emergency medical care. Please check
with your doctor if you have conditions which might restrict your activity level or require special precautions
in the wilderness.
There are inherent risks involved in the use of kayaks, canoes and other paddle craft that may result in
property damage, serious injury or even death. Be sure you understand these risks before you start paddling.
Kayaking and canoeing can be physically demanding. Please check with your doctor to be sure you are physically
fit to participate in these activities. All paddlers who participate in our activities, or rent or use our, will
be required to read and sign a release of liability and assumption of risk agreement. We will be happy to provide
you with a copy of this document before you come paddling. Please give us a call or click for a copy of the
liability waivers.