Store, Rental, Trip, and Class Policy

Store Return/Refund Policy

We will be happy to accept new merchandise returned for store credit or refund if the following conditions are satisfied:

The Merchandise is returned within 30 days of purchase.
The return is accompanied by a receipt.
The merchandise has not been used and is in "as new" condition.
The merchandise was purchased out of our regular store stock.

Used and Sale Items: Please make your purchases of used or discounted "sale" merchandise carefully, for there are no returns, credits, or refunds on used or sale goods.

Special Orders: Please consider your special order carefully because there are no returns, credits, or refunds on special order merchandise.

Credit Cards: Also, credit card refunds are subject to a 3% processing fee by our bank.

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.

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.

Trip Cancellation and Refund Policy "The Fine Print": Please read this carefully. Please understand that we sell a limited number of positions for each class or trip. When you reserve a spot, we hold it just for you: we do not overbook our activities. Since we cannot insure you or be responsible for any personal problems, illnesses or circumstances which may change your kayaking plans, or for your non-refundable hotel or airline reservations, we must adhere to these cancellation policies. This is an important way we maintain our fine level of service and our low prices.

Full Refund: If we cancel any trip because unsafe or unsuitable weather or sea conditions develop before our departure from Orange County, you will have the option of receiving credit or transferring to another trip. If conditions deteriorate after we depart, we will do our best to make opportunities to have a good time. Therefore, we reserve the right to change itinerary and plans to match existing conditions. If we cancel for reasons other than weather, you will have the option of a full credit, transfer to another trip, or a full, prompt refund.

Partial Refund: If you cancel more than 30 days in advance, we will refund your fee paid less a $25 per person service charge, or we will transfer your reservation to another currently scheduled trip for a $10 per person fee.

No Refund: No refund or credit will be given if you cancel less than 30 days in advance or fail to attend any part or all of the trip. You may substitute another paddler who meets the skill requirements. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance for trips.

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.

Rentals - "The Fine Print"

Rental reservations are held when full payment is received.
Advance payment by check or credit card helps you get on the water faster.
A $10 cleaning fee will be charged for any boat not returned in clean condition.
Each paddler must sign a liability release and statement of responsibility before taking a boat. A parent must sign for anyone under 18.
While Southwind is not responsible for evaluating a paddler's skill or ability, or determining their route and destination, we reserve the right to refuse rentals to those individuals whose skills do not seem suitable for their intended outing.

Boats from the Kayak Center may be used on bays, lakes, and ocean, but never on whitewater rivers or at the Channel Islands. Kayak Center rentals: Cancellations within 7 days of the rental start date result in loss of the rental fee; cancellations made at least 8 days before the rental result in either a full credit toward a future rental, or in a refund less a 25% fee.

Rental Base Boats are for in-harbor, day use only and may not be car-topped. Cancellations or no-shows within 24 hours of a reservation's start time result in loss of the rental fee. Cancellations more than 24 hours in advance will receive full credit toward a future rental. Sorry, no refunds.

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Store, Rental, Trip, and Class Policy

Southwind Kayak Center