Bayland’s kayak lesson and practice paddling sample trip agreement

This is a sample of the trip agreement you will fill out and initial/sign when you sign up in person
(there are no online signups for Outdoor Club events)

for the next Bayland’s kayak lesson and practice paddling.

THIS PAGE IS UPDATED closer to each trip, but most of it stays the same.

Please read it carefully so signing up will go faster.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign documents in person.

You must agree to all these rules.
If you don’t want to abide by any of the rules:
you don’t want to stay close in with the group while out kayaking,
you want to go near or feed the animals, birds, ducks,
you want to wear flip-flops instead of shoes that are safe to wear while carrying a kayak,
then (yup, you guessed it) don’t sign up for this trip.

The answer to the question: Why are there so many rules? is here.

Along with this form you will need to sign another release (especially important you remember that if you are under 18 a parent/guardian will need to sign both releases in person.) Take a look at a sample of the required-by-the-college release.

Please don’t print this and fill it out, it is only a sample and it might have changed right before the trip.
You or your parent/guardian must sign up in person. You must bring a photo ID to prove who you are and prove your age.

Times and places to sign up are at:

How to sign up for the October 2024 Baylands kayaking lesson

How to sign up for the May 2024 kayak lesson and practice paddling at Baylands Preserve

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Baylands Kayak Lesson and Paddling Practice Trip Agreement
8 a.m. Sunday, xxx xxxxx , 202x

Print name_______________(the name used on college records, not a nickname you prefer)

Phone#______________ Cell#_________________Email__________

Age______ (if you look under 21 we need to verify your age) Emergency person____________

Their phone_________________emerg person’s relationship to you (mom? friend?) ______________________

Circle as needed, initial next to policy statements/ safety rules to agree to them. If a minor is signing up for this event, their parent/guardians must sign this trip agreement in person, and the minor should also initial all parts of the document alongside their parent/guardian’s initials. Use initials (don’t put an “X”).

Participants in the event should plan their own carpools and transportation, but in case of an emergency we’d like to know: Circle I will / will not drive / could, but I’d prefer not to/ I’m not sure at this time

If you will not drive, but have a planned ride, name your driver:___________

If you will drive: Make, model, color & license # of vehicle you will drive_______________________

Number of people you could give /plan to give rides to __________________

If you already have plans, name the people you will give rides to_______________________

(if this changes, please let us know).

If I arrange a ride home with someone not on the trip (parent, relative. . .) and that driver does not get to Baylands in time to pick me up, I know that the Club Advisor and officers will not stay after with me until my ride arrives. If it looks like my ride is going to be late arriving (all the kayaks are loaded on the trailer and trip members are departing), instead of staying at the launch point by myself, I will get a ride with another student to the Ranger Station or an open Visitor Center OR have someone else stay with me until my ride home arrives OR I will get a ride home with someone else on the trip. (I acknowledge that the club advisor can not drive me anywhere.) ________

The event begins and ends at Palo Alto. The start time is 8 a.m. but there is no way to know the ending time. De Anza/Foothill district, and therefore the club, does not arrange carpools, so people signed up for the trip will arrange their own transportation. Because the club can’t arrange transportation you (circle yes / no ) give the club permission to give your phone number &/or e-mail to anyone associated with the trip.

Have you ever kayaked before? Y / N

The trip is open to only De Anza students/staff who sign up for the trip. Therefore, people signing up will not invite non-students or try to pass off anyone as a student. Initial (not an X):___

The kayaks are tandem (two person) and everyone must share a kayak, (except if there are an uneven number of people)

If you know who you want to share a kayak with, and that person is also signing up for the lesson, name that person (the name used on college records, not a nickname they prefer) _________________________

Have you ever been in/on the ocean or San Francisco bay before? Y / N
Do you know how to swim? Y / N

I know that there are ***NO REFUNDS***. Interesting weather, including rain, does not cancel club events ________

If the club needs to cancel, since it is time consuming to issue refunds, the club would appreciate it if you would agree to have your payment credited towards any club future trip within one year, circle: yes or no. – if you do not choose yes or no, we will assume you would choose yes.

I agree that due to the large number of people expected to sign up for this trip, the club may not be able to call/email or contact anyone if there are changes and I might even arrive in Palo Alto before I learn that part or all of the trip has been cancelled_______

I will bring a change of clothes, wear loose clothes I can easily move my arms and bend my legs in and wear closed-toed shoes that cover the entire foot, with enough tread left on the bottoms and enough ankle support that I can help carry the kayak. Example: old tennis shoes that can get wet. No flip flops! ______ I agree that if I wear improper shoes I will not be kayaking and will not get a refund._____

I will be sure to take car keys and things out of my pockets so I won’t lose them in the bay (initial, do not put an X) _______ Lots of people bring binoculars or cameras, but there is some risk of getting them wet, or even losing them. _____

I agree that the club advisor will limit how far and how long I can kayak that day._____

I acknowledge that the tandem kayaks are narrow. People who weigh more than 225 pounds have found that they can’t find a way to sit comfortably, or in some cases, even to be able to paddle and that people with back pain issues have been unable to paddle very far and have given up shortly after starting out and I will not get a refund if I need to quit____ If at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe I will immediately discontinue further participation in the trip. ________

If I decide to leave early and not complete the lesson as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and will not get a refund ________.

A strong person might think s/he can lift one kayak on the trailer by themself, but it’s just not safe. We require at least two and prefer to have three or four people under each as they are lifted off of or up on the trailer._______

We will start with paddling practice right off the dock. _____

If I arrive late and the club has unloaded the kayaks and is launching / has launched, I agree that the group will not go back and unload me a kayak and I will not get a refund. _____

I will not stand up in the kayak and will be careful to stay low in the kayak, especially when first getting into it at the dock. If someone falls out of their kayak I will go to their aid and get their paddle before it gets lost and help steady their kayak as they try to get to the dock or try to get in. While steadying their kayak I will not put myself in a position to be pulled into the water___

There are sometimes lifeguards signed up for the trip. They were not hired to guard people, but will probably bring rescue equipment in case it is needed. They are here to have fun, not follow people around waiting for trouble. If someone falls off their kayak, they should be helped by other people near them. Initial here to agree to this____

There are huge fines for disturbing marine mammals, ducks or birds, (examples: poke in the mud, or approach or feed birds / ducks) and the Baylands Preserve rangers can ticket people who break rules. Any unnecessary expenditure of energy can harm a feeding or resting bird or animal. Nesting birds may fly away from the nest exposing unprotected eggs and hatchlings to the sun’s heat or predators. I agree to keep the noise down so as to not disturb nesting birds. _____ Harassment is defined as any action that may cause an animal to deviate from its normal behavior. It is illegal and can unduly stress wildlife. Other people will ignore these rules. I will have more respect than they do. ___

I will follow the rule that all club activity areas, including while at the parking lot / dock area before kayaking and while out kayaking and anywhere that smoke might drift into an activity area are non-smoking ______

I will bring a telephoto that is big enough for the photos I want and not endanger myself or others by trying to get close to animals / birds for pictures.___ I will not photograph or videotape (includes using a GoPro) anyone on the trip without their permission___

I will not bring my own boat or stand-up-paddle-board, racing kayak, anything rigged for sailing, swamp buggy, inflatable craft, etc. _____

I will not engage in practical jokes or other (perhaps) well-intentioned conduct that could be misinterpreted or escalate into negative conduct_______

USE OF MY LIKENESS: I understand that during the trip the club advisor may photograph or videotape me. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I waive all rights of publicity or privacy or pre-approval that I have for any such likeness of me or use of my name in connection with such likeness, and I grant to De Anza College, the Outdoor Club and the faculty advisor and assigns permission to copyright, use, and publish (including by electronic means) such likeness of me, whether in whole or part, in any form, without restrictions, and for any purpose. _______ If I do not want to be in a group photo I will stand apart / move apart from the group while it is being taken._____

By signing up for this trip you are agreed to all of this and know you can be kicked off the trip without a refund if you do not follow trip rules or do not follow instructions of the faculty advisor, and will not be allowed on any other future Outdoor Club trip and can expect to be reported to the college. Initial here: _______

Initial here that you will follow these instructions and any given the day of the event by the club advisor____

You can be expelled from the trip and required to leave if we determine that you are:

Unwilling or unmotivated to participate and shoulder your responsibility as a member of an expedition team, including following all trip and Marine Sanctuary rules

Posing a danger, through misconduct or unsafe practices, to yourself or others, including reckless kayak use, not staying with the group and/or approaching animals/birds/ducks too closely

Defiant, harassing behavior, inability to control your temper or otherwise compromising the emotional safety of others

Using alcohol, drugs (including prescription medication not prescribed to you or sharing your medication)

Using tobacco products anywhere you can’t or that others must smell/breathe the fumes.

You can be expelled from the trip and required to leave if you are violating any De Anza College Mutual Respect rules

“De Anza College will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate, harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes
• Direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving
• Verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling
• Social isolation or manipulation
• Cyberbullying by any means including email, text and social networks/media”

Disruptive behavior that can cause a student to be immediately removed from the trip includes: expressions of hatred or contempt based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or psychological disability.

If you have visible tattoos with photos, drawings or words that would, in the opinion of the advisor, seem to reflect any of the above, you will be expected to wear a rash guard or similar clothing thick enough to cover up the tattoo(s). A Covid mask or clothing (a t-shirt, for example) with photos, drawings or words that would, in the opinion of the club advisor, seem to reflect any of the above, are not allowed on the trip.

Initial here to agree to the above_________

Have you ever been suspended/dismissed from a school/college for any length of time, ranging from part of one class session to an entire quarter/semester or permanently? Yes/ NO If yes, why?

Have you ever been disruptive in a class or broken class rules in the syllabus? Yes/ NO If yes, what did you do?

I will not bring dogs, pets (even in a doggie-lifejacket) and I know I can’t leave it leashed to the kayak trailer or in a vehicle while we are out paddling._____

If I use sprays such as sunscreen or insect repellent, I will not use them where others need to breathe the spray.___

It is important you understand that there are risks. Some adventure programs say that they can guarantee your safety. The Outdoor Club does not. The risk of injury, even serious injury or death, is unavoidable in the outdoor environment in which we travel. Indeed, much of the value of an Outdoor Club adventure lies in learning how to identify hazards and adapt behavior, not only on the trip, but also for a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors. Initial______

If any trip participant is pregnant they must provide a note from their doctor, on the doctor’s letterhead, stating that it is completely safe for her and the baby(ies) to participate. If any trip participant has a serious condition, such as a heart condition, asthma/significant allergies they must provide a note from their doctor, on the doctor’s letterhead, stating that it is completely safe for them to participate. If any trip participant has a serious condition, such as a bipolar disorder/anxiety disorder, substance abuse, or the like, the Outdoor Club needs to know this at least three weeks in advance of any event, so as to seek, where appropriate, a doctor’s assurance that the participant can safely participate and has possession and knowledge of use of necessary medications, and to be sure that the trip members are prepared to deal with special needs, failing which the person may have to be refused participation (subject to Americans With Disabilities Act issues, worked out in advance with De Anza Disabilities Support Programs and Services (DSPS) counselors). I am saying that this does not apply to me _______ OR I am saying that I have _______________ condition or that I am _____ months pregnant.

Cardiac Risk Factors include (circle any/all)

• High blood pressure • Diabetes • Current or prior cardiovascular disease • High blood cholesterol/triglycerides • Smoking

• Family history of heart disease (family member who’s had a heart attack at less than 50 years of age).

A stress ECG with one month of the trip is required if you had a heart attack OR:

1. Are over 25 years old and have 2 of the above cardiac risk factors.

2. Are over 40 years old and have 1 cardiac risk factor, or anyone of any age who leads a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Are any age with known coronary artery disease.

5. Completed a cardiac scan and have a calcium score greater than 10.

6. Are over the age of 60.

If this applies to me I circle any/all that do) I will provide a written note from my doctor stating the date of the stress ECG and the results and the statement from the doctor(s) that I can participate in the kayaking. _______

I acknowledge that engaging in this activity may require a degree of skill and knowledge different from other activities.
I certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity without assistance, including being able to stand on a dock and get into a kayak in the water that is moving at least some and then getting out of the kayak and back to the dock. Initial_____

Waiver: In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in the field trip hereinafter called the Outdoor Club kayaking lesson and practice paddling I, for myself, my heirs, personal representative or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Foothill-De Anza Community College District, its Board of Trustees, the individual members thereof, all District officers, employees, volunteers and servants from liability from any and all claims including the negligence of Foothill-De Anza Community College District, its Board of Trustees, the individual members thereof, all District officers, employees, volunteers and servants, all other sponsors and supporters resulting in personal injury, accidents, or illnesses (including death) and property loss arising from, but not limited to my participation on the Outdoor Club kayaking lesson and practice paddling Initial _______

Assumption of Risks: Participation in any Outdoor Club trip carries with it many risks which can not be eliminated or even minimalized, even with trip rules and protocols, regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries.

The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but the risks, which I understand and appreciate, include, without limitation, by way of example:

1) trauma caused by hunger, thirst, dehydration, emotional distress, fatigue, illness, exceeding my physical or emotional capabilities

2) property damage or loss

3) risks and dangers that are impossible to know or predict,

4) risks relating to winds, fires or floods and other forces of nature; and/or weather including mild to extreme hot or cold temperatures and injuries from lightning hit or near hit, avalanche, falling ice or rock, frostbite, immersion foot, being hot, cold, wet or uncomfortable

5) risk of head or other bodily injury while swimming/boating/playing with water toys from normal handling or mishandling of the craft, varying water/weather conditions, natural and manmade obstacles, other vessels and water users, varying depth and currents, and/or falling out of or being thrown by the forces of water out of a boat/raft/water toy onto or into other vessels, docks/piers, trees, rocks or cold water, gear, rigging, cargo or other people

6) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, sprains, sun/wind burn, animal/insect bites, allergic reactions, rashes or poisonous plant exposure

7) risks related to hiking, walking, biking and camping including equipment failure or mis-use of equipment, blisters, getting lost, illness from unclean water or food handling, risk of head or other bodily injury from slipping/tripping/falling, (including normal terrain and/or uneven or slippery terrain, including debris, talus, snow, ice, sandy, muddy or wet surfaces), risks related to carrying/lifting packs/equipment

8) risks relating to using campfires and camping gear, including cuts, burns, pinched fingers, bruises, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, equipment failure despite reasonable care and use

9) careless or reckless behavior on the part of myself or other trip members despite reasonable, but not full-time, supervision and careless or reckless behavior on the part of third parties

10) diseases such as Hantavirus or rabies

11) major injuries such as eye injury or loss of sight, broken bones, dislocations, joint or back injuries, heart attack, heat stroke, hypothermia, stroke, concussions, animal bites, poisonous snakebite, and other wildlife, natural hazards or animal encounters

12) catastrophic injuries including drowning, loss of limbs, paralysis, permanent trauma and death. Initial _______

I have read the previous paragraphs and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are inherent in the Outdoor Club kayaking lesson and practice paddling. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks, including significant ones which can not be prevented. Initial _______

Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD Foothill-De Anza Community College District, its Board of Trustees, the individual members thereof, all District officers, employees, volunteers and servants, all other sponsors and supporters HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including litigation expenses and attorney’s fees brought as a result of my involvement in the Outdoor Club kayaking lesson and practice paddling and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred. Initial _____

Severability: The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing waiver and assumption of risks agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. Initial _______

Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent. Initial _______

I further agree that the venue for any legal proceedings shall be in Santa Clara County California. Initial _______

I will check my emails every day until the trip______

I will understand all the trip rules well enough before I sign up that I will not debate them during the trip Initial______

Initial or sign here _____that you have had any questions about the trip or trip rules answered.

I acknowledge that the cost is: $35 club members, $45 other students.
$15 of this will be totaled and split towards a credit for a future club event within one year.
The split will be based on time spent (especially among those who arrive on time) to unload kayaks,
put paddles together, bring the kayaks down the launch ramp
and among those who stay until all the chores at the end of the event are finished, including, but not limited to, bringing the boats/paddles/lifejackets back up the launch ramp to the trailer, hosing off the paddles and or boats and reloading them, tying them down on the trailer, repacking paddles and lifejackets.
______

I acknowledge that I can read this contract at the website: marydonahue.org and will not get a hardcopy of it. ________

(Initial one of the following statements)

_______ I am 18 years of age or older and I will be the participant.

_______ I am the parent or legal guardian of the Participant who is under 18 years of age to whom the above statements apply and for whose benefit I am executing this Agreement.

I have read the above trip agreement and understand its terms. I execute it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance.

Signature of Participant or Participant’s parent or legal guardian______________________

Date___________________, 202X