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Terms and Conditions
These Equipment Hire Terms and Conditions (Terms) are between Sydney Harbour Surf Club (“SHSC”) (ABN 53 627 506 647), its successors and assignees, (referred to as “we”, “us” or “our”) and you, the person, organisation or entity that purchases services and related products from us (referred to as “you” or “your”), and collectively the Parties. These Terms apply to all sales including equipment hire made by us to you.
These terms and conditions form the agreement under which SHSC will provide equipment hire to approved applicants for use away from the SHSC Rose Bay, Mosman Clubhouses and SHSC enclosed trailer(s).
Eligibility to Hire:
a) You must first seek approval to be eligible to hire a surf ski from SHSC to take offsite by signing and agreeing to these Terms and Conditions and providing credit card details authorising the deduction of hire fees and any other charges in relation to the hire of a surf ski. Confirmation of your eligibility to hire does not guarantee approval will be granted for a specific hire period and a separate application must be made for each separate hire period.
b) All applicants must be aged 18 years or older.
c) You must be a current member of Sydney Harbour Surf Club either on a weekly direct debit membership package or have participated in a minimum of 10 classes within the last 6 months at Sydney Harbour Surf Club.
d) Luke Horder (or his nominated delegate) will advise you of your “Paddler A, B or C Categorisation” (refer to section “Paddlers Categorised on Ability” below) which must be considered prior to each separate hire period based on the expected conditions of the location with which you are intending to use the surf ski.
e) You must receive a demonstration from either Luke Horder or a SHSC Coach as to how to adequately and safely strap a surf ski to a vehicle roof for transport.
f) You must be able to safely remount your surf ski (on both sides), swim unassisted for 200m and be generally capable of rescuing yourself or waiting for rescue whilst on the water.
g) You must hold a “Senior” membership with Paddle Australia and your membership must be current for the duration of any hire period. (Refer to https://paddle.org.au/find-a-club/ for guidance on how to join)
Exclusion of Liability, Release and Assumption of Risk:
In consideration of being able to hire equipment from SHSC; you:
· Agree to conduct yourself in a safe manner and to take reasonable precautions in order to protect your own safety, the safety of others, and the equipment being hired.
· Acknowledge the risks associated with the use of a surf ski include but are not limited to:
o Collisions with other persons, property structures or objects which may cause injuries to yourself or a third party.
o Changing or adverse weather and water conditions including tidal conditions and currents, waves, eddies, reefs, whirlpools, strong winds, rain or thunderstorms, prolonged exposure to cold water or temperatures, hypothermia, accidental drowning, exposure to sun, poisonous or deadly marine life.
o Injuries to yourself your property or third parties and their property whilst using the surf ski and whilst transporting the surf ski.
o Loss or damage to the hired equipment, your property or a third party’s property
· Acknowledge that exercise can be demanding by nature and there are risks of injuries even with proper use of the surf ski.
Conditions of Hire
a) You must submit an application to SHSC by completing the Sydney Harbour Surf Club Hire Application form and returning to admin@sydneyharboursurfclub.com.au. Refer to the section “Guidance on completing the application form” for additional information as to what information should be included.
b) The submission of an application to hire is subject to approval based on your eligibility to hire, the availability of surf skis, and your proposed hire period and location. SHSC will confirm in writing whether your hire application is approved and what additional conditions (if any) apply to the hire period.
c) You agree that you are solely responsible for the hired equipment for the duration of the hire period which commences when the surf ski is taken from either the Rose Bay or Mosman club houses or other approved collection location (e.g. a SHSC trailer) and ends once the surf ski has been returned to the original location (or location agreed to by Luke Horder or his delegate in advance).
d) You agree you are solely responsible for the cost of any repair to or replacement of equipment due to damage, theft, loss or destruction of the equipment that occurs during the hire period.
e) You agree to return the surf ski to the same location it was collected from (e.g. Rose Bay or Mosman clubhouse) unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Luke Horder. Failure to return the surf ski on time (based on your hire application form) or to the original collection location may result in additional fees as outlined in the “Fees and Charges” section below.
f) You agree to respect our equipment and facilities and take all necessary steps to return the equipment as you found it.
g) You agree to return the equipment in a clean condition. This includes but is not limited to washing down the surf ski so that it is free from sand, dirt, seaweed or any other debris. Failure to return the surf ski in a clean condition may result in additional fees as outlined in the ‘Fees and Charges” section below.
h) Use of the surf ski is only permitted between sunrise and sunset unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Luke Horder.
i) You agree that no other person/s will use the surf ski for the duration of the hire period unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Luke Horder. Where the surf ski is being shared, then each person intending on Paddling the surf ski must submit a separate application form and be approved. Where another person/s uses the surf ski against these terms and conditions, you agree that you would still be responsible for any damage, destruction, theft or loss caused by that other person/s.
j) You agree to appropriately secure, store and protect the surf ski when not in use or during transit to mitigate the risks of any loss, theft, damage or destruction when the ski is not on the water.
k) You agree to immediately notify Luke Horder or his delegate if you are unable to return the equipment to the original collection location or unable to return the equipment on time.
l) You agree to immediately notify Luke Horder of any significant incidents that occur during the Hire Period.
m) You agree to hold and maintain “Senior” Membership via Paddle Australia for the duration of any hire period.
n) You agree to exercise due care and act responsible when using or transporting the ski for the duration of the hire period.
o) You acknowledge the inherent risk and dangers of paddling a surf ski which include but are not limited to injury or death to yourself and other.
p) You agree to indemnify Sydney Harbour Surf Club from any incident causing loss, damage, destruction or injury to the surf ski, to yourself or your property, to third parties or to the property of third parties for the duration of the hire period.
q) You agree that you will not be covered by Sydney Harbour Surf Club’s insurance for the duration of the hire period.
r) You agree that existing health or medical conditions including but not limited to heart, back, neck or shoulder conditions or pregnancy may present health risks whilst using or transporting a surf ski and you agree that the use of a surf ski during the hire period is done so at your own risk.
s) You agree that during the hire period, you do not have any existing health or medical conditions that may impair your judgement, performance, balance on the surf ski or ability to rescue yourself when on the water.
t) You agree to abide by the relevant maritime, marine and environment rules covering the jurisdiction in which you are paddling.
u) You agree that fishing from the surf ski is not permitted.
v) You agree that the surf ski is not used to tow another watercraft vessel or object unless deemed necessary in order to aid in the rescue of a person or craft on the water.
w) You agree that no alcohol or smoking is permitted on the surf ski.
x) You agree that the surf ski will not be used whilst you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other substance that may impair your judgement, performance, balance on the surf ski or ability to rescue yourself when on the water.
Collection and Return instructions
· Surf skis can be collected from either the Rose Bay, Mosman club houses or the SHSC Trailer, once your hire application has been approved.
· Prior to taking the surf ski away from the collection location, you must take a video of the condition of the surf ski and show the exact time on your watch or phone of the agreed hire start time. When returning the surf ski on the agreed date please take another video of the condition of the surf ski and using your voice outline any damages. These videos are to be sent to Luke Horder via message/WhatsApp or email on the agreed start and return days of hire. The video:
o Must show all surfaces of the surf ski including the entirety of the top, sides, underside, seat/bucket, footwell, rudder, bow and stern tips of the surf ski.
o Must include a voiceover indicating any existing damages or marks observed on the surf ski.
o Must clearly show the SHSC surf ski number (found on the rear of the surf ski) AND the surf ski serial number (EPIC surf ski serial numbers are typically found on the right side of the stern of the ski)
o Should be filmed at the collection location. For example, on the deck at the Rose Bay club house or on the area immediately in front of the Mosman club house storage facility.
· Paddlers must provide their own tie down straps to transport the surf. A minimum of two straps per surf ski is required however it is recommended you have spares in case one is lost or damaged.
· Surf skis should be returned to the original collection location unless alternative arrangements have been agreed to with Luke Horder (or his nominated delegate) in advance.
· Should you wish to extend the duration of the hire period, you must submit your request in writing to Luke Horder for approval.
· Surf skis must be returned in a clean condition and failure to do so may result in additional fees being charged.
Fees and Charges
Hire Fees
· Surf ski hire is charged at a daily rate of $50 per day. Note surf skis must be returned prior to 5am otherwise an additional daily charge will be incurred for that day.
· Where the surf ski is being hired for the purpose of a race event, a fee of $50 will be incurred for the race event day and transporting of the surf ski the day before and day after the race event is at NO charge. For weekend race events away from Sydney the participants can paddle the surf ski the day prior or after at no extra charge.
· For SHSC approved classes away from the our Mosman and Rose Bay clubhouse schedule i.e Shelly Beach ocean classes or Saturday downwind bus classes the hire fee $ is already included in your group class booking purchase. Failure to book into the class means no SHSC surf ski hire.
Other Charges
· Cleaning fee: Where the surf ski is not returned in a clear condition, SHSC reserves the right to charge up to $20 to cover the costs incurred with cleaning the surf ski;
· Retrieval fee: If for any reason you are not able to return the surf ski to the original collection location (or other agreed drop off location if agreed to prior with Luke Horder), SHSC reserves the right to charge you a retrieval fee which will depend on the location and method of retrieval. You will remain responsible for any damage or loss that occurs to the surf ski until it has been returned to the agreed return location outlined by Luke Horder prior to hiring.
· Repair or replacement: You will be responsible for the cost of any repairs to or replacement of the surf ski due to theft, loss, damage or destruction that occurs during the hire period up to the value of $5,500 AUD.
Booking Conditions:
· Hire fees covering the hire period will be charged to your nominated credit card on the end of hire date once videos of surf ski have been reviewed by Luke Horder.
· Applicants can submit a cancellation of their hire application at any time prior to the collection of a surf ski by advising SHSC in writing. No cancellation fees apply.
· Where you return the surf ski earlier, SHSC will exercise their discretion in issuing a partial refund of any unused days of the hire period. Applicants should provide advance notice to SHSC of their intention to return a surf ski on an earlier date.
· SHSC reserves the right to amend or rescind a Hire approval at any time by providing notice in writing.
Safety Requirements
All paddlers wishing to hire surf skis from SHSC agree to always abide by the following safety requirements:
· Paddlers must consider and assess their own abilities and prior experience in conjunction with forecasted and/or prevailing weather and marine conditions at the time of their application and during the hire period when determining whether the surf ski model hired is suitable or whether they are capable of paddling safely in the conditions.
· Paddlers must at all times whilst on the water:
o Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Lifejacket that meets required maritime standards.
o Carry a mobile phone within a waterproof pouch or case.
o Carry a whistle.
o Use a leg leash (note Paddlers must exercise judgement as to when a leg leash should and should not be used. For example, removing a leg leash when paddling through the shore break).
o Wear clothing appropriate for the conditions. For example, the use of hi-vis clothing or accessories to increase visibility on the water or thermal clothing in cold conditions.
· Paddlers should consider paddling with a buddy where possible.
· Paddlers should make arrangements to alert a family member, friend or other individual in advance of their proposed paddle location and expected return time. The Safetrx app can assist with tracking the paddler’s location.
· Paddlers should consider the need for water and/or food particularly on longer paddlers or in hot conditions.
· Paddlers should wear appropriate sun protection (e.g. sunscreen, hats, sunglasses)
· Paddlers must check the expected weather and marine conditions prior to paddling. This includes but is not limited to checking forecasts relating to predicted wind, swell, tidal conditions, chance of rain or thunderstorms or any other marine or environmental warnings relevant to your proposed paddle location.
· Paddlers should be familiar with and abide by relevant maritime, marine and environmental rules covering the jurisdiction in which you are paddling.
When paddling alone or where capsizing is more likely because of the location, conditions or length of the trip, Paddlers should consider the use of additional equipment and accessories such as:
· A VHF radio;
· Personal Locator Beacon;
· Towline rope;
· Rudder repair kit;
· Safetrx to track your paddle location (the trip should be shared with a family member or friend).
SHSC also recommends:
· Paddlers are trained in basic first aid / CPR;
· Paddlers familiarise themselves with how to use their safety equipment ahead of time (e.g. practice how to use a towline rope, attend a VHF Radio course, watch instructional videos online etc).
Where the Paddler has hired a SHSC surf ski to enter a Race event, the Paddler must abide by any additional safety rules or instructions required by the Race organisers.
Paddlers Categorised on Ability
All paddlers will be self-categorised based on their current paddling ability with Luke Horder to review and make input if necessary. Paddlers can submit the below required evidence to Luke Horder to be eligible to move up a category and Luke Horder has the right to move paddlers down a category if deemed necessary for the protection of the SHSC equipment or others.
• Category “A” Paddlers: Must have completed a 20km+ Ocean Paddle or Race event in winds over 15 knots averaging under 7mins/ per km.
• Category “B” Paddlers: Must have completed 10km+ Ocean Paddle or Race event in winds over 10 knots averaging under 7:15 mins/per km.
• Category “C” Paddlers: Must have completed sufficient Harbour group classes and/or SHSC ocean classes appropriate to the intended hiring activity use.
Please note the following wind / swell restrictions on paddlers:
• Category “A” paddlers – maximum wind 18kts (ocean), 23kts (harbour), maximum swell 1.5m
• Category “B” paddlers – maximum wind 14kts (ocean), 18kts (harbour), maximum swell 1m.
(Using ones Garmin/other watch you can submit maps/distances and speeds to Luke Horder to be eligible to move up a category).
Guidance on Completing the Application Form
This section provides guidance on what information should be included in the Application Form.
· Your Full name
o Note where the surf ski will be shared between more than one Paddler, each Paddler must complete and submit their own form.
· Surf ski type
o For example: Epic V10 Sport, Epic V9 etc
· Collection location
o For example: Rose Bay, Mosman Club house or SHSC Trailer.
· Proposed collection date and time
o The proposed date of collection should be completed.
o The proposed time of collection can be approximated. For example, prior to 10am or after 2pm.
· Proposed return date and time
o The proposed date of return should be completed as this impacts the hire fees applicable.
o The proposed time of return can be approximated however any surf skis returned after 5am will incur a daily hire fee for that day.
o For example, if you hire a surf ski to be collected approximately 9:00am on Sunday, you have until 5am the following morning (Monday) to return the surf ski and will be charged a single daily hire fee. If the surf ski is returned after 5am on the Monday an additional daily hire fee will apply.
· Description of where the surf ski will be used including types of water
o The purpose of this is to determine the suitability or your proposed application. SHSC acknowledges that your actual paddle trip may vary slightly from what is proposed, but the information captured on the form should be indicative. Examples:
o Coastal/Ocean i.e Manly to Palm Beach.
o Bays, Harbours and Rivers only with no ocean paddling.
o Botany Bay downwind Dolls point (or near) to Frenchmans Beach (or near)
· Purpose of the hire:
o Examples:
§ Race Event,
§ Downwind ocean paddle
§ Holiday/Leisure
· Strapping demonstration
o Record the name of the SHSC Coach and time/location of the demonstration.
o For example: Coach Lovaine Mackie – demonstration at Rose Bay club house on the 29/01/2024. If the exact date is not known, then an approximate date can be used.
· Paddle Australia Membership Number
o Once you have joined Paddle Australia you will be issued a membership number. You can review your membership details online.
· Other relevant details
o Include any other relevant information. Examples may include:
§ Paddler A and Paddler B will be sharing the use of the surf ski (note in this instance, both Paddlers must submit a separate application)
Acknowledgement
I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to the Sydney Harbour Surf Club Equipment Hire Terms and conditions Version 1.0 (1/01/2025).
I acknowledge that any breach of these Terms and Conditions may result in my membership with Sydney Harbour Surf Club being suspended or terminated.
I understand that I must submit a separate Hire Application form for each individual hire period and must receive approval prior to using a surf ski.
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