FAQs

What do we need to take on the trip?

We provide a comprehensive kit list to your Group Leader, our Kit Lists can also be found in Downloads. Watersports generally don’t require much expensive, specialist clothing however we would recommend wetsuits for certain times of the year and a rash vest and wetsuit shoes at all times. We provide buoyancy aids and at our UK centre a full set of waterproofs. Bedding and towels are NOT provided so please remember to bring your own. Please also remember that the sun in France is a lot stronger and reflects off the water so sun protection is essential. Sensible and appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. Do not bring valuable items such as expensive watches, jewellery, MP3 players and especially NO mobile phones.

Can you deal with special needs?

All special needs should be clearly notified to your child’s Group Leader at the time of booking. We will make every effort to accommodate all special needs. We need to know about any medication, special diets or food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have, normally we can cater for just about anyone!

Are there any extra charges?

Our school activity trips are fully inclusive of our activities as detailed here and in your child’s itinerary, all meals and drinks from arrival to departure at the centre, insurance and for trips to our French centres, return travel. We do offer a number of extra additional activities and excursions to enhance your child’s trip. These are arranged and paid for in advance and are subject to availability. No refunds will be given for extras booked and paid for but not used.

What about insurance?

Our activity trips include personal accident and travel insurance. Please see the summary of cover included in Insurance or see Downloads for the complete policy wording.

What about safety?

All our centres are fully recognised by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) for the tuition of sailing, windsurfing and powerboating and are inspected annually. In addition, our UK centre is AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) licensed. Our long record of teaching watersports has also built up huge expertise and qualified staff at our centres – we are the ONLY Company to employ, full time, 6 RYA Coach Assessors and 5 RYA Senior Instructors. We have also developed a comprehensive Safety Management System to monitor, record and implement safe operation of our centres and activities, which encompasses policies, risk assessment, emergency, child protection and operating procedures.

What travel documentation do we need?

Youngsters travelling as part of a school group can travel under a Group Passport obtainable from the Passport Agency, your Group Leader will advise you of all documentation requirements. Non-EU passport holders may require visas and lost, stolen or new passports will take a minimum of 2 weeks to replace. At the time of writing and as a Resident of the UK you do not require a passport to visit our centre in Poole!
As a UK resident, your child is entitled to any medical treatment which becomes necessary, free or at a reduced cost, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country. Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered. However, to obtain treatment your child will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which you can get, free of charge, from your nearest post office. See Before the Trip.

And Also You Might Want To Know About …

Pocket Money
As our school activity trips are fully inclusive your child will require only a modest amount of pocket money for sweets, soft drinks, ice-creams, small souvenirs and if you are lucky postcards! Obviously older children have different requirements to younger children and the amount will also depend on the length of stay with us, but we would recommend £20 to £40 for trips to our UK centre and €60 to €100 for trips to any of our French centres.

Swimming
Everyone should to be able to swim 50 metres in light clothing and will also be required to wear a buoyancy aid (except for body-boarding, surfing and swimming in the campsite pools or visiting AquaLand/Tower Park) whenever on or near the water. Special arrangements can be made if a particular child cannot swim the required distance; this information should be provided to your Group Leader, in writing, well in advance of the trip. At all or centres in France, boys are required to wear “Speedo” style trunks in order to be allowed to swim in the campsite pools – baggy swim shorts are not allowed.

Behaviour
For us to offer the highest quality and safe, enjoyable activity trips that Rockley Adventure is well known for relies in no small part to the cooperation of the youngsters themselves. We have a number of simple, common sense rules that will help ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved in your trip with us. Our Pupil Behaviour Charter is provided to your Group Leader and is also availble in Downloads.

Supervision
Both Rockley Adventure staff and accompanying school staff are resident at our centres and therefore provide supervision during the day and evening. Certain members of our staff are nominated as contacts for Group Leaders and youngsters throughout the day and evening, we also have a member of staff on duty through the night.