Frequently Asked Questions
What do we need to take on the trip?
We provide a comprehensive kit list to your Group Leader. 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 (bedding is provided at Aravis). 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, walking boots are recommended at our Aravis Centre.
* Click here to see kit available to purchase and an order form to be returned to school.
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 some of our 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.
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.
Can you deal with special needs?
All special needs should be clearly notified to your 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!
What about insurance?
Our activity trips include personal accident and travel insurance. Please click here for our website for the complete policy wording or call us for a hard copy.
Are there any extra charges?
Our school activity trips are fully inclusive of our activities as detailed here and in your 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 trip. These can be arranged and paid for in advance or on arrival and are subject to availability. No refunds will be given for extras booked and paid for but not used.
What travel documentation do we need?
Youngsters traveling as part of a school group can travel under a Group Passport obtainable from the Passport Agency, however some groups may choose to use individual passports, and 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 an absolute minimum of 2 weeks to replace.
<!As a UK resident, your child is entitled to any medical treatment that 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 you will need to take a European Health Insurance Card with you, which you can get, free of charge, from your nearest post office or apply on-line here. At the time of writing and as a Resident of the UK you do not require a passport to visit our centre in Poole!
What about safety?
All our watersports 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 Mountain Activity centre works with local specialist providers to deliver certain activities, all of which are of course fully licensed and recognized to at least minimum UK standards.
Our long record of teaching adventurous activities has also built up huge expertise and qualified staff at our centres - we are the ONLY Company to employ, full time, 5 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 and operating procedures.
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 Behaviour Charter can be downloaded here.
