Here is a list of questions, together with our answers, that we get asked regularly by Teachers and Group Leaders:
What specialist equipment is required?
A watersports trip (unlike a ski trip) does not require much in the way of specialist equipment. We provide all the necessary boats, boards, bikes and kayaks as well as approved buoyancy aids and waterproofs! You usually only need to bring swimming things and some old clothing and trainers you don't mind getting wet. The watersports activities can be enjoyed to the full if participants wear a rash vest and wetsuit shoes, which are widely available to purchase. A wetsuit might also be a useful purchase and these are also now widely available at a reasonable cost.
Do my group have to be strong swimmers?
Funnily enough you don't have to be a strong swimmer, or even a swimmer at all, to enjoy our watersports activities, although it helps to be water confident. As mentioned above, we provide buoyancy aids and, provided we are notified, we can cater for non-swimmers.
Are there any extra charges?
Our residential school group trips are fully inclusive of our activities as detailed here and in your group'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 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.
It is advisable to include a contingency fund of at least £10 - £15 per person in the overall cost of the trip. This will enable you to cover the cost of any incidental expenses whilst on the trip. For example, you may need to pay for a doctor's consultation or cover the cost of prescribed medication. Any left over contingency fund can be returned to parents on your return to school. Some groups have used the contingency fund at the end of the trip to provide pupils with an ice cream treat or with a meal on the return journey.
What about insurance?
The cost of our overseas residential activity trips include personal accident and travel insurance cover for each member of your group (except anyone normally resident outside the UK). The insurance policy is valid for trip departures between 1st January and 31st December.
If your school or LEA require additional or increased cover under any section, this can normally be arranged, although there may be an extra premium charge, please contact us for further details.
If, as a whole group, you do not require our travel insurance cover please notify us, in writing, and including the details of your own travel insurance policy. Your own policy should afford, as a minimum, comparable cover to that offered by the Rockley Adventure Travel Insurance policy.
Further and full details including the complete policy wording are available to view or download below.
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. This means that our watersports activites are run in line with the guidelines laid down by our NGB, the Royal Yachting Association, and encompass staff qualifications and experience, instructor to participant ratios and operational procedures. In addition, our UK centres are AALS (Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme) licensed.
All our centres are inspected by BAHA (British Activity Holiday Association) and have all gained LoTC and Adventuremark accreditation.
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.
Do the coaches have seatbelts?
All the UK coach company operators used on our inclusive French activity trips comply with UK, as well as EU law, and are fitted with seatbelts. It is the Group Leader's responsibility to ensure that the seatbelts are worn.
Do we need passports?
You are required to have a full 10 year passport in order to visit France and non-EU passport holders may require visas. Young people travelling as a group can travel under a Group Passport obtainable from the Passport Agency. Contact them for further information on 0870 521 0410 and see also our Trip Planner. 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 centres in Poole!
Is our money safe?
In accordance with The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992, all pupils and accompanying adults booking with Rockley Adventure, part of Rockley Watersports Ltd, are fully protected for the initial deposits and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your trip due to the insolvency of Rockley Watersports Ltd.
This protection is provided by way of an insurance policy arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by insurers who are members of the Association of British Insurers.
There is no requirement for financial protection of Day Trips and none is provided.
