Clear Waters Outfitting Company

Policies & Procedures

Payment and Reservation Info
Reservations are not required, but highly recommended.  We would hate for you to show up ready for a fun day on the water only to find all of our boats have been rented or shuttles full.  If you make a reservation with payment (either deposit only or payment in full) and something comes up where you can not make it.  We prefer to keep your payment on account to be used on another day.  If you know that you will not be able to return for another trip in the future, a 100% refund is available with a cancellation at least 7 days prior to the start of your rental date.  If cancelled less than 7 days from the start of your rental date and you want a refund, you would forfeit the deposit portion of your payment amount and we could refund any remaining payment.  Once your paddle hits the water, there are no refunds or credits.

Weather/Rain Policy 
Paddling is considered a wilderness experience so we expect you to paddle in rain. Dress for the weather, and have rain gear available if it starts raining during your trip. We are not able to pick you up on the river early from your trip if it starts raining.  We do sell rain gear and other necessities in our store if you need something or forget it.

If there is lightning, severe weather, or concern for safety on the day of your departure, we will not put you on the water.  If there is any question about the weather or safety on the day of your departure, call us before coming to check the status of our trips and rentals.

Lightning Safety Tips

There is a chance you'll find yourself on the river when a summer storm rolls through unexpectedly.  Here are some tips to help you come through the experience unscathed.

The Following Lightning Safety Guidelines Have Been Adapted and Excerpted from "The National Outdoor Leadership Schools Wilderness Guide" by Mark Harvey (1999)

1. Stay off high peaks and ridges. The higher you are, the greater the chance of getting struck. 
2. Stay away from shallow caves and overhangs. Although they may look safe, the electricity can jump these small gaps and electrocute you.
3. Stay away from lone, tall objects like single trees in an open field. They are likely to be hit, and you could be hit by the ground current. If you can't avoid this situation, then crouch in the "cone of protection." Project a line from the lone object, often a tree, at a 45 degree angle. This forms an imaginary circle around the object that you should stay at.
4. Avoid metal objects and bodies of water. They are good conductors and can attract lightning. This includes metal pack frames, trekking poles, aluminum canoes, tent poles, etc.
5. If you are in a group, separate yourselves by at least 30 feet. That way, others can give first aid if one person is struck. If you stay in one big bunch, there will be nobody to help if you all get struck.
6. Avoid wide open spaces. You are at a greater risk of being struck if you are the only thing around. The best place to be during a lightning storm is in a large group of trees.
7. Assume the Lightning position by insulating yourself from the ground with your sleeping pad. This will help with ground current, which is what kills most people in lightning-related accidents. Crouch on this pad with your toes pointing downhill and your heels together. This will allow the current to run through your feet rather than your whole body in the event that the ground current finds you.