We step outside at night and look up to the stars.
We stand beneath waterfalls.
We sit in our kayaks and lose ourselves to the motion of the water.
These are the moments where we find ourselves.
We immerse ourselves in theses experience.
We find kindred spirits in the rhythms of Nature.
We remember all life is sacred.
We remember there is no difference between us and nature.
We remember we are nature.
We remember we...
are water.
Eris Expeditions
Guest Agreement & Disclaimer
On Nature:
The earth is not ours, though it is ours to care for, respect, and admire.
Leave no trace.
No chemicals, refuse, or destruction left behind.
Pack it in. Pack it out.
Be humbled.
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On Kayaking (and kayak expeditioning):
- Disclaimer:
While Eris Expeditions and all Eris Expeditions' guides will do everything in our power to protect and preserve the safety of our guests, all guests and customers of Eris Expeditions are expected to: honor this Agreement, follow the direction(s) of their guide(s), respectfully handle and care for all Eris Expeditions gear given into their care, follow our "Leave no Trace principles described in the above section, “On Nature:”, be respectful of all other Eris Expeditions guests as well as any other individuals or property we encounter during our time together, not initiate or participate in any unlawful or illegal activities, not leave the group without first informing the guide. ANY SEPARATION FROM THE GROUP IS AT YOUR OWN RISK, as well as at your guide(s) discretion. While knowing this, all guests accept the known and common risks associated with kayaking, camping, wilderness trekking, and interaction with the natural environment and exposure to the elements, including the risks involved with leaving the group and/or guide(s).
I, Dane Stockman, Eris Expeditions, and Eris Expeditions guides will not be held liable for Acts of God, natural disasters, willful self-endangerment, the actions of those outside of our control, or events outside of our control.
All guests accept the known and common risks associated with kayaking, camping, wilderness trekking, interaction with the natural environment, interacting closely with people, and exposure to the elements.
On Kayaking (and kayak expeditioning) Continued:
- Not a Disclaimer, Kayaking May Lead to:
"Paddling will make you a crusader for this watery planet. [Paddling] will make you care deeply about aquatic and oceanic ecology and every other environment on our bluish-greenish-brownish globe. [Paddling] may shift the way you think, shop, drive, dress, work and live."
"Kayaking is addictive and is a leading cause of good health, mental well-being, and meaningful relationships with friends, family and nature. Paddlers may experience cravings and emotional highs after brief exposure. Prolonged use can result in enlightenment, heightened fitness, and environmental awareness and appreciation." (These are not guaranteed, though possible, likely, and encouraged.)
Both quotes are given to us by Virginia Marshall, originally published in the 2016 Annual Paddling Buyer’s Guide.
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On the term “Default:
The term “Default”, as used throughout this agreement, denotes topics that can be given special consideration at Dane Stockman’s discretion, as well as the discretion of any individuals authorized to do so.
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On Group Size, Pricing, and Booking:
Default minimum of 3 guests per expedition.
Size/weight restrictions are based on kayak manufacturer specifications.
Age discount for those under 16:
20% off each ticket
Group discount begins at:
5 guests - 5 % off each ticket
6 guests - 6 % off each ticket
7 guests - 7 % off each ticket
8 guests - 8 % off each ticket
9 guests - 9 % off each ticket
10 guests - 10 % off each ticket
Academic/Environmental discount (at Owner's discretion):
10 % off each ticket
As a default, at 7 Guests, we add an additional guide.
We may add an additional guide for less guests, at our discretion.
Default maximum of 10 Guests total on any expedition.
Our noted prices are complete with no hidden payments. Each listed price is per a single guest.
Everything our prices include is listed in this Agreement.
We have two optional upgrades at additional costs:
a seasonal clothing option: merino wool baselayer sets (for colder trips) or hooded sun-shirts (for warmer/sunnier trips) and Dorman Pacific Hats
and
an add-on sight-seeing flight for all our lake Powell expeditions (the 15 and 23-day expeditions come with a separate flight built in (that you can, at any time, opt out of)).
and
an upgrade of the included plane flight to a helicopter flight (only available for 15 and 23-day lake Powell expeditions).
This options about doubles the flight time and the pilot is likely to fly much lower and guests will likely see more, given the nature of viewing capabilities from with the helicopter given the tour nature of the aircraft, as opposed to the base flight plane.
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On Paddler Sizes and Ages:
Ranges are approximate.
Age: 12+
Height: 5'2" - 6'3"
Weight: 90 - 250 lbs
Waist (diameter): 22" max
Many of us guides started out paddling when we were very young, but we know that we're a little different.
We know that individuals outside of the general paddler height and weight ranges can be comfortable kayaking and are able to give special considerations.
Our expeditions can be very demanding, so be discerning on your, and your young ones', capabilities.
We will require measurements for (metric or standard):
Height
Inseam
Arm Span
Chest (Bust) Circumference
Weight
Waist (Circumference/Around - Diameter/Across)
Shoe Size (size, type, width, and country)
Body Measurements (Baselayer purchase option only)
Head Circumference (Hat purchase option only)
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On Paddler Health, Physical, and Medical Condition(s):
Any ongoing or reoccurring health, physical, and medical condition(s) need to be disclosed at the time of booking.
This includes injuries (includes current and past), physical condition, dietary restrictions, medications, relevant genetic conditions,
Any conditions arising after the initial booking need to be disclosed to Eris Expeditions as soon as reasonably possible.
Eris Expeditions reserves the right to cancel any guests' booking, with or without full or partial refund, with or without rescheduling, at any time: pre-, post-, or during any expedition, if any health or physical conditions that would or could compromise your safety, their safety, or the safety of another expedition guest are not, or were not, disclosed.
In the event that a condition that would meet these criteria arises after booking, but before the expedition launch date, see the section below on "On Weather, Rescheduling, Cancellations, and Refunds" and "More On Refunds". If one of these arises during the length of the expedition, emergency response services will be contacted in the most expedient manner possible.
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On Trip Lengths:
All trip lengths are set out in days. This "day length" includes all nights bordered on either side by an expedition "day". This does not include the night before or after Orientation Day. It is possible that the group may finish the overall expedition early, before the listed last day of the expedition; if there is a unanimous decision to do so. Otherwise, there are many opportunities to explore near the expedition finishing locations. The price is unaffected by an early finish date.
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On Our Inclusive Outfitting Process:
It is during this process that guests, at the least the group’s Designated Contact(s), will be informed of who their guide(s), and . Eris Expeditions reserves the right to change guide(s).
In the event of a guide(s) have an emergency the they must leave the expedition to care for, Eris Expeditions reserves the right to change your guide.
A great deal of your outfitting is tailored specifically to you.
Our selecting it requires a personal review of every guest, their physical condition and measurements, relevant kayak and expedition experience, and an interview with everyone who'll be joining us (by phone or video calling or in person). Customizations to your gear/outfitting will be dependent upon this personal review.
Do not lie during the outfitting process.
If we determine during the pre-expedition orientation that any information you have provided us with is false or untrue, or if we feel that that false or untrue information is likely to put any member of the expeditions in harm's way, we reserve the right to cancel and/or reschedule any and all of your group, with or without a refund, full or partial.
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On Arriving Early:
If guests arrive to the general expedition location early (prior to Orientation Day), guide(s) are under no obligation to provide any services besides assisting with transport and arranging their vehicle/property storage during the length of the expedition(including Orientation day). Transport services will be available at all (offered) times for 3 days prior to the expedition Launch date and two day after the expedition finish date. That being said, Eris Expeditions guides absolutely love what they do and are normally very open to joining you as you get your bearings and discover the area. As an Eris Expeditions guide, they cannot drive you.
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On Orientation Day:
The day prior to the expedition launch date will require an in-person orientation. This orientation will be scheduled, by default, at least 5 days prior. The location will be the expedition launch site or a similarly available/accessible site. We will have water available and a lunch that is reminiscent of the meals we'll be sharing on the expedition (plus some fresh fruits and the like). We will be introducing ourselves in person, gauging the scope of everyone's skills, knowledge, and abilities, getting everyone comfortable and familiar with their new gear and how it packs in their kayak. This is expected to last 3-5 hours, depending on group size and overall knowledge and experience base. This length is at the discretion of the Eris Expedition guide(s) accompanying you.
The evening before the expedition launch day, after the orientation, all guests are encouraged to join your guide(s) for dinner, comradery, and conversation, at one of our favorite local restaurants (that should be healthy and easy on your stomach for starting out our trip the next morning), to get a bit more familiar. *Checks are separate*
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On Launch Day:
Given the length of our expeditions, we've arranged transportation for all our guests from wherever you choose to stay the night before Launch Day.
If you have chosen to drive to our (general) expedition location, we have a location available for you to store your vehicle as well. Bring all items with you from your automobile/hotel that you want on the expedition. This includes cash, cards, passport, id, clothing, personal items, optional items, and substituted items. (We go over these more below.)
Important - Have a breakfast that will be easy on your stomach. Being bent over double the first day is a poor way to start. There is likely going to be a bathroom available at the launch site.
Your guide(s) will carry the kayaks down, unpacked (a packed kayak is obnoxiously heavy). Once everyone arrives, we pack our kayaks together, prep our water, put down one more snacks, hit the bathroom one last time, say bon voyage to any and all friends or family that may be there wishing us a fond farewell, and we're off!!!
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On Walk-Ins:
"Walk-ins" are any guests who books with us after the last day booking payment would otherwise be fully refundable.
Orientation is still required for Walk-Ins. Outfitting customization options are likely to be reduced for Walk-Ins.
Our prices are not reduced for walk-ins. Payment is required in full immediately for walk-ins. In the event of a cancellation, the refund process is the same.
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On Weather, Rescheduling, Cancellations, and Refunds:
As a default, ONLY weather cancellations are fully refundable.
All cancellations are reschedulable.
NOT all dates are available for rescheduling.
All rescheduled expeditions, as a default, must have a new expedition Launch date provided within one week of being canceled.
All expeditions rescheduled after the "non-refundable" date of the original expedition Launch date, to a date:
- more than 30 days out from the original Launch date, are subject to a short notice rescheduling fee of 5% of your total booking cost.
- more than 30 days out from the original Launch date, are subject to a short notice rescheduling fee of 8% of your total booking cost.
Any expeditions rescheduled prior to the "non-refundable" date of your expedition launch date or rescheduled to a date within 30 days after the original Launch date, will not have a rescheduling fee.
NOT all dates are available for rescheduling.
There are NO weather cancellations for Lake Powell and Boundary Water locations.
There are NO weather cancellations for Michigan river trips.
All Lake Michigan and Lake Superior trips are weather dependent.
Cancellation calls for flights are outside of Eris Expeditions control. They are up to the pilot/flight service, NOT Eris Expeditions.
All our lake Powell expeditions can be paired with a stand-alone sight-seeing flight and is schedulable pre or post expedition. Refund policy is determined by Papillion. This flight is approximately 45-50 minutes. Our 15 & 23-day expeditions include a flight over lake Powell that is not payed for separately and not eligible for refunds. Optional (included) alternative is to be shuttled back to Page on land.
More On Refunds:
We work with many individual suppliers and their return & refund policies are inconsistent with one another. Due to this, and our unique personalized outfitting process, Eris Expeditions does not have a full refund policy.
To properly arrange your gear beforehand, allowing appropriate time for ordering and delivery:
For all 8+ day expeditions, HALF OF EACH GUESTS' TOTAL BOOKING COST WILL BE NON-REFUNDABLE TWELVE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE LAUNCH DATE OF THE EXPEDITION.
For all 7- day expeditions, THREE-QUARTERS OF EACH GUESTS' TOTAL BOOKING COST WILL BE NON-REFUNDABLE TEN WEEKS PRIOR TO THE LAUNCH DATE OF THE EXPEDITION.
The full booking cost of your group is to be paid in full (or determined to be in good standing by Owner) at FOUR WEEKS prior to your expedition launch date or is subject to cancellation and our standard refund policy.
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On Gear supplied by Eris Expeditions to each guest:
Kayak, paddle, map, spare paddle, skirt, PFD, radio, GPS tag, tent / footprint, sleeping bag / liner / pad / pad liner / pillow, 3 camp meals per day (and group "kitchen" equipment), 2+ "snack" meals per day, water shoes / socks, paddling gloves (type is season dependent), x2 water bottles (x1 w/ purifier), personal water filter, dry top, dry bags, seasonal and weather appropriate head-wear, reusable hand warmers, rain jacket, individual med-kits, sunscreen (we prefer "sun-shirts" and the like), lip-balm/chap-stick, toiletries: body and hair soap, wash and drying towel, travel toilet and disposal bags
The provided GPS tag cannot be substituted.
We provide all natural toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, and body soap that are unscented, hypo-allergenic, and won't leave nasty artificial chemicals in the environment.
On Our Only Optional Outfitting Costs:
Payment is required to be in Good Standing for this option.
Only available to Walk-Ins at Eris Expeditions discretion.
As a default, baselayers are guests' responsibility. We offer an optional, purchasable outfitting selection for cold, warm, and sun-protection (base)layers and Dorman Pacific Hats. All prices vary based on brand, quantity, year, etc.
We require your measurements and specific decision/choice of available options, unless you'd like or delegate the selection to us. We'll invoice you, make the payment, and have your choices shipped directly to your supplied mailing address to verify fit pre-expedition.
We purposefully select, to the best of our ability, only truly ethically and sustainably sourced, sewn, and woven merino wool.
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On Gear supplied by you, as our guests:
Required:
toothbrush, 3-4 changes of base layers (seasonal), seasonally appropriate clothing, 4-6 pairs of non-water socks (seasonal), warm clothing (not cotton), hat(s), any required medications, hiking shoes/boots - *broken in*.
Optional Substitutions:
Any personally owned gear that you would like to bring for yourself, that we here at Eris Expeditions would otherwise provide (excepting the GPS tag we provide and NO TREKKING POLE TENTS), (upon our approval) you are invited to substitute for gear we would otherwise provide.
Fully Optional:
Items larger than .5 cubic ft (6" x 12" x 12") of space are subject to Eris Expedition guide approval.
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On What may be in a wallet:
Any purchases during the expedition requires your own currency: cash or card. We recommend having both on hand. This goes for all our expedition locations.
As an Eris Expeditions guest, you won't be operating a motor vehicle, nor will we solicit you for legal identification. We provide you with an Expedition Confirmation Number at the time of payment, by phone (if applicable) and email, for purposes of verifying you and your group.
The company we fly with, Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours, will however require a legal ID if you'd like to take advantage of our flight options. More on that in the "Our Flying with Papillion Helicopter Tours" section below.
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On Cellular Devices:
Cellular devices are a personal choice.
If you believe it's going to consume your attention or detract from your experience, we recommend that if you do bring one,
please reserve it for special use.
Our guides will not be responsible for maintaining electronic devices, their power levels, contactability, condition, usability, etc.
Electronic devices can be distracting and can easily detract from the experience.
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On Tobacco:
The use of cigarettes requires the carrying of a butt pouch.
If you choose to, you may bring a pipe and loose leaf.
You need to be HIGHLY conscientious with any sort of open or loose flame.
Conditions are often windy. There will be times use is prohibited due to open flame concerns.
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On Gear Brand/Model Unavailability:
While we do our absolute best to stick our posted selection of gear brands and models,
the nature of how we customize outfitting, even allowing months for ordering and shipping and, in some cases, people actually crafting your gear on demand, is that sometimes, for one reason or another, a manufacturer is simply out of stock. In the event this occurs, we reserve the right to provide guests and guides with gear of similar form, function, price point, and dimensions as the unavailable piece of gear.
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On Our Flying with Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours:
DISCLAIMER:
All Agreements and contracts made between all individuals and Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours are made outside of any liability or responsibility of Dane Stockman and Eris Expeditions.
Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours requires everyone present legal identification. Flying is not required, but highly recommended.
All our lake Powell expeditions can be paired with a stand-alone sight-seeing flight and is schedulable pre- or post- expedition. The refund policy for this flight is determined by Papillion. This flight is approximately 45-50 minutes. Our 15 & 23-day expeditions include a flight over lake Powell that is not payed for separately and not eligible for refunds. This included plane flight can be upgraded to a helicopter flight. Your flight time is about doubled and you may fly much closer to the ground and your ability to view the landscape is greatly increased. There are group size and weight restrictions that Papillion determines and sets that we adhere to. If these limits are breached, this option would no longer be an upgrade, but an addition. As an upgrade, the additional cost is 500; as an addition, $3000. In lieu of this last included flight, upgraded or not, guests (as a group or select individuals) can be shuttled back to Page on land, with or without a guide, at the shuttled guests’ discretion.
Any additional costs opted for by guests in regards to upgrading to or adding an additional helicopter flight(s) are subject to Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopter Flights refund policy, and so require days notice for a full refund. All amount’s are non-refundable days before the scheduled date of the flight(s).
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On Resolution of Disagreements Regarding this Agreement:
This Agreement is between Eris Expeditions and (Guest).
It is made under American Common Law Jurisdiction.
Either party has the right to end the Agreement if there is not honor.
Any breach of this Agreement arising from or between the parties can only be heard, approached, dealt with, considered, etc., in a court of American Common Law jurisdiction.
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On Our being Indemnified and Bonded:
I, Dane Stockman, and Eris Expeditions, and all Eris Expeditions guides and guests, are fully indemnified under the Indemnity Bond lodged at the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY as The United States of America AMR1 RA 393 427 640 US.
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By:
Dane Michael Stockman© All Rights Reserved
Expedition Confirmation Number:
Expedition Location:
Expedition Length:
Expedition Orientation Date:
Expedition Launch Date:
Expedition Finish Date:
Guide:
Guide:
Guide:
Guest Name (Print): Born: (mm/dd/yyyy) Weight: (lbs/kg) Height: (in/m-cm)
Designated Contact:
Phone Number (& country code) and Type:
Email:
Mailing Address:
By signing this, I agree that I, as well as all other Eris Expeditions guest(s) for whom I may be signing this Agreement, has read this Agreement & Disclaimer and understand and agree to it’s contents and will honor my role as an Eris Expeditions guest, as described within and throughout this document, “Eris Expeditions Guest Agreement & Disclaimer”.
Signer's Name and Relation to Guest: (If signing for yourself, leave blank.)
Signature: Date: (mm/dd/yyyy)
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Our Eris Expeditions Guest Agreement & Disclaimer can be downloaded here and the button below.