Your route to membership

Read each document, mark it as read, then complete the form at the bottom of the page. Signing the form is what makes your membership official.

1. 1

   Code of Conduct

   How we paddle together. Read ✓

   Purpose

   Our group exists to promote safe, enjoyable, and respectful kayaking adventures. Every participant shares responsibility for creating a positive environment where members can develop skills, explore waterways, and support one another. All events are 100% self-supported.

   By attending, you are responsible for your own safety, equipment, decisions, preparedness, food, water, clothing, and emergency supplies. Participants assume all risks and liability associated with participation.

   1. Safety comes first

   • Follow instructions from trip leaders or designated safety coordinators.
   • Wear appropriate safety equipment, including a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD), whenever on the water.
   • Paddle within your skill level and be honest about your experience and abilities.
   • Report injuries, equipment failures, hazards, or emergencies immediately.
   • Do not participate while impaired by alcohol, recreational drugs, or any substance that may affect judgment or physical ability.

   1A. Trip ability and equipment

   • Every trip and waterway is different. Some trips may involve conditions, distances, currents, weather, water temperature, obstacles, or technical difficulty that are beyond an individual’s experience, skill, physical ability, or comfort level.
   • Participants are responsible for reviewing the trip information, understanding the expected conditions and difficulty, and determining whether they have the skills, fitness, experience, and appropriate equipment to participate safely.
   • Participants are responsible for bringing a kayak, canoe, SUP, or other equipment that is appropriate for the specific trip and expected conditions. Equipment that may be suitable for one trip may not be appropriate for another.
   • The West Michigan Kayaking Club is a group of individuals who get together to paddle and enjoy the outdoors. Trip leaders coordinate group activities but are not guides, outfitters, instructors, or personal safety providers.
   • Participation in a group trip does not transfer responsibility for an individual’s safety, decisions, equipment, or preparedness to another participant.
   • If a participant’s skill level, physical ability, experience, or equipment presents a safety concern for themselves or the group, the trip leader or group may determine that the participant cannot participate in that particular trip.

   2. Respect for others

   • Treat all participants with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
   • Encourage and support fellow paddlers regardless of skill level.
   • Harassment, bullying, discrimination, intimidation, or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.
   • Respect personal boundaries and individual comfort levels on and off the water.
   • Do not play music from speakers while paddling. If you prefer music, please use earbuds or headphones responsibly and at a safe volume.

   3. Environmental stewardship

   • Follow Leave No Trace principles whenever possible.
   • Pack out all trash and dispose of waste properly.
   • Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
   • Follow local regulations regarding water access, camping, and protected areas.

   4. Personal responsibility

   • Arrive prepared with appropriate gear, clothing, food, water, and emergency supplies.
   • Inform trip leaders of relevant health concerns or limitations that may affect safety.
   • Maintain your equipment in a safe and functional condition.
   • Accept responsibility for your own decisions and actions during group activities.

   5. Teamwork and group travel

   • Stay with the group unless otherwise agreed upon.
   • Communicate clearly regarding route changes, hazards, or problems.
   • Assist fellow paddlers when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
   • Support a culture of learning, patience, and cooperation.

   6. Risk awareness

   Adventure kayaking involves inherent risks, including changing weather, cold water, currents, obstacles, wildlife encounters, and remote conditions.

   • Participants are expected to understand and accept these risks.
   • No member should pressure others to attempt maneuvers, routes, or conditions beyond their comfort or ability level.
   • Members should be prepared to adjust plans when safety conditions change.

   7. Inclusion and community

   • We welcome paddlers of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
   • Everyone deserves equal respect and opportunity to participate.
   • Constructive feedback is encouraged; personal attacks are not.

   8. Social media and privacy

   • Respect everyone’s privacy.

   9. Violations

   Participants who violate this Code of Conduct may be:

   • Asked to modify their behavior.
   • Removed from a trip or event.
   • Suspended or removed from group membership for serious or repeated violations.

   Our commitment

   By participating in group activities, members agree to follow this Code of Conduct and contribute to a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable kayaking community.

   I’ve read the Code of Conduct
2. 2

   Liability waiver

   Membership and participant waiver, release, and assumption of risk. Read ✓

   West Michigan Kayaking Club Membership and Participant Liability Waiver, Release & Assumption of Risk Agreement

   This Agreement begins on the date it is signed or electronically accepted and does not expire.

   Please read this Agreement carefully. By signing or electronically accepting it, you acknowledge that you understand and voluntarily accept the risks and terms described below.

   1. Voluntary participation

   I understand that participation in any West Michigan Kayaking Club activity is completely voluntary. I choose to participate in kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, camping, backpacking, cycling, river trips, expeditions, races, and other outdoor activities organized, coordinated, attended, or promoted by the Club.

   West Michigan Kayaking Club activities are fully self-supported. The Club is a group of individuals who gather to paddle, hike, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Trip leaders and other members may coordinate routes, share information, assist with logistics, or help fellow participants, but they are not acting as guides, outfitters, professional rescuers, medical providers, or personal safety providers.

   2. Acknowledgment of inherent risks

   I understand that outdoor and water-based activities involve inherent and other risks, including but not limited to:

   • Drowning or near-drowning
   • Capsizing or falling from a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard
   • Cold-water immersion and hypothermia
   • Heat illness, dehydration, or exhaustion
   • Strong currents, waves, rapids, changing water levels, and swift water
   • Strainers, sweepers, rocks, trees, logs, dams, drop-offs, waterfalls, bridges, and other obstacles
   • Changing weather, lightning, wind, extreme temperatures, and storms
   • Remote locations and delayed access to emergency medical assistance
   • Injuries from boats, paddles, equipment, terrain, or other participants
   • Slips, trips, falls, cuts, sprains, fractures, or other injuries on land or water
   • Wildlife, insects, plants, and other natural hazards
   • Vehicle transportation to or from an activity
   • Camping, backpacking, hiking, and overnight conditions
   • Equipment failure or improper use of equipment
   • Errors in navigation, judgment, route selection, communication, or decision-making
   • The actions, omissions, or negligence of other participants
   • My own actions, omissions, decisions, limitations, or failure to follow safety practices
   • Serious injury, permanent disability, property damage, or death

   These risks may exist even when reasonable safety precautions are taken.

   3. My responsibility for my own safety

   I understand that I am primarily responsible for my own safety. I agree to:

   • Honestly evaluate my skills, experience, physical ability, and limitations
   • Determine whether a particular trip is appropriate for me
   • Review available trip information before participating
   • Bring equipment appropriate for the specific trip and expected conditions
   • Maintain my equipment in safe and functional condition
   • Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) whenever required or appropriate
   • Bring appropriate clothing, food, water, emergency supplies, communication equipment, and other necessary gear
   • Follow applicable laws, regulations, access requirements, and safety rules
   • Immediately communicate hazards, injuries, equipment problems, or other safety concerns to the group
   • Make my own decisions about whether to participate, continue, turn around, or leave a trip

   4. Trip ability and equipment

   I understand that not every trip is appropriate for every participant or every boat. Waterways and trips may differ substantially in distance, water conditions, currents, temperatures, technical difficulty, obstacles, weather, remoteness, and physical demands.

   I am solely responsible for determining whether my experience, skill level, physical ability, fitness, equipment, and comfort level are appropriate for the particular trip. Equipment suitable for one trip may be unsuitable for another.

   The trip leader or group may determine that a participant or their equipment is not appropriate for a particular trip when, in their reasonable judgment, participation could create a safety risk to that participant or to others. Being permitted to participate in one Club activity does not mean I am automatically considered qualified or appropriately equipped for another activity.

   5. No guarantee of safety or rescue

   West Michigan Kayaking Club does not guarantee my safety. Trip leaders and other participants may attempt to assist me in an emergency, but they are not required or guaranteed to rescue me or provide medical assistance. Emergency help may be delayed due to weather, distance, water conditions, terrain, lack of cellular service, or other circumstances.

   I will not rely on the presence of the group, a trip leader, or another participant as a substitute for my own preparation, judgment, equipment, or safety planning.

   6. Assumption of risk

   I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in West Michigan Kayaking Club activities, including risks that are known or reasonably foreseeable and risks that arise from the inherent nature of the activity. I choose to participate despite these risks.

   7. Release and waiver of claims

   To the fullest extent permitted by Michigan law, I release and agree not to bring any claim against West Michigan Kayaking Club, its founders, officers, administrators, trip leaders, event organizers, volunteers, members, participants, agents, representatives, and affiliated individuals (collectively, the “Released Parties”) for personal injury, illness, death, property damage, or other loss arising out of or related to my participation in Club activities. This release includes claims arising from the ordinary negligence of a Released Party, to the extent such a release is permitted by applicable law.

   This release applies whether the activity occurs on or off the water and whether the activity is organized, coordinated, promoted, or attended by the Club or its members.

   Nothing in this Agreement is intended to waive, release, or limit any liability that cannot legally be waived or released under Michigan law.

   8. Indemnification

   To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from my own negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct, or from my violation of this Agreement or the Club’s Code of Conduct.

   9. Medical treatment

   West Michigan Kayaking Club does not provide medical care. In an emergency, I authorize reasonable emergency assistance to be requested on my behalf when appropriate. I am solely responsible for any medical expenses, transportation costs, or other expenses associated with my treatment.

   10. Compliance with club rules

   I agree to follow the West Michigan Kayaking Club Code of Conduct, safety requirements, applicable laws, and reasonable instructions relating to the activity. Failure to do so may result in my removal from an activity or suspension or removal from Club membership.

   11. No transfer of responsibility

   Participation in a group activity does not transfer responsibility for my safety to the Club, a trip leader, or any other participant. The presence of a trip leader does not make that person responsible for my individual safety.

   12. Fitness and ability

   I represent that I am physically and mentally capable of participating in the activity I have chosen and that I will not participate in any activity I know is beyond my ability. I am responsible for determining whether I should participate and for obtaining appropriate medical advice when necessary.

   13. Property

   West Michigan Kayaking Club is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to my kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, paddle, vehicle, clothing, camping equipment, electronics, or any other personal property.

   14. Emergency contact

   I agree to provide accurate emergency contact information when requested for activities where the Club determines such information is appropriate.

   15. Electronic acceptance and membership

   This Agreement may be accepted electronically as part of Club membership or event registration. My electronic acceptance, digital signature, or other affirmative acceptance is intended to have the same legal effect as a handwritten signature to the fullest extent permitted by law.

   16. Severability

   If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or removed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

   17. Governing law

   This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Michigan.

   18. Acknowledgment

   By signing or electronically accepting this Agreement, I acknowledge that:

   • I have carefully read and understand this Agreement.
   • I understand that kayaking and other outdoor activities involve inherent risks.
   • I understand that Club activities are self-supported.
   • I am responsible for my own safety, equipment, preparedness, and decisions.
   • I am responsible for determining whether a particular trip is appropriate for my abilities and equipment.
   • Trip leaders are not guides, outfitters, instructors, professional rescuers, or personal safety providers.
   • I voluntarily assume the risks associated with participation.
   • I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to bring certain claims against the Released Parties, to the extent permitted by law.
   • I have had the opportunity to read this Agreement and ask questions before accepting it.
   • I voluntarily agree to all terms.

   If electronically accepted: I affirm that I am the person identified above and that my electronic acceptance constitutes my signature.

   Participants under 18

   A participant under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian review and execute any additional minor-participant documentation required by West Michigan Kayaking Club before participating.

   I’ve read the liability waiver
3. 3

   Photo and video consent

   How club photos of you may be used. Read ✓

   By participating in any West Michigan Kayaking Club event, activity, trip, meeting, or other club-related activity, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

   1. Photography and video

   I understand that photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, and other forms of media may be taken during West Michigan Kayaking Club activities. These recordings may include my image, likeness, voice, name, or participation in club activities.

   2. Permission to use media

   I grant West Michigan Kayaking Club, its founders, officers, administrators, and authorized representatives permission to photograph, record, reproduce, edit, publish, display, and otherwise use such photographs and recordings for legitimate club-related purposes. This may include, but is not limited to:

   • The West Michigan Kayaking Club website
   • Facebook and other social media platforms
   • Club newsletters and communications
   • Event announcements and promotional materials
   • Educational and informational materials
   • Club history and archival materials
   • Advertising and promotion of West Michigan Kayaking Club activities

   3. No compensation

   I understand that I will not receive payment, royalties, or other compensation for the use of photographs, video, or recordings containing my image, likeness, voice, or participation.

   4. Editing and context

   I understand that photographs and recordings may be cropped, edited, combined with other media, or used with captions or other club-related content. West Michigan Kayaking Club will not intentionally use my image or likeness in a defamatory, unlawful, or misleading manner.

   5. Social media and public events

   I understand that photographs and videos taken at public or club events may be shared publicly and may be viewed, copied, or redistributed by third parties after publication. West Michigan Kayaking Club cannot control how third parties may subsequently use publicly available media.

   6. Personal responsibility

   I understand that West Michigan Kayaking Club may not be able to identify every person appearing incidentally in photographs or video taken during club activities. I agree that incidental appearance in general event photography does not, by itself, constitute a violation of this consent.

   7. Withdrawal of consent

   I may request that West Michigan Kayaking Club make reasonable efforts to avoid future use of identifiable photographs or recordings of me by contacting the club at westmichigankayakingclub@gmail.com or through westmichigankayakingclub.online.

   I understand that withdrawal of consent does not require the club to recall, delete, or remove materials that have already been printed, distributed, published, archived, or shared by third parties, but the club will consider reasonable requests regarding future use.

   8. Release

   To the extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless West Michigan Kayaking Club, its founders, officers, administrators, volunteers, and authorized representatives from claims arising from the permitted use of photographs, video, audio, or other media under this consent, except for claims arising from conduct that cannot lawfully be released.

   9. Acknowledgment

   By registering for membership, signing the club’s waiver, registering for an event, or participating in a West Michigan Kayaking Club activity, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Photography and Video Consent & Release and agree to its terms.

   I’ve read the photo and video consent
4. 4

   Sign the membership form

   Fill in your details and emergency contact, check all three agreement boxes, and type your full name as your electronic signature.

   You’re ready. The form is just below. ↓