1 Definitions and Scope
Event. “Big Paddle Festival” or “the Event” refers to the multi‑day stand‑up paddling and water‑sport festival organised by the WVR (Wassersport Verein Richterswil and the WSVZ (Wassersport Verein Zürich) (the “Organisers”). The Event includes training sessions, races, guided tours, social activities, merchandise and food sales.


Participant. “Participant” or “you” means any person who purchases an entry ticket or otherwise attends or participates in any Event activity, including volunteers, spectators on the water, vendors and media.


Released Parties. “Released Parties” include the Organiser, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, sponsors, partners, venue owners/landlords and any other person assisting with the Event. Similar festivals require participants to release the organising foundation, venue owners and sponsors from liability .


Equipment. “Equipment” means any paddle boards, kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices, rental gear or other items supplied by the Organiser or used by Participants.


2 Acceptance of Terms
Binding agreement. By purchasing a ticket, registering, or participating in the Event, you agree to abide by these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”). You acknowledge that you have read and understand the Terms and agree to be bound by them. If you do not agree, do not attend the Event.


Amendments. The Organiser may update these Terms without prior notice. Your continued participation constitutes acceptance of any modifications. Participants in other festivals agree that passes and tickets may be confiscated if they violate rules .


3 Eligibility and Participant Obligations
Age and competency. You represent that you are at least 18 years old and in good health to participate in water‑sports. The Nationals water‑sports waiver requires participants to be at least 18 years old, in good health and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs . Minors must have a parent or legal guardian sign the registration form, and the guardian must accompany minors during all on‑water activities. The guardian accepts full responsibility for the minor’s safety.


Swimming ability and physical condition. You declare that you can swim and are physically fit to participate in paddle‑sport activities. You accept sole responsibility for determining whether you are sufficiently fit . You will not participate if you are pregnant, have heart or respiratory conditions, or any medical issue that could jeopardise your safety. You must notify the Organiser of any health condition and follow any instructions from medical personnel.

Prohibited substances. You agree not to consume alcohol or any illicit or prescription drug that could impair your ability before or during the Event . The Organiser reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone suspected of being under the influence.


Compliance with rules. You will comply with all Event rules, safety regulations and instructions from staff. Failure to follow rules may result in removal from the Event without refund. Participants must abide by rules and may be disqualified for any reason the organisers deem appropriate .


Conduct. You agree to treat others with respect. The Organiser prohibits harassment, discrimination or violence, similar to the code of conduct referenced in other sports waivers . Offensive language, disorderly behaviour, or unsafe actions may result in expulsion without refund. You will not bring weapons, fireworks or illegal substances to the Event.


Equipment use and care.


Personal equipment. You may bring your own paddle board or other gear, but you do so at your own risk. Participants may damage personal property including clothing and wearables. The Organiser is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal equipment, even if caused by staff or other participants.


Rental equipment. If you rent Equipment from the Organiser, you must return it in the same condition. The ESL & Organizers terms state that renters are responsible for any and all losses and damages to equipment while in their care and may be charged a damage deposit. The Organiser may similarly require a deposit and charge for repair or replacement of damaged equipment.


Care of venue. You will use facilities responsibly and leave no trace. You agree to reimburse the Organiser for any damage you or your guests cause to the venue, equipment or property.


4 Assumption of Risk
Inherent risks. Participation in paddle‑sports and outdoor events involves inherent and unforeseen risks. Risks such as collisions with other watercraft, injuries from waves and weather, equipment failure, underwater hazards and varying skill levels. Participation may result in personal injury (including death), property damage or economic loss. You recognise that these hazards exist and accept them.


Assumption of risks. You voluntarily and knowingly assume all risks, both known and unknown, including injury, death, illness (e.g., infectious diseases) and property damage. You understand that risks may arise from your own actions, the actions of others, equipment malfunction, or the negligent acts of the Released Parties.
Health risks and first aid. You acknowledge potential exposure to extreme weather, cold or heat stress, drowning, infection or other illnesses. Participation includes possible exposure to infectious diseases. You consent to receive first aid or medical treatment if the Organiser deems it necessary and agree to pay all associated costs.


5 Release, Waiver and Indemnity
Release of liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release, waive and forever discharge the Released Parties from any and all claims, damages, losses and liabilities arising from or relating to your participation in the Event, including claims resulting from the negligence of the Released Parties. This includes claims for personal injury, death, property damage, loss or theft.

Indemnification. You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties against any claims brought by third parties that arise from your acts or omissions during the Event. For example, if you injure someone or damage property, you will be responsible for any resulting claims and costs.


Limitations. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for intentional or grossly negligent acts or for death or personal injury caused by the Released Parties, to the extent such exclusions are not allowed under Swiss law. Organisers are only liable for damages deliberately or grossly negligently caused by them, and that personal injuries outside of sports‑related risks cannot be excluded.


Insurance. The Organiser does not provide personal accident, medical or property insurance for Participants. You are strongly advised to have adequate insurance covering medical treatment, accident, disability and personal liability. Participants are responsible for ensuring adequate coverage for medical treatment, and that liability for medical costs is excluded .


6 Registration, Fees and Refunds
Booking and payment. Tickets must be purchased through the Organiser’s official booking platform. Full payment is due at the time of registration.


Refund policy. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Organisers. Cancellations made 14 days or more before the event are eligible for a refund less a cancellation fee; cancellations made 3–14 days before the event receive a 50 % refund; cancellations made within 72 hours receive no refund. The Organiser may adopt a similar tiered refund structure.

Weather and force majeure. The Event will generally proceed rain or shine. However, for safety reasons the Organiser may reschedule, postpone or cancel the Event in whole or in part due to severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, high winds), natural disasters, pandemics, governmental restrictions or other force‑majeure circumstances. Races, Challenges or other event programmed activitis are postponed or cancelled if staff determine conditions are unsafe and that cancellations due to weather may result in vouchers or partial refunds. For the Big Paddle Festival, if the Event is cancelled less than 48 hours before the scheduled start due to weather, no refunds will be offered. For cancellations more than 48 hours before, the Organiser may offer a rescheduled date or a partial refund (e.g., a voucher for a future event). The Organiser is not responsible for any travel, logistics or accommodation costs.


Non‑transferable tickets. Tickets and passes are non‑transferable and may not be resold without the Organiser’s consent. Tickets do not guarantee access and may be confiscated if the participant violates rules or engages in fraud. Lost or stolen passes will not be replaced.


7 Weather and Safety
Weather conditions. Water conditions can change rapidly; wind, currents, storms and rain can make paddling hazardous. The Organiser will monitor weather conditions and may delay or cancel activities for safety. Staff will assess conditions and postpone or cancel tours if conditions are unsafe.


Safety equipment. All participants must wear a certified personal flotation device (PFD) while on the water. Helmets may be required for certain activities. It is your responsibility to ensure your equipment is properly fitted and in good condition.


Event staff authority. The Organiser’s safety officers and guides have full authority to issue instructions, modify routes, shorten events or remove participants from the water for safety reasons. Participants must follow these directions immediately.


Emergency response. If an emergency occurs, you authorise the Organiser to obtain first aid or medical treatment for you and to notify emergency contacts. You agree to pay all costs associated with medical care.


8 Photography, Media and Intellectual‑Property Rights
Photography and recording. The Organiser and its media partners may photograph, film or record the Event. By participating, you grant the Organiser a perpetual, royalty‑free licence to use your name, likeness, image, voice and appearance in any media, worldwide, for promotional, marketing or educational purposes, without compensation. The participant grants complete ownership of photographs and permits their use without review ; Images may be used for documentation and advertising without time or spatial restrictions.


Personal recordings. You may take photos or videos for personal use, provided you respect other participants’ privacy and comply with data‑protection laws. Commercial filming requires prior written permission.


Use of event content. All intellectual‑property rights in the Event’s branding, logos, schedules, website and promotional materials belong to the Organiser. You may not use these materials for commercial purposes without consent.


9 Privacy and Data Protection
Personal data. The Organiser collects and processes personal information (e.g., name, contact details, payment information) for registration, ticketing, safety and marketing. The Organizers privacy policy explains that personal information may be used for reservations and marketing. The Organisers will process data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.


Marketing communications. By registering, you consent to receive emails or text messages (WhatsApp) about your booking and event updates. You can opt out at any time. The Organisers will not sell your data to third‑party data brokers, but may share it with affiliates for cross‑promotion.


Photographs as personal data. Event photos may be considered personal data. If you do not wish for your image to be used, please notify the Organiser in writing before the Event.


10 Medical Treatment and Health Declaration
Health declaration. You warrant that you are physically fit and capable of participation. You will complete any required health questionnaires honestly.


Medical treatment. You consent to the Organiser arranging medical treatment if necessary and agree to pay all associated costs. You understand that the Organiser does not provide insurance coverage for such costs .


Illness or injuries. If you feel unwell, experience symptoms or have been diagnosed with a contagious illness (such as COVID or other relevant Viruses), you agree not to attend the Event and to inform the Organiser.
11 Force Majeure and Event Changes
Force majeure. The Organisers will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, war, civil unrest, epidemic, governmental orders, labour disputes, or unanticipated facility issues. In such circumstances, the Organisers may modify, cancel or postpone the Event without liability for refunds or damages except as provided under Section 6. Similar events recognise the right to cancel or reschedule for safety.


Programme changes. The Organisers may change the schedule, duration, location or content of the Event (e.g., adjusting race courses, starting times or substituting instructors) at its discretion. If a session is modified, you are not entitled to a refund, provided the essential purpose of your ticket is still delivered.


12 Termination, Refusal of Entry and Removal
Refusal of entry. The Organisers reserves the right to refuse entry or remove you from the Event if you violate these Terms, engage in unsafe behaviour, or appear to be unfit, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Psychs Peak’s terms state that passes may be confiscated if participants endanger safety or violate laws.


No refunds upon removal. If you are refused entry or expelled for violating the Terms or law, you will not receive a refund.


13 Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Governing law. These Terms are governed by Swiss law, without regard to conflict‑of‑laws principles.

Jurisdiction. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Event shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Zürich, Switzerland, unless mandatory law prescribes another forum.


14 Severability and Miscellaneous
Severability. If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force.

Entire agreement. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and the Organisers and supersede any prior understandings regarding the Event. No oral modifications are valid unless signed by an authorised representative of the Organisers.


Language. The Terms may be provided in multiple languages. In case of discrepancies, the German version will prevail.


15 Consent
By proceeding with registration or attending the Event, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms & Conditions, that you accept the risks involved, and that you agree to release and indemnify the Organisers as described. You confirm that you are voluntarily participating and that you have had the opportunity to seek legal advice before accepting these Terms.