Policies
WHO CAN GO
Almost anyone in reasonable physical condition. Our minimum age is 7, except where noted otherwise, and there is no maximum age ... you be the judge. We have had many folks in their 70's join us and later claimed it was the best experience of their lives. Our rivers range in difficulty from Class 2 to Class 5 (see the Scale of River Difficulty on the Rivers page) and we have a program to suit just about everyone. Many people start out easy, gradually upgrading to the more difficult rivers, while some go for Class 4 the first time out. You do not need to be a great swimmer, as life-jackets are worn at all times while on the rafts. No previous whitewater experience is required on any of our trips.
Note: Due to the maximum floatation restrictions of our US Coast Guard approved life-jackets, persons weighing more than 260 pounds and/or having a chest size larger than 52 inches, should contact our office before making reservations.
RESERVATIONS
On-line, phone and mail reservations are acceptable. We suggest choosing a trip, suitable dates, and then calling our office to see if space is available. Some trips are filled 12 months in advance, while others have space available up to 1 day before the trip. When you reserve space, we hold your reservation for a period of 10 days. If we haven't received your deposits by that time, we reserve the right to consider your reservations canceled.
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS
For all 2 and 3-day trips in California we require a $100.00 deposit per person to hold your date, with the full balance due 60 days prior to trip departure. For all 1/2 and 1-day trips, we require full payment within 7 days after your reservation. In cases where reservations are made within 60 days of the trip, full payment is required.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
ZEPHYR boasts what we think is the most user friendly cancellation policy of any outfitter in California. We realize that plans change, events come up, and things just plain happen that might make it necessary for you to either change your trip date, or perhaps cancel your trip entirely. We have therefore developed the following cancellation policy for YOUR peace of mind, the premise being that if your cancellation does not cost us money, then we think it should not cost you money either.
1. No Transfer Fees...if you must change the original date of your trip, we will charge no fees to make the change
2. No Cancellation fees...no cancellation fees if you cancel provided that you fall within the guidelines of our General Cancellation Policy.
3. General Cancellation Policy...
please understand that when we take your reservation, we MAY BE
subsequently turning others away from your trip date:
If you cancel from a
fully booked trip, the
following will apply:
If you cancel 60 days or more before your trip, you will receive a full
refund. If you cancel 31-59 days before your trip, you will receive a 50%
refund at a minimum, and if either you or we can re-fill your cancelled spaces, you will receive
a 100% refund. If you cancel 30 days or less prior to your trip, no refund
will be given unless you or we can re-fill your cancelled spaces, in which
case you will receive a 100% refund. However, no refunds will be
given for trips cancelled within 48 hours of the trip date.
If you cancel from a trip that is not fully booked,
you will receive a full refund regardless whether your cancelled
spaces can be re-filled or not! However, no refunds will be given for
trips cancelled within 48 hours of the trip date.
CREDIT CARD CANCELLATIONS will be refunded
less a 3% fee that is charged to us when we initially run your card.
FAMILY RATES
Members of a family aged 7 to 17 years old, when accompanied by at least one adult, Will receive discounts on most trips. These discounts are listed on the Schedule page. In addition, we have a special 50% family discount where each child, when accompanied by a full paying adult, rafts for 50% of the adult rate. This special discount is for the Kings river only, and applies to both 1 and 2-day WEEKDAY rafting trips. Sorry, does not apply to our 1/2 day trips. See our family trips page for more details.
INSURANCE
Zephyr, in cooperation with Travelers Insurance Company, offers low-cost travel insurance which provides accident, baggage. and in most cases trip cancellation protection. An insurance packet is normally sent out when you make your reservation, or you can request one from our office.
RESPONSIBILITY
SInce 1973, Zephyr has maintained an excellent safety record. However, river trips do involve risk, accidents can occur, and baggage can be lost. We assume no responsibility for injury to trip members, loss of personal baggage, damage to cameras or other equipment, or loss of time or expense incurred. All trip members are required to sign a liability release and assumption of risk form prior to trip departure.
