Terms of Use

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website at northlandpaddlers.org and any related on-water programs offered by Northland Paddlers Alliance ("NPA," "we," "our," "us"). By accessing this site or participating in our programs, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of terms

By using this website, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old (or are using the site with the consent of a parent or legal guardian) and that you accept these Terms in full. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Permitted use

You may use this site for personal, non-commercial purposes consistent with NPA's mission as a 501(c)(3) public charity. You agree not to:

• Use the site for any unlawful purpose or in a way that violates these Terms.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the site or any related systems.
• Use automated scripts to harvest content, contact information, or other data.
• Impersonate another person, organization, or NPA official.
• Submit content that is false, defamatory, harassing, discriminatory, or otherwise harmful.
• Interfere with the security, integrity, or availability of the site or other users' experience.

3. Membership and event registrations

Membership in NPA is open to any individual or household that supports our mission and agrees to NPA's bylaws. Membership dues are non-refundable except as required by law or at the board's discretion.

Event registrations may be cancelled or rescheduled by NPA at any time due to weather, water conditions, instructor availability, or other safety considerations. Where a fee was paid, refunds are issued in accordance with the event's published policy.

4. Intellectual property

All content on this site — including text, photographs, graphics, logos, and layout — is owned by NPA or its contributors and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. The Northland Paddlers Alliance name and logo are trademarks of NPA.

You may share links to pages on this site freely. You may reproduce short excerpts (under 100 words) for non-commercial purposes with attribution to Northland Paddlers Alliance. For longer use, photography licensing, or any commercial reproduction, please contact us in writing.

5. Your submissions

When you submit information through a form on this site (membership application, event RSVP, donation pledge, contact message, etc.), you confirm that the information is accurate and that you are authorized to provide it. You grant NPA a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use submitted content for operational and program purposes consistent with our Privacy Policy.

6. Paddling safety & assumption of risk

NPA requires:

• A properly-fitted personal flotation device (PFD) on every participant during NPA-led trips.
• Honest self-assessment of your skill level. If you are unsure, ask before participating.
• Compliance with all instructor guidance during instructional segments.
• Signing of an event-specific liability waiver when required.

NPA reserves the right to refuse participation in any program if, in our judgment, a participant's behavior or condition presents a safety risk to themselves or others.

7. Disclaimer of warranties

This site and all content, programs, and information are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. NPA does not warrant that the site will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free of viruses. Information about water conditions, weather, and routes is provided for general guidance only and should not substitute for your own judgment and verification.

8. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota law, NPA, its board members, volunteers, officers, instructors, and partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of this site or participation in NPA programs.

Where liability cannot be excluded by law, NPA's total aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount you paid (if any) for the specific service or program giving rise to the claim.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless NPA and its representatives from any claims, losses, or expenses arising from your violation of these Terms, your misuse of the site, or your conduct during NPA programs.

10. Third-party links

This site may link to third-party websites (American Canoe Association, partner organizations, etc.). NPA does not control these sites and is not responsible for their content or practices. Linking does not constitute endorsement.

11. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the site shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in St. Louis County, Minnesota.

12. Changes to these Terms

NPA may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Contact