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We crafted this FAQ page to answer many of your queries. If you can’t find your question below, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.


Can I book as an individual?
Yes, we cater for both amateur and professional enthusiasts from age 8 upwards. Young people or adults are welcome to make an individual booking.

Can I book as part of a group?
Yes, we can cater for up to 35 people; a group booking of over 12 people will need to be made as far in advance as possible. Please contact the centre for further details.

Can I visit you before booking to find out more?
Yes, please come and have a look around. Group leaders, parents and individuals are welcome to take a tour of the facilities and watch the activities in action. Please contact the centre to arrange your visit.

Do I need to pay upfront?
Yes, all our courses must be paid for at the time of booking, in order to secure a place on a particular course. Once you have paid for the course, 25% of the course fee is classed as the deposit payment.

What’s included in the cost of the course?
Course prices include all tuition and equipment use. Youth charges apply to students aged 8-16. All our courses follow the syllabus of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and each student will be issued with the appropriate certificate if all the requirements of the course are attained.

What’s not included in the cost of the course?
Course prices do not include lunch, footwear, towels or any exam fees to the RYA (unless stated).

Will I receive a booking confirmation?
Yes, once a booking has been accepted, you will receive a booking confirmation from us which will include your joining instructions and directions to the centre, as well as links to our terms and conditions.

Can I change my booking?
Yes, we will try to accommodate any changes to your booking, however changes less than three weeks before the course starts may be subject to an administration charge.

I need to cancel my course, what should I do?
Please ensure that you are familiar with our cancellations policy, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions. To cancel your activity, please email wateractivity@cardiff.gov.uk and give us as much notice as possible.

How experienced are your staff?
All members of the team are dedicated to ensuring that programmes are delivered to the highest professional standards.

All our instructors hold the appropriate national governing body instructor / coach qualifications from the RYA or other relevant body, and have the necessary experience in the activities that they supervise.

I have a disability – can I take part?
Yes, we’re committed to developing and providing opportunities to all by delivering accessible adventurous activities in partnership with the Innovate Trust and RYA Cymru Wales. We offer sessions that cater for a wide range of disabilities and hold the Bronze Award from Disability Sport Wales.

Are there age limits?
Yes. Youth courses are for students aged 8-16 at the time of the course. Adult courses are for students aged 16+. All under 18s need parental consent. Powerboat and Instructor courses have specific minimum age limits that are detailed for each course.

Do I need to stay on-site while my children are on a course?
No, there is no requirement to stay on-site while the course is taking place, but please ensure that your child is checked-in with the centre staff before leaving, and ensure that you’re ready to collect them on time at the end of the course.

How fit do I need to be? Do I need to be able to swim?
All students should have a reasonable level of fitness in order to enjoy their course, and as a minimum, be confident in the water. If you have any concerns or medical conditions, please contact your doctor to seek advice on whether you should participate.

Will my activity take place in bad weather?
All activities are subject to weather conditions, which may result in the cancellation of courses. We will endeavour to accommodate all booking commitments should cancellations occur. These are outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

Can I bring my own equipment?
We have all the equipment you need for a safe, fun time. However, if you wish to bring your own equipment with you, this is fine, provided you have notified us. Please note that you bring and use your equipment at your own risk and we cannot accept any responsibility for any damage or loss to your equipment.

Do you provide accommodation?
If you need somewhere to stay while on your course with us, you can search here for local hotels.

Can I buy lunch on site?
Unfortunately not. It is recommended that you bring a packed lunch with you when coming for a full day session, as we do not have catering facilities at the centre.

Are there lockers I can use?
Yes, we have lockers in the changing rooms to keep your valuables safe. You will need a £1 coin.

Are you an environmentally friendly venue?
Those of us who spend our leisure time outdoors are very conscious about the need to protect the natural environment by adopting environmentally responsible practices. We hold BSI EN ISO 14001: Environmental Management, the world’s most recognised environmental management standard, linking into the sustainability policy of Cardiff Harbour Authority and Cardiff Council.