Paddlesport Insurance for U.S.-Based Courses and Events

 Last updated March 18, 2025

Qualified instructors and event organizers listing courses and events on RallyCrew may be eligible for coverage under a group insurance policy that RallyCrew participates in. 

Coverage eligibility is subject to approval by the insurance provider. RallyCrew is not an insurance broker or underwriter and does not sell insurance.

This insurance option is a great fit for independent instructors, or event organizers, who don’t already have their own policy. Using this insurance option in addition to a policy you already have is also a valid and valuable approach.

Insurance for Courses

With this insurance option you get:

• Flexibility: No mandatory teaching certifications—qualify through certifications, references, or demonstrated experience.

• Scalability: Affordable, pay-per-student coverage that grows with your class size.

• Streamlined Process: RallyCrew manages the administrative details so you can focus on teaching.

• Minimal Paperwork: No post-course reporting or required paperwork.

You have peace of mind while teaching and the tools necessary to grow your business—all in one place.

Coverage is available only to instructors, and in turn, students, who are members of RallyCrew. Additional details include:

• Requirements: Coverage is available to instructors who meet eligibility requirements, including proof of competency, adherence to local regulations, use of proper gear, and maintenance of appropriate student-to-teacher ratios. 

• RallyCrew Exclusivity: Only courses listed on RallyCrew and managed through the platform are eligible for insurance coverage. The instructor(s) and all participants must be members of RallyCrew. 

• Cost Deduction: If the per student fee for your course is $100 or more, RallyCrew deducts $20 per student from your course payout to cover the cost of insurance. If the per student fee for your course is less than $100, RallyCrew deducts $15 per student from your course payout to cover the cost of insurance. You are encouraged to adjust your course fees accordingly. 

• Waivers Simplified: RallyCrew handles all student waivers digitally to ensure compliance and valid coverage.

What is Covered?

This insurance policy provides protection for claims related to:

• Courses listed and managed on RallyCrew: Coverage applies exclusively to instructional activities scheduled and booked through the RallyCrew platform. 

• Classroom, pool sessions, and on-water instruction: Includes liability protection for tryouts, practice, training sessions, and both on- and off-river activities related to the course. 

• Use of boats and safety equipment: Covers boats under 56 feet and motorboats (chase/safety boats) under 250 hp when used for safety during courses. 

• Claims made by students: Protects against claims brought by students alleging negligence or injury during a covered course. 

• Participant legal liability: Covers claims made by one student or participant against another during a covered course.

Excess Participant Accident/Medical Coverage

Additional protection is available for instructors and students injured during a covered course:

• Medical expense coverage: Pays for medical expenses not covered by the student’s or instructor’s primary health insurance.

• Maximum benefit: $5,000 per participant, with a $500 deductible per injury (paid by the injured party).

• Coverage limitations: Applies only to injuries sustained during the course.

Excess Liability Coverage

Additional financial protection for high-cost liability claims:

• Limit: $1,000,000 per occurrence, with the option to purchase higher limits if required for specific situations.

Exclusions

• Travel-Related Incidents: Coverage does not apply while traveling in an automobile, either to and from the course or between put-ins and take-outs. Personal auto insurance applies.

• Class IV & V Runs: Coverage excludes river sections classified as Class IV or V. Courses on Class III or III+ sections that contain one or two unavoidable Class IV rapids are eligible, but if the entire run is considered Class IV or higher, it is excluded. RallyCrew uses the American Whitewater rating to determine eligibility. If no rating exists on American Whitewater, local guidebooks will be referenced.

• Personal Property: Personal property of RallyCrew and its members or guests is not covered under this policy. This includes vehicles that sustain damage while a member attends a course or event.

Summary of Coverage

General Liability

General Aggregate: $3,000,000

Products/Completed Operations Aggregate: $1,000,000

Each Occurrence: $1,000,000

Personal & Advertising Injury: $1,000,000

Damage to Premises Rented to you: $300,000

Premises medical payments (to others): $5,000

Legal Liability to Participants: $1,000,000

Crisis Response: $25,000

Cyber Privacy and Client Identity Theft: $ 10,000 per person/$100,000 aggregate

Excess Liability: $1,000,000/$1,000,000

Excess Participant Accident/Medical

Maximum Benefit: $250,000 policy aggregate

Per Participant: $5,000 per participant

Deductible: $500 per participant per injury

Insurance for Events

Planning a race, festival, or paddling gathering? RallyCrew can help! 

While the insurance option described above is designed primarily for courses, RallyCrew may be able to assist in obtaining event coverage on a case-by-case basis. Special event coverage may include liability protection for races, festivals, or other paddling-related gatherings. 

Event coverage is similar to the course coverage described above, and the per-participant fee may range from $5 - $20 depending on the event. 

Commitment to Diversity

As part of our mission to increase diversity in paddlesports, RallyCrew makes available FREE insurance coverage to U.S.-based events that serve underrepresented groups. Eligibility for this free coverage is determined on a case-by-case basis, but the groups noted below are generally eligible. 

If you’re organizing a Pride Paddle, a Diversify Whitewater event, a veterans-focused gathering, or an event supporting BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ paddlers in the United States, let us know how we can support you. Similarly, we love a good ladies paddle. 

To be considered eligible, at least 80% of event participants should be from the underrepresented groups noted above. 

To request insurance for your event, contact RallyCrew with the details. We’ll work with you to determine coverage options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Sign me up! Where’s the application?

You can access the necessary applications here. Please be sure you read the eligibility requirements closely before applying.

Can the insurance be revoked?

Yes. If an instructor or event organizer does not meet eligibility criteria, fails to comply with safety requirements, or is found to have misrepresented their qualifications, approval to use the insurance can be revoked.

How long is approval to use the insurance valid?

For applications submitted in calendar year 2025, approval is valid for one year. In subsequent years we expect to provide approval for two years.

How do you renew?

You must complete a new application.

Who reviews applications?

Applications are reviewed by a panel of experienced instructors, led by Ben Morton of Precision Paddlesports.

How long does it take for an application to be processed?

Applications take 4–6 weeks to process. In general, determinations are made in the first week of every month.

I’m an instructor with my own insurance policy. Can I still use RallyCrew’s policy?

Yes. If you want additional coverage, you can add RallyCrew as an ‘additional insured’ on your policy. Likewise, RallyCrew can add you as an additional insured on ours.

I already have my own insurance. Can I still list my courses on RallyCrew?

Yes. You can promote courses on RallyCrew without using this insurance option. In this case, students will register through your website or registration portal instead of ours.

I need to provide a certificate of insurance to local authorities. Can RallyCrew provide that?

Yes. Once your course or event is approved and listed on RallyCrew, we can provide documentation confirming your coverage.

Are instructors required to have first aid or CPR certification to qualify for RallyCrew insurance?

Yes. Instructors must hold a valid First Aid and CPR certification to be eligible for RallyCrew insurance coverage.

Does RallyCrew insurance cover liability for swiftwater rescue courses?

Yes. Swiftwater rescue courses are eligible for coverage under the RallyCrew insurance program.

What happens if my course is canceled—do I get a refund for insurance fees?

You set your own cancellation policies, and RallyCrew will honor the terms you provide. If you do not specify clear cancellation policies, we will follow RallyCrew’s default policy:

• If the instructor cancels the course, all fees—including insurance fees—are fully refunded to participants.

If an instructor is leading a guided trip (not a course), can the insurance RallyCrew participates in cover it?

No, not at this time. This insurance option is specifically for courses and select events. Coverage does not extend to guided tours.

Can an event outside of the U.S. apply for coverage?

Not at this time. RallyCrew insurance is currently only available for U.S.-based courses and events. However, we hope to expand internationally after successfully completing this pilot program.

What happens when there is an incident?

If an incident/accident occurs requiring ambulatory, hospital, or police, or a fatality occurs,  please let us know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to complete an incident report and direct you further.

Can I offer an ad hoc course – one that isn’t listed and booked on the RallyCrew platform - to a RallyCrew member and still use the insurance?

Example: A RallyCrew member approaches me at the pool and asks if he can pay me, right then, to help him work on his roll.

No, ad hoc and impromptu lessons are not covered. For your instruction to be covered, it must be offered and booked on the RallyCrew platform.  

Can I use the insurance for private courses?

Yes, as long as the course is booked on the RallyCrew platform, and the student is a RallyCrew member. Courses don’t have to be publicly available to be eligible.

Is there a fee for me to use RallyCrew’s insurance? Or a fee for me to apply to use it?

No.

Is there a fee for me to add an additional insured to RallyCrew’s insurance?

No.

Is there a fee for me to request a certificate of insurance?

No.

Is there a rush fee if I create the course with less than 10 days before the start?

No.

Do I need to submit paperwork after the course has concluded?

No, unless you have an incident to report. 

Can I get a copy of all the waivers signed by the students for my own records?

Yes. Just let RallyCrew know what you need and we’ll send any necessary documentation.

What types of watercraft instruction are covered?

All types. The program is applicable to rafting, canoeing, kayaking, SUPing, IKing, etc. If you aren’t sure if your watercraft is covered, please be in touch.

How do I apply, again?

You can access the necessary applications here.

If you have any questions or need additional clarification, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].