Rental terms

Governing language: This page is a translation of the German general terms and conditions (AGB). If the English and German texts differ, the German text at /de/agb/ prevails for interpretation under applicable law.

1. Scope & contracting parties

These general terms and conditions (hereinafter “Terms”) apply to all rental agreements for water sports equipment (in particular kayaks, SUP boards, paddles, and accessories). They apply to contracts concluded by end customers via the website aquadock.eu, the Aquadock app, or a station-specific self-service booking flow connected to them. Use of the digital platform itself is governed by the separate terms of use (binding German version at /de/nutzungsbedingungen/).

The contracting parties on the provider side are Karlheinz Görg and Marco Graf, trading under the name Aquadock Görg & Graf (hereinafter “Aquadock”). Contact: info@aquadock.de · Support: support@aquadock.eu.

These Terms govern exclusively the rental of equipment to end customers at autonomous Aquadock rental stations. Contracts with site operators, distribution partners, or other commercial cooperation partners are — where applicable — governed by separate agreements; these Terms apply to such relationships only where expressly referenced.

The customer’s deviating terms do not become part of the contract unless Aquadock has expressly agreed to them in writing. For individual bookings, the information displayed at the time of booking (e.g. prices, rental duration, cancellation periods) may be decisive where marked as binding in the booking flow.

2. Conclusion of contract & booking process

2.1 Offer and acceptance

The display of equipment, stations, times, and prices in the booking flow constitutes an invitatio ad offerendum — i.e. an invitation to submit an offer — and not yet a binding offer by Aquadock.

The contract is formed when the customer completes the booking process in full, provides the required data, accepts these Terms, and successfully pays for the booking. Upon successful payment and booking confirmation, Aquadock accepts the customer’s offer.

2.2 Booking flow

The typical process comprises:

1. Selection of station, equipment type, rental period, and any additional services.
2. Entry of required contact and payment details.
3. Payment via the payment service offered in the booking flow.
4. Booking confirmation by email, SMS, and/or in the app.
5. Provision of a time-limited access code (PIN) for collection and return of the equipment at the station.

Technical details of the booking flow may vary by station. At individual locations, booking is processed via specialised external service providers. The contracting party for the rental remains Aquadock unless another lessor is expressly named in the booking flow.

2.3 Contract language and content

The contract language is the language selected in the booking flow. Contract content comprises in particular the booking confirmation, the service descriptions, prices, and rental times displayed in the booking flow, and these Terms.

2.4 No on-site staff

Aquadock rental stations are generally operated autonomously without permanent staff on site. Support is provided digitally (email, app, chat) or by telephone during the stated hours. The customer is responsible for independent, safe use of the equipment.

3. Access code & use of the station

3.1 Validity and purpose

Upon successful booking, the customer receives a personal, time-limited access code (PIN). The code entitles the holder solely to collect the booked equipment at the start of the rental period, to access the associated locker, and to return the equipment within the booked period.

The access code becomes valid and expires at the times stated in the booking confirmation. A short grace period for collection and return may be indicated in the booking flow; thereafter, the entitlement lapses.

3.2 Personal use

The access code is non-transferable and must not be shared, published, or used abusively on multiple occasions. Each booking entitles only the person named in the booking process or the group responsibly supervised by that person to use the booked equipment.

3.3 Deactivation

The access code is deactivated automatically or manually after proper return, upon expiry of the rental period, or where there is suspicion of misuse or a security concern. Aquadock is entitled to block access in the event of breaches of these Terms or where there is imminent danger.

3.4 Ownership of equipment

The equipment provided remains at all times the property of Aquadock (or the respective owner). It is made available to the customer only for temporary use. Any sale, pledge, transfer outside the rental purpose, or improper modification is prohibited.

3.5 Condition of the station

The customer uses the station at their own responsibility within the local circumstances. Aquadock endeavours to ensure trouble-free operation. However, Aquadock does not guarantee uninterrupted access in cases of force majeure, maintenance, power failure, vandalism, official orders, or comparable events outside Aquadock’s sphere of influence.

4. Prices, payment & due date

4.1 Prices

The prices displayed in the booking flow at the time of booking apply. All prices are stated without value added tax, as Aquadock applies the small business rule under § 19 UStG (German VAT Act — exemption from charging VAT for qualifying small businesses). No VAT is therefore shown.

Additional charges (e.g. extension fees, damages, cleaning or processing fees) are stated separately in the booking flow, in these Terms, or in the booking confirmation.

4.2 Payment methods

Payment is due in advance and exclusively via the electronic payment methods offered in the booking flow, in particular credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and — where offered — cryptocurrency payments (e.g. Bitcoin Lightning or Liquid). Cash payment on site is not possible.

4.3 Payment service providers

Payment processing is handled by external payment service providers, in particular Stripe, Inc. and, where applicable, PayPal. Aquadock generally does not receive complete payment data (e.g. card numbers) but only transaction confirmations. The terms of the respective payment service provider apply additionally.

4.4 Due date and default in payment

Payment is due upon completion of the booking. If payment fails or is reversed, no rental contract is formed and/or the booking is not activated. Access already granted may be blocked if payment failure is discovered subsequently.

In the case of subsequent claims (e.g. due to late return, damage, or contractual penalties), the customer is required to settle them without delay. Statutory default interest applies in the event of default; the assertion of further damage remains reserved.

5. Safety rules

This section governs the safe use of rented equipment at the rental station — not use of the digital platform (see terms of use).

5.1 Basic requirements

Use requires that the customer and every person using the equipment:

• can swim safely,
• meets the minimum age (at least 12 years; persons under 18 only under responsible supervision by an adult),
• is physically fit and, where there are health limitations, obtains medical advice in advance,
• complies with local laws, water regulations, traffic rules, and nature conservation provisions.

By booking, the customer confirms that they and all users registered by them meet these requirements.

5.2 Safety guide

Before collecting the equipment, the customer must read the Safety guide applicable to the location and comply with the rules stated there. These Terms and the safety guide complement each other; in case of doubt, the stricter provision applies.

5.3 Life jacket and protective equipment

A life jacket (or the buoyancy/protective equipment designated as mandatory in the booking flow) must be worn throughout use, unless expressly stated otherwise in the booking flow or at the location in individual cases. Any additional safety equipment provided with the rental must be used properly.

5.4 Prohibited conduct

The following is prohibited in particular:

• use under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when visibly fatigued.
• overloading or improper loading of the equipment.
• use in unsuitable weather or water conditions (in particular thunderstorms, storms, flooding, strong currents, iced-over water), unless expressly permitted.
• sharing or publishing the access code.
• racing, jumping, or acrobatic manoeuvres beyond ordinary recreational paddling where this endangers safety.
• use outside the designated body of water or in restricted areas.
• smoking on or at the equipment, unless expressly permitted.
• any use that endangers or adversely affects third parties, animals, nature, or third-party property.

5.5 Inspection before use

The customer must inspect the equipment immediately after collection for obvious defects, damage, or missing parts. Any defects found must be reported without delay via the channels stated in the booking flow or the safety guide. If an obvious defect is not reported, it may in some circumstances be presumed that the equipment was free from defects at handover.

5.6 Weather and official orders

The customer must check current weather and water information themselves. In the event of suddenly arising hazards, use must be stopped immediately and the equipment returned safely. Official closures or official severe weather warnings must be followed.

6. Liability, damage & security deposit

6.1 Duty of care of the customer

The customer must treat the equipment provided with care and in accordance with its intended use, protect it against theft, loss, and damage, and use it only within the scope of these Terms.

6.2 Damage, loss, and cleaning

The customer is liable for damage, loss, or significant soiling of the equipment during the rental period. This applies where they, persons sharing responsibility, or third parties using their access cause the damage — including in cases of slight negligence, to the extent permitted by law.

Only ordinary, contract-compliant wear and tear is excluded. The customer is obliged to report damage, loss, or theft without delay.

Aquadock is entitled to assert repair costs, replacement costs, cleaning costs, downtime, and processing effort in reasonable amounts. Evidence (e.g. photos, workshop invoices) will be provided to the customer on request.

6.3 Security deposit / payment hold

Aquadock is entitled to arrange a security deposit in the form of a pre-authorised payment hold via the payment service provider at or after booking. The amount and conditions — where charged — are displayed in the booking flow.

The security deposit secures claims arising from damage, late return, contractual penalties, or other entitlements. After proper return and inspection, any unclaimed hold is released; depending on the payment service provider, this may take several business days.

6.4 Liability of Aquadock

Aquadock is liable without limitation in cases of intent, gross negligence, injury to life, body, or health, and under the German Product Liability Act (Produkthaftungsgesetz).

In the case of slightly negligent breach of material contractual obligations (cardinal duties), liability is limited to foreseeable, typical damage. Material contractual obligations are those whose fulfilment enables proper performance of the contract in the first place and on whose compliance the customer may rely.

Otherwise, Aquadock’s liability for slight negligence is excluded.

6.5 No liability for valuables and personal belongings

Aquadock accepts no liability for valuables, electronics, keys, clothing, or other personal items carried along, unless Aquadock has acted intentionally or with gross negligence. Lockers — where available — serve only for simplified storage and do not replace secure safekeeping.

6.6 No insurance provided by Aquadock

Aquadock does not take out insurance for the customer or property carried along. The customer is responsible for adequate private liability and accident insurance.

7. Return of equipment

7.1 Location and time

The equipment must be returned complete, cleaned (as reasonably practicable), and on time at the same station in the designated locker. The return time stated in the booking confirmation, including any grace period, is decisive.

7.2 Return procedure

The customer must:

1. remove the equipment from the water and clean it roughly (e.g. freshwater rinse, where provided at the location),
2. return paddles, life jacket, and accessories in full,
3. close the locker properly,
4. confirm return in the booking flow or at the station, where provided,
5. report any damage identified without delay.

Details are set out in the Safety guide and the information at the location.

7.3 Technical return detection

Return may be recorded by sensors, locker status, photo documentation, or other technical systems. The customer consents to the processing of such data for proof of proper return and for billing additional charges.

Legal basis: Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR (contract performance) and Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR (legitimate interest in operation and dispute avoidance). Further information is available in the Privacy notice.

7.4 Incomplete or late return

In the event of incomplete, improper, or late return of the equipment, Aquadock is entitled to invoice follow-on costs in accordance with Section 8.3 and, where applicable, to use the security deposit or payment hold. The assertion of further damage remains reserved.

8. Cancellation, no-show & late return

8.1 Voluntary cancellation by the customer

Irrespective of any statutory right of withdrawal (see Section 9), the customer may cancel a booking via the functions offered in the booking flow or by email to support@aquadock.eu.

Unless stated otherwise in the booking flow:

• free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the booked rental period.
• if cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the start, Aquadock may retain 50% of the booking price.
• in the event of no-show without timely cancellation, no refund is made.

Refunds are made via the same payment method as the original transaction. Processing times of the payment service provider may take several business days.

8.2 Cancellation for good cause (weather / official closure)

In the event of official severe weather warnings, official closure of the body of water, or comparable events outside the customer’s control, the customer may request free cancellation or rebooking where safe use is objectively impossible.

Aquadock may require reasonable proof (e.g. weather warning, official notice). Light rain or subjectively unpleasant weather does not entitle the customer to automatic refund unless there is a safety risk.

8.3 Late return

If the equipment is not returned properly after expiry of the booked rental period, Aquadock is entitled to charge an extension fee at the rates displayed in the booking flow or at the station — at minimum the price for a further commenced standard rental unit (e.g. 30 or 60 minutes).

Additionally, downtime costs, organisational effort, and damage may be asserted separately. Aquadock is entitled, in the event of significant delay, to treat the matter as theft or misappropriation and to initiate police action where there are justified grounds for doing so.

8.4 Cancellation by Aquadock

Aquadock may terminate the contract extraordinarily for good cause and block use, in particular in cases of:

• significant breaches of safety rules or these Terms,
• misuse of the access code,
• default in payment,
• danger to persons or equipment.

In such cases, Aquadock may refund or retain fees already paid on a pro-rata basis to the extent that the service was not provided or the customer is responsible for the exclusion.

9. Right of withdrawal

9.1 Exclusion of the statutory right of withdrawal

Where the customer is a consumer within the meaning of § 13 BGB (German Civil Code), the following applies to leisure services with a fixed date or period: there is no statutory right of withdrawal under § 312g (2) No. 9 BGB (German Civil Code — exception for leisure services with a specific date or period).

Every Aquadock booking relates to a specifically chosen rental start and rental period at a particular station. The statutory right of withdrawal for distance contracts is therefore generally excluded.

9.2 Voluntary cancellation policy

In place of a statutory right of withdrawal, the voluntary cancellation policy under Section 8.1 applies. This is more generous than the statutory exclusion but does not establish any statutory claim beyond Section 8.

9.3 Business customers

Business customers within the meaning of § 14 BGB (German Civil Code) have no statutory right of withdrawal.

10. Data protection

The processing of personal data in connection with booking, payment, access code, support, and billing is carried out in accordance with Aquadock’s Privacy notice. Use of the digital platform (website, app) is additionally governed by the terms of use. There and in the privacy notice you will find information on controllers, purposes, legal bases, retention periods, recipients (e.g. payment service providers, booking service providers), and your data subject rights.

11. Final provisions

11.1 Applicable law

The law of the Federal Republic of Germany applies, excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). Consumers with habitual residence in another EU/EEA state retain the protection of mandatory provisions of their country of residence.

11.2 Place of performance and jurisdiction

The place of performance is the location of the respective booked rental station, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.

For merchants, legal entities under public law, and special funds under public law, the exclusive place of jurisdiction is Frankfurt am Main. For consumers, the statutory place of jurisdiction applies.

11.3 Online dispute resolution

The EU Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr.

Our email address: info@aquadock.de.

We are neither obliged nor willing to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.

11.4 Severability

Should any provision of these Terms be or become invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. The invalid provision shall be replaced by a rule that comes as close as possible to the economic purpose of the invalid provision.

11.5 Currency

These Terms are dated 7 June 2026. The current version is available at /en/terms/. Aquadock may amend these Terms with effect for the future; for bookings already concluded, the version applicable at the time of booking applies unless mandatory law requires a change.