1. Introduction

Welcome to Hong Kong Hikers Club ("the Club"). By accessing our website, purchasing merchandise, booking events, or participating in Club activities, you agree to these Terms & Conditions, which include and incorporate our:

1. Privacy Policy
2. Refund & Return Policy
3. Code of Conduct
4. Safety Guidelines

If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our website and services.

1A. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, registering for an event, purchasing products, making a booking, participating in an activity or otherwise using Club services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Where required during registration or booking, your electronic acceptance shall have the same force and effect as a handwritten signature.

2. Eligibility

Participation in Club activities, membership registration and event bookings are restricted to individuals aged 18 years or older.

By creating an account, booking an event or participating in any Club activity, you represent and warrant that:

1. you are at least 18 years of age;
2. you have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements;
3. the information you provide is accurate and complete; and
4. you will promptly update any information that becomes inaccurate.

The Club may request proof of age or identity where reasonably necessary and may suspend or terminate participation, bookings or accounts if eligibility requirements are not satisfied.

3. Website Use

You agree to use the website for lawful purposes and not to:

1. Interfere with or disrupt website operation
2. Scrape, harvest, or misuse content or data
3. Attempt unauthorized access to systems or accounts
4. Use the website to commit fraud or harmful activities

We may suspend or terminate access for violations.

4. Membership Accounts

4.1 Eligibility

Membership accounts are available only to individuals aged 18 or above.

4.2 Free Membership

Creating a membership account is free of charge. No subscription or recurring fees apply.

4.3 Purpose of Membership

A membership account allows you to:

1. Register for events
2. Manage your bookings
3. Receive Club communications
4. Participate in community features where available

4.4 Accuracy of Information

You must provide accurate, complete, and up‑to‑date information when creating an account and during its use.

4.5 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities under your account.

4.5A Responsibility for Account Activity

All actions performed through a member account shall be deemed to have been performed by the account holder unless proven otherwise.

Members are responsible for maintaining account security and for all bookings, communications and activities conducted through their account.

4.6 Account Suspension or Termination

The Club may, at its sole discretion and without liability, suspend, restrict or terminate any account where it reasonably believes that:

1. these Terms have been breached;
2. incorrect information has been provided;
3. participant safety may be affected;
4. unlawful conduct has occurred;
5. the account has been misused;
6. Club policies have been violated; or
7. continued participation may adversely affect the Club, its members, volunteers or activities.

The Club shall not be responsible for any loss arising from such suspension or termination.

4.7 No Legal Partnership

Membership does not create any partnership, employment, or agency relationship with the Club.

5. Newsletter Subscription

Visitors may subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates, event announcements, and promotional information. Subscription is voluntary, and you may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in each email. Newsletter communications are separate from service‑related notifications required for event bookings or safety purposes.

6. Purchases & Orders

6.1 Product & Event Availability

All merchandise, event spaces, and offers are subject to availability.

Prices are listed in HKD and may change without notice.

6.2 Order Acceptance

An order is accepted only when you receive a confirmation email.

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel orders due to:

1. Pricing errors
2. Stock unavailability
3. Fraud detection
4. Operational or safety concerns

6.3 Payment

Payment must be successfully completed prior to order or event confirmation.

Chargebacks or fraudulent claims may result in account suspension.

6.4 Event Bookings

Event bookings are personal to the participant and may not be transferred without the prior approval of the Club.

The Club reserves the right to refuse, cancel or terminate event participation where safety, operational, legal or conduct concerns arise.

Participation is not guaranteed until booking confirmation has been issued.

6.5 Participant Removal

The Club reserves the right to remove any participant from an event, without refund where appropriate, if the participant:

1. presents a safety risk;
2. appears unfit to participate;
3. is intoxicated or impaired;
4. fails to comply with instructions;
5. engages in disruptive behavior; or
6. breaches these Terms or Club policies.

Such decisions may be made before or during the activity.

7. Delivery of Goods

Products will be shipped according to the method selected at checkout.

Risk of loss transfers to you upon delivery by the designated carrier.

We are not responsible for delays caused by carriers, customs, or incomplete addresses provided by the customer.

8. Event Participation, Assumption of Risk and Safety

8.1 Nature of Activities

The Hong Kong Hikers Club ("Club") organizes and facilitates recreational outdoor activities including hiking, trail walking, trekking, camping, swimming, social gatherings, transportation associated with events, and other community activities.

Participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks and dangers that cannot be completely eliminated without changing the nature of the activity.

Participation in any Club activity is entirely voluntary.

8.2 Assumption of Risk

By participating in any Club activity, you acknowledge and accept all risks associated with outdoor recreation, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable.

Such risks include, but are not limited to:

1. slips, trips and falls;
2. uneven terrain;
3. loose rocks;
4. rockfall;
5. landslides;
6. mud and slippery surfaces;
7. cliffs and exposed terrain;
8. adverse weather conditions;
9. lightning;
10. flooding;
11. heat exhaustion;
12. heat stroke;
13. dehydration;
14. hypothermia;
15. drowning;
16. insect bites and stings;
17. snake encounters;
18. wildlife encounters;
19. allergic reactions;
20. illness or disease;
21. transportation accidents;
22. equipment failure;
23. delayed rescue;
24. communication failures;
25. permanent disability;
26. serious injury; and
27. death.

You voluntarily assume all such risks and accept full responsibility for your participation, whether arising from natural conditions, the actions or omissions of other participants, the actions or omissions of third parties, or other circumstances associated with outdoor activities.

8.3 Personal Responsibility

Each participant is solely responsible for determining whether they are physically, medically, mentally and technically capable of participating in a particular activity.

The Club does not assess or guarantee any participant's fitness, competence, experience, swimming ability, navigation skills, or medical suitability.

8.4 Medical Conditions

By participating, you confirm that you are physically capable of taking part in the activity and do not suffer from any condition that may place yourself or others at unreasonable risk.

You agree to carry any medication required for your personal health and wellbeing.

The Club may refuse participation where safety concerns reasonably exist.

8.4A Reliance on Participant Information

The Club is entitled to rely on the information, declarations and confirmations provided by participants, including information relating to age, identity, health, fitness, emergency contacts and experience.

The Club shall not be responsible for any loss, injury, damage or consequence arising from inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information supplied by a participant.

8.5 Duty to Be Properly Equipped

Participants are solely responsible for bringing and maintaining appropriate clothing, footwear, food, water, sun protection, communication devices, equipment and medication necessary for safe participation.

The Club accepts no responsibility for inadequate preparation.

8.6 Weather and Environmental Conditions

Outdoor conditions may change rapidly and without warning.

The Club may alter, shorten, reroute, postpone, reschedule or cancel activities at its sole discretion due to weather conditions, government advisories, trail conditions, safety concerns, environmental hazards or operational requirements.

Such decisions are made in the interests of participant safety and operational practicality.

8.7 Volunteer Leaders

Unless expressly stated otherwise, hike leaders, coordinators and organizers act solely as volunteers.

Participants acknowledge that such volunteers are not professional mountain guides, medical professionals, rescue personnel, safety consultants or tour operators.

Any advice, guidance, route suggestions, timing estimates, safety recommendations or other information provided by volunteers is provided in good faith only.

Participants remain responsible for exercising their own judgment and for making their own decisions at all times.

8.8 No Duty of Supervision

Participation does not create any duty of supervision by the Club, its leaders, volunteers or organizers.

Participants remain responsible for their own safety, actions, decisions, equipment and wellbeing throughout the activity.

8.9 Separation from the Group

Participants who voluntarily leave the group, take an alternative route, continue ahead of the group, remain behind the group or otherwise separate themselves from the organized activity do so entirely at their own risk.

8.10 Emergency Assistance

The Club does not undertake to provide rescue services, medical services, evacuation services or emergency response services.

Any assistance provided by volunteers or organizers is voluntary and does not create any continuing legal duty.

8.11 Rescue and Medical Costs

Participants are solely responsible for all costs related to:

1. medical treatment;
2. ambulance services;
3. rescue operations;
4. evacuation;
5. transportation;
6. accommodation;
7. repatriation; and
8. any related expenses.

The Club bears no responsibility for such costs.

8.12 Transportation

Participants may use public transport, ferries, taxis, vehicles or other transportation services before, during or after Club activities.

The Club does not own, operate, supervise or control such transportation services and accepts no responsibility for delays, cancellations, accidents, injuries, losses or disruptions arising from their use.

Any transportation arrangements are used entirely at the participant's own risk.

9. Equipment and Personal Property

Participants are solely responsible for their personal property, equipment, clothing, electronics, vehicles and valuables.

The Club accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, destruction or damage to personal property arising from participation in Club activities.

Any equipment borrowed from the Club must be returned in substantially the same condition in which it was provided, fair wear and tear excepted.

Participants are responsible for repair or replacement costs arising from loss or damage to borrowed equipment.

10. Code of Conduct

All participants must:

1. Treat others with respect
2. Avoid discrimination, harassment, or disruptive behavior
3. Not litter or damage natural environments
4. Comply with all applicable laws

Violations may result in removal from events or permanent exclusion.

10A. User-Generated Content Policy

1. We do not tolerate abusive, offensive, or illegal content.
2. Users can report content to us via our contact channels.
3. We review reported content and remove violating material within 24 hours.
4. Users who violate this policy may be suspended or permanently banned.

The Club reserves the right to remove any participant from an activity, deny future participation, suspend membership or terminate accounts where it reasonably believes that the participant presents a safety risk, disrupts the activity, violates these Terms, or acts in a manner inconsistent with the objectives of the Club.

11. Alcohol and Impairment Policy

Participants must not participate in Club activities while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, recreational drugs, or any medication that affects judgment, coordination, awareness or the ability to participate safely.

The Club may refuse participation or remove any participant where impairment is reasonably suspected.

Participants remain solely responsible for any consequences arising from impairment.

12. Liability, Release and Indemnity

12.1 Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, participants voluntarily release, waive and discharge the Club and its founders, directors, officers, volunteers, organizers, hike leaders, coordinators, assistants, sponsors, partners and affiliates from any claims, demands, actions, proceedings, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from participation in Club activities, except to the extent that such liability cannot lawfully be excluded under the laws of Hong Kong.

12.2 Property and Economic Loss

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Club shall not be liable for:

1. loss of personal property;
2. damage to personal property;
3. loss of income;
4. travel disruption;
5. consequential loss;
6. indirect loss;
7. economic loss; or
8. loss arising from third-party acts or omissions.

12.3 Third-Party Services

The Club is not responsible for the acts, omissions, services or conduct of transport operators, venue operators, government authorities, medical providers, accommodation providers, suppliers, contractors or other third parties.

12.4 Indemnity

Participants agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Club, its founders, directors, officers, volunteers, organizers, hike leaders, coordinators, assistants and affiliates against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses and legal fees arising from:

1. their acts or omissions;
2. breach of these Terms;
3. unlawful conduct;
4. damage to property;
5. injury caused to another person; or
6. any claim brought by a third party arising from the participant's conduct.

12.5 Photography and Media

By participating in Club activities, participants consent to photography, videography and recording.

Participants grant the Club a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free and transferable right to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, modify, display and otherwise utilize such content for promotional, educational, historical, community, marketing and operational purposes without compensation.

12.6 Legal Limitation

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted under the laws of Hong Kong.

In particular, nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence where such exclusion is prohibited by law.

13. Intellectual Property

All website content (text, images, branding, events, and media) is owned by the Club or licensed contributors.

Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is prohibited.

14. Third-Party Links

We are not responsible for content, privacy practices, or services offered by external sites linked from our website.

15. Modifications

We may update these Terms from time to time.

Material changes will be announced on our website or via email.

Continued use of our website, membership accounts, event registrations, purchases or participation in Club activities following publication of revised Terms constitutes acceptance of those revised Terms.

15A. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving its intended purpose.

16. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

The Club encourages participants and members to first seek to resolve any dispute through informal communication.

Any complaint arising from membership, event participation, purchases or use of Club services should first be submitted in writing to the Club.

If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the parties agree to attempt resolution through good faith discussions before commencing legal proceedings.

These Terms and all disputes arising from them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Subject to applicable law, the courts of Hong Kong shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms, Club activities, memberships, purchases or participation in events.

17. Miscellaneous Provisions

1. No Waiver: Failure to enforce a right does not waive it.
2. Assignment: We may assign our rights; you may not without consent.
3. Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with any policies expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between the participant and the Club regarding membership, event participation, purchases and use of Club services and supersede any previous understandings or representations.

18. Contact

For questions, email us at legal@hkhikersclub.com