1. Purpose

These Terms & Conditions govern access to the WAT website and participation in activities organized under the WAT name.

They apply to all participants, whether activities are offered directly by WAT or by certified WAT guides and partner organizations.

2. Nature of WAT activities

WAT is a non-profit organization (registered in Paris, France as an “Association” with the governmental number W751283893).

WAT activities consist primarily of:

• guided walks in natural or urban environments;
• facilitated conversations and reflective exercises;
• opportunities for social connection, personal reflection and wellbeing.

WAT activities are:

• educational;
• recreational;
• community-based;
• wellbeing-oriented.

WAT activities are NOT:

• psychotherapy;
• counselling;
• psychiatry;
• medical treatment;
• healthcare services;
• psychological diagnosis;
• sports coaching;
• emergency support services.

Participation in a WAT activity does not create a therapist-client, healthcare provider-patient, or counselling relationship of any kind.

Any information shared during a walk is intended for educational, reflective and community purposes only.

Participants seeking medical, psychological or psychiatric support should consult appropriately qualified professionals.

3. Guide qualifications

WAT guides receive specific training in facilitating WAT walks and discussions.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, WAT guides:

• are not licensed psychologists;
• are not psychiatrists;
• are not psychotherapists;
• are not physicians;
• are not healthcare professionals.

Guides facilitate conversations and group experiences. They do not provide diagnosis, treatment, counselling, therapy or medical advice.

Participants remain solely responsible for decisions concerning their physical and mental health.

4. Eligibility and personal responsibility

Participants are responsible for determining whether a walk is appropriate for their:

• health condition;
• fitness level;
• experience;
• equipment.

By participating, you confirm that you are physically capable of completing the announced activity level.

You agree to:

• follow instructions given by the guide;
• use suitable clothing and equipment;
• carry sufficient water and personal necessities;
• inform the guide of any relevant safety concern.

5. Health information and contraindications

Walking is safe for most people.

However, participation may be inappropriate without medical advice in certain situations.

Absolute contraindications may include:

• recent heart attack;
• unstable or uncontrolled angina;
• acute cardiac decompensation;
• severe respiratory distress.

Medical advice may also be appropriate in cases such as:

• severe uncontrolled hypertension;
• untreated significant cardiac rhythm disorders;
• serious orthopedic limitations;
• severe neuromuscular disorders;
• recurrent exercise-related fainting;
• recent surgery;
• significant injury.

When in doubt, participants should seek professional medical advice before participating.

WAT does not perform medical screening and relies on participants to assess their own suitability.

6. Acceptance of risks

Participation in outdoor walking activities involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

These may include, without limitation:

Physical Risks

• slips, trips and falls;
• uneven terrain;
• roots, rocks and obstacles;
• sprains;
• fractures;
• muscular injuries;
• fatigue;
• dehydration;
• heat exhaustion;
• hypoglycaemia;
• allergic reactions;
• insect bites or stings;
• animal encounters;
• changing weather conditions.

Emotional and Psychological Risks

Participants may experience:

• emotionally significant conversations;
• personal reflections;
• sensitive disclosures;
• temporary discomfort;
• emotional reactions triggered by discussions.

Participants remain responsible for deciding what they choose to share and for seeking professional support when necessary.

Social and Legal Risks

Participants acknowledge potential risks related to:

• sharing personal information;
• misunderstandings between participants;
• privacy concerns;
• unauthorized photography by third parties.

7. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, WAT, its directors, employees, volunteers, guides and partners shall not be liable for:

• risks inherent to walking activities;
• weather-related events;
• participant negligence;
• failure to follow instructions;
• inadequate personal equipment;
• undisclosed medical conditions;
• actions of other participants.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.

Participants retain all legal rights available under applicable legislation.

8. Participant charter

All participants agree to:

Respect Others

• treat participants with dignity and respect;
• avoid discrimination, harassment or intimidation;
• contribute to a welcoming environment.

Confidentiality

Personal stories and discussions shared during walks should remain confidential unless explicit permission is granted.

Personal Responsibility

Each participant remains responsible for:

• their own health;
• their own decisions;
• their own behaviour;
• their own equipment.

Safety

Participants agree to:

• remain with the group unless otherwise agreed;
• inform the guide of any difficulty;
• follow safety instructions;
• respect local regulations and environmental protections.

No Therapy

Participants understand that WAT does not provide therapy, counselling or medical treatment.

9. Image rights

No participant image, video or identifiable recording will be used by WAT for promotional purposes without prior consent.

Participants are expected to respect the privacy of others and should not publish identifiable images of fellow participants without their permission.

10. Data protection and privacy

WAT collects only information necessary for:

• registration;
• communication;
• activity management;
• legal compliance.

Personal data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, including GDPR where applicable.

Participants may request access, correction or deletion of their personal information by contacting:

contact@wat.ngo 

11. Intellectual property

The WAT name, logo, training materials, methodologies, website content and associated intellectual property remain the property of WAT unless otherwise stated.

No reproduction or commercial use is permitted without prior written authorization.

12. Modification or cancellation of activities

WAT may modify, postpone or cancel activities due to:

• weather conditions;
• safety concerns;
• insufficient attendance;
• force majeure;
• circumstances beyond reasonable control.

WAT will make reasonable efforts to inform participants as early as possible.

13. Pre-walk safety information

Before each walk, participants will be informed of:

• duration;
• distance;
• elevation gain;
• terrain type;
• difficulty level;
• required equipment;
• weather considerations;
• specific local risks;
• emergency procedures.

Participants must review this information and decide whether participation is appropriate for them.

14. Acceptance

By registering for, attending or participating in any WAT activity, participants acknowledge that they:

• have read these Terms & Conditions;
• understand the nature of the activity;
• accept the inherent risks of participation;
• agree to the Participant Charter;
• accept personal responsibility for their participation.