FAQ
To help you enjoy your adventure at Aqua Chimp Kent, we have put together a bunch of answers to some frequently asked questions.
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If you can't find what you are looking for, please feel free to drop us an email at info@aquachimpkent.co.uk and we will respond as quickly as we can.
To participate on the Aqua Chimp course, participants must be at least 6 years old and be taller than 1.2 metres. Any participants aged between 6-15 must have a parent/guardian onsite. Children aged 6, 7 and 8 years old are required to have an adult participating on the activity at a ratio of 1:3.
You will need swimwear to go underneath the wetsuit, closed toe shoes (that you are happy to get wet) or full gel grip socks. You may also want to bring a towel and change of clothes for after the session. We will supply a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and a helmet. If required, full gel grip socks can be purchased from reception at a price of £3.00 per pair.
You are welcome to bring your own wetsuit, however all participants must wear Aqua Chimp buoyancy aids and helmets which are supplied at no extra cost.
Your Aqua Chimp session will start at the time you have booked. Before you can go for your Safety Briefing and get onto the course, all participants need to be checked in and kitted up. Arriving 30 minutes before your booked time will allow you enough time to do this.
You will certainly fall into the water one or two times and we would advise that you have a buoyant neoprene sports retainer strap so that glasses do not get lost. You are also welcome to bring swimming goggles.
Yes – to avoid disappointment we strongly recommend you book in advance.
Our terms and conditions for standard session tickets allow customers to reschedule or cancel their booking, providing this is done up to 48 hours before their session start time. Please call our Reception team on 01732 753330 or email info@aquachimpkent.co.uk in the event you need to amend or cancel your booking. Separate terms apply to children’s parties, school bookings, other private hire and corporate events.
Aqua Chimp will be open in rain or shine with the very rare exception of having to cancel sessions due to thunder and lightning. In the event of a thunder and lightning storm passing over site, we will pull all participants off the water and discuss with those affected whether activities can resume or be rescheduled for another day.
We are open for 6 months from the start of April – the business will be closed from October.
Yes, all participants must attend the 5 minute safety briefing which forms a part of the session before you can swim out to the floating climbing course. This still applies even if you’ve been hundreds of times!
The standard sessions last 60 minutes and include a 5 minute briefing followed by 55 minutes on the course. Please note the time you book is the time your safety briefing starts. Instructors will call you to your safety briefing. A call will be made to all participants 5 minutes before the end of the session.
This is not a problem as there is a hammock on the course to rest up as well as a floating platform. There are multiple exit points out of the water to get back onto dry land as well.
13 of the 28 challenges are rated as easy and will allow yourself the opportunity to practice on the course before taking on the more difficult challenges. The easy routes are clearly marked on the course.
There is a pontoon with ladders to provide access and egress from the water. Please do not jump or dive in.
You will need to be able to swim 25 metres unaided by any flotation device. The course is approximately 5 metres from the pontoon and is only a short swim. It is likely you will fall into the water during your session and there are plenty of entry points that you can swim to and get back on the course.
Aqua Chimp Kent is located on Yalding Enterprise Park and we are clearly signposted on the estate.
The entrance to Yalding Enterprise Park is directly opposite Yalding train station.
Yalding is located approximately midway between Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and circa 10 mins drive from Junction 2a of the M26 motorway. Access to the M25 via the M26 is approximately 15 minutes drive.
Yalding railway station located approximately 5 minutes walk is on the Medway Valley line which links Strood, Maidstone West, Paddock Wood and Yalding.
Ample car parking is provided and is free.
Yes, there are changing rooms. Please note we do not supply lockers- please leave all valuables in your car / at home or with a spectator. Shelving is available in the changing rooms to be used at your own risk. Aqua Chimp Kent will take no responsibility for loss / damage.
No, there are no shower facilities on site.
Yes, there are loos and baby changing facilities on site.
Wheelchair access is provided and WC facilities are available.
Spectators are very welcome and can almost feel a part of the action with viewing areas on 2 sides of the enclosed body of water. Feel free to cheer on participants and feel their energy and excitement as they take on the challenges.
The café serves hot and cold drinks ranging from delicious coffees and teas, to milkshakes, slushies and other cold drinks. A selection of toasted sandwiches and other goodies are on offer. Please note we are a cashless venue.
Unfortunately customers / guests are not permitted to consume food or drink onsite unless it has been purchased from the cafe. If you have booked a birthday party package then it is fine to bring your own cake.
Water quality is rigorously monitored through daily testing and samples are sent for independent testing on a regular basis
As the water is only 3 metres deep it is warmer than larger outdoor bodies of water. The water temperature is normally above 20C from June to September
Of course, we just ask for them to stay on a lead while they are on site