Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 17, 2026
Business Name: Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc.

1. Overview

At Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc., we are committed to protecting the privacy and safety of our customers. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information when you rent equipment, book activities, or interact with our website.

We are committed to compliance with applicable Michigan and federal privacy laws.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

  • Customer name
  • Contact information (email, phone number, address)


Payment Information

  • Billing details (processed securely through third-party providers)


Website Usage Information

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Pages visited on our website

3. Information About Minors

If a customer is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the registration and waiver on their behalf before any information is collected or used. We do not collect personal information directly from minors without parental or guardian consent.

For customers under 13, we comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq., and do not collect personal information without verifiable parental consent.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

  • Process reservations and rentals
  • Communicate about rental schedules, updates, and weather conditions
  • Send booking confirmations and email or text reminders related to your reservations
  • Ensure participant safety
  • Improve our services and website

 

We do not use personal information for advertising targeting, behavioral profiling, or any commercial purpose beyond delivering our rentals and services.

5. Sharing of Information

We may share information only with:

  • Trusted third-party service providers — including payment processors (e.g., Stripe), email/text communication tools (e.g., Mailchimp), and reservation/booking systems — that help us operate our business and deliver services. All vendors are contractually required to handle data securely and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.
  • Emergency personnel if necessary
  • Authorities if required by law

6. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information using secure systems and limited access controls. However, no online system is completely secure, and we encourage users to take precautions when sharing information online.

6a. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected:

  • Rental and registration data is deleted or anonymized within 90 days after the conclusion of your rental or activity.
  • Payment records are retained as required by applicable tax and accounting laws, typically 7 years, but are stored separately from personal data.
  • Website usage data (e.g., IP addresses, cookies) is retained for no longer than 12 months.

 

Customers may request early deletion of their data at any time by contacting us at [email protected].

6b. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:

  • Notify affected individuals promptly, and no later than as required by Michigan law (the Identity Theft Protection Act, MCL § 445.63 et seq.) and applicable federal law
  • Describe the nature of the breach, the information affected, and steps we are taking to address it
  • Provide guidance on steps you can take to protect yourself

 

Notifications will be sent via email to the address on file, or by postal mail if email is unavailable.

7. Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. We may use third-party analytics tools such as Google Analytics, which may collect usage data subject to their own privacy policies. We do not use cookies for advertising targeting purposes.

You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies if preferred.

8. Your Rights

Customers may:

  • Request access to their personal information
  • Request corrections or deletion
  • Withdraw consent at any time

 

Parents and guardians may exercise these rights on behalf of their minor children.

To make a request, contact us at: [email protected].

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

11. Photo & Video Consent

By booking a rental or activity with us, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken during activities for safety, training, and promotional purposes.

We may use these images in:

  • Social media posts
  • Website content
  • Marketing materials

 

We do not publish customers’ full names alongside images without additional consent. For minors, we do not publish identifying images without explicit parental or guardian consent.

Opt-Out Option: If you do not want yourself or your child photographed or recorded, please notify us in writing at [email protected] prior to participation.

12. Terms & Participation Waiver

By registering for any program or rental, you agree to the following:

Assumption of Risk

By booking any rental or activity, you agree to the following:

Assumption of Risk Participation in kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

  • Water-related hazards
  • Weather conditions
  • Physical activity and equipment use

 

You acknowledge and accept these risks on behalf of yourself and, where applicable, any minor in your care.

Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and hold harmless Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc., its owners, employees, and affiliates from any liability for injuries, damages, or losses arising from participation in activities.

Medical Authorization

In the event of an emergency involving a minor in your care, you authorize staff to seek medical treatment if you cannot be reached.

Behavior & Safety

Participants agree to follow all safety instructions and staff guidance. Failure to do so may result in removal from activities without refund.

Weather & Cancellations

Rentals and activities may be adjusted or canceled due to weather or unsafe conditions. We will communicate any changes as early as possible.

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Berrien County, Michigan.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, Photo Consent, or Terms, please contact us:

Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 269-468-9399
Address: PO Box 21, Bridgman, MI 49106

Pick YOur Location

Galien River – New Buffalo
Jean Klock Beach – Benton Harbor
Paddler Park – St. Joseph
Paw Paw River – Benton Harbor
Silver Beach – St. Joseph
Van Buren State Park – South Haven
Wade’s Bayou – Douglas
Warren Dunes State Park – South Haven