Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 4, 2025
Overview
Swell ("we", "our", or "us") is a beach recommendation app that combines weather, wave, tide, and UV data into a single score. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
By using Swell — whether on web (swellapphq.com) or our mobile app — you agree to this policy.
Information We Collect
Account information
When you sign up, we collect your name and email address via Clerk (our authentication provider). We use this to identify your account and sync your data across devices.
Location data
We request access to your device location to rank nearby beaches and power the "Near Me" feature. Location is used only while the app is open and is never stored on our servers. We do not track your location in the background.
Usage data
We collect data about how you use the app — beaches you view, favorites you save, visits you log, and activity preferences you set. This data is stored in Supabase and used to personalize your experience.
Photos and posts
If you submit a photo or post via "From The Sand," that content is public and stored on our servers. Do not submit content you do not have rights to share.
Device and usage analytics
We may collect device information (platform, app version) and usage patterns to improve the product. When you are signed in, this data is associated with your account so your experience syncs across devices.
Third-Party Services
Swell integrates with third-party services to provide its features. Each has its own privacy policy.
Authentication — Clerk
Sign-in and account management is handled by Clerk. Clerk stores your name, email, and authentication credentials. See clerk.com/privacy.
Database — Supabase
Your favorites, visit logs, and preferences are stored in Supabase (PostgreSQL). Data is encrypted at rest and in transit. See supabase.com/privacy.
Weather and tide data
Beach conditions are sourced from Open-Meteo and NOAA CO-OPS. These are free public APIs — no personal data is sent to them.
Hotel and travel booking — Booking.com
Beach detail pages may display nearby hotel listings sourced from the Booking.com Affiliate API. If you click a hotel link, you will be taken to Booking.com's website. Swell receives a commission if you complete a booking. We do not share your personal information with Booking.com.
Activities and experiences — Viator
Beach detail pages may display nearby activity listings sourced from the Viator Partner API. If you click an activity link, you will be taken to Viator's website. Swell receives a commission if you complete a booking. We do not share your personal information with Viator.
Cookies and Tracking
The Swell web app uses minimal cookies — primarily a session token from Clerk to keep you signed in. We do not use advertising cookies or behavioral tracking cookies.
How We Use Your Data
- To show you nearby beaches and personalized recommendations
- To save your favorites, visit logs, and activity preferences
- To sync your data across devices when signed in
- To improve the app based on aggregated, anonymized usage patterns
- To process affiliate commissions when you book via partner links
What We Don't Do
- Sell your personal data to third parties
- Use your data for targeted advertising
- Track your location when the app is closed
- Share your identity with hotel or activity booking partners
- Collect data from minors under 13
Data Retention
We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. Visit logs, favorites, and preferences are retained indefinitely unless you delete them or request account deletion.
To delete your entire account and all associated data, contact us at privacy@swellapphq.com.
Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights under applicable privacy laws (including CCPA and GDPR) to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Opt out of data sharing (note: we do not sell data)
- Data portability
To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@swellapphq.com.
Children's Privacy
Swell is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy as the app evolves. We will update the "last updated" date at the top of this page. For material changes, we will notify signed-in users via the app.
Contact
Questions about this policy? privacy@swellapphq.com