Who we are
This privacy policy is for the Wuther website and the Downwind Paddling app (also called Wuther). Both are operated by Keith Burgess in Australia.
We use Google Analytics to understand how people use the site and the app so we can improve them. We do not sell this information, use it for advertising, or share it with other companies for their marketing.
What we collect
This website
We use Google Analytics 4 to collect usage data such as pages visited, approximate location, device and browser type, and referral source.
If you send a message through the contact form, we receive the name, email address, and message you enter. That information is used only to reply to you. It is not added to a mailing list. The form is delivered by Web3Forms, which processes the submission so it can reach us.
The Downwind Paddling app
The app uses Google Analytics for Firebase (Firebase Analytics). Google’s SDK automatically collects:
- An app-instance identifier (a random ID for that install of the app)
- Device model, operating system, and app version
- App opens, sessions, and screens viewed
- Coarse location derived from IP address (not GPS)
The SDK may also collect an advertising identifier where the platform provides one. The app does not use Google advertising features, remarketing, or Google Signals, and it does not ask for App Tracking Transparency.
We also log three custom events so we can see how paddlers use the app:
- conditions_search — when you choose a location: location name, skill level, country, and region
- skill_selected — when you change skill level: skill level and location name
- forecast_viewed — when a forecast is shown: location name, skill level, country, and region
Location in these events is the beach or coastal place you select in the app. We do not send GPS coordinates, your name, or your email to Google Analytics.
Your preferred location and skill level are stored on your device so the app can remember them. That is not an account, and those saved preferences are not uploaded as a user profile.
How Google collects and processes data
Google Analytics uses cookies on this website and an app-instance identifier in the app to measure how people interact with Wuther. When data is collected, IP addresses are used to help protect the service and to estimate roughly where users are. Google Analytics does not log or store full IP addresses.
This data is processed on Google’s servers. Google acts as our analytics provider. We do not send information that personally identifies you (such as your name or email) to Google Analytics.
For details of how Google handles this information, see Google’s Privacy Policy and How Google uses information from sites or apps that use its services. Google also explains Analytics data practices in Safeguarding your data.
How we use this information
We use analytics to understand which pages and app features people use, including which locations and skill levels paddlers look up, so we can improve Wuther. We use contact form messages only to respond to you.
We do not use this data for advertising, remarketing, or personalised ads. We do not build marketing profiles to sell to others.
Sharing
We do not sell your information. We do not share analytics data with third parties for their marketing, and we do not link our Analytics property to Google Ads or other Google advertising products.
Google processes analytics data in order to provide the Analytics service. Contact form submissions are processed by Web3Forms so we can receive and reply to your message.
We may disclose information if required by law.
Is analytics linked to other data about you?
No. The app has no user accounts and we do not set a Google Analytics User-ID. Website analytics is not joined to contact form names or email addresses. Custom app events are associated only with the app-instance identifier for that install.
Cookies and identifiers
On this website, Google Analytics may set first-party cookies or similar technologies to measure visits. You can control or delete cookies in your browser settings.
In the app, Firebase Analytics uses an app-instance identifier. If you reset your device’s advertising identifier (Advertising ID on Android, or Identifier for Advertisers on iOS), that app-instance identifier is also reset.
How to opt out
You can choose not to be measured as follows:
- Website: block or delete cookies in your browser, or install the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
- App: uninstall the app to stop further collection from that install. Resetting your advertising identifier also resets the app-instance identifier used by Analytics.
How long we keep data
Google Analytics stores event-level and user-level data according to the retention period set in our Analytics property. Contact form messages are kept only as long as needed to reply and follow up if necessary.
Children
Wuther is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Overseas processing
We operate in Australia. Google Analytics and Web3Forms process data on servers that may be outside Australia, including in the United States. By using the website or app, you understand that this information may be handled in those locations.
Third-party links
Our website or app may contain links to other sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites.
Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Contact us
If you have questions about this privacy policy, or want to ask about the information we hold, please use our contact page.