Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2 October 2026

This policy explains what information Clean Surf Check collects when you use this website (cleansurfcheck.co.uk) and the Frothy Paddle app (app.cleansurfcheck.co.uk), why, and what your rights are. Together we call them "the Service".

The short version: we don't ask for your name, email, location or any account details to use the app. Your favourite beaches are saved on your own phone, not on our servers. The only personal data we handle is the technical information every website receives when you visit, and anything you choose to send us if you get in touch.

1. Who we are

The Service is run by Christian Thorne, a sole trader based in Tiverton, Devon, United Kingdom, trading as Clean Surf Check. For the purposes of UK data protection law, Christian Thorne is the "controller" of your personal data.

Contact: info@christianthorne.co.uk

2. What we collect and why

2.1 Information your device sends automatically

When you visit the website or open the app, your browser sends our web server technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device type, the page requested and the date and time. Our server records this in standard log files.

• Why: to deliver the pages and forecast data to you, keep the Service secure, and diagnose faults.
• Lawful basis: our legitimate interests in running a secure, working service.
• How long: server logs are kept for a short period, normally no more than 30 days, and then deleted automatically.

2.2 Information stored on your own device

The app stores a few small settings in your browser's local storage on your phone or computer:

• your favourite beaches;
• your preferred units (feet or metres);
• whether you have dismissed the "add to home screen" message.

The app also keeps a copy of itself and the latest forecast on your device, so it opens quickly and works when you have a weak signal at the beach.

This information stays on your device. It is never sent to us, and we cannot see it. You can remove it at any time by clearing your browser's data for app.cleansurfcheck.co.uk, or by deleting the app from your home screen.

2.3 If you contact us

If you email us, we receive your email address, name (if you include it) and whatever you write. We use this only to reply to you and keep a record of the conversation.

• Lawful basis: our legitimate interests in responding to enquiries.
• How long: we keep correspondence for up to 2 years, unless we need it longer to deal with a complaint or legal claim.

2.4 What we don't collect

• We don't require an account or sign-up.
• We don't access your phone's location, camera, contacts or photos.
• We don't use advertising, tracking or analytics cookies.
• We don't sell, rent or trade personal data.

3. Cookies and similar technology

The website does not set any cookies for ordinary visitors. WordPress sets cookies only for people who log in to manage the site, which is just us.

The app's local storage, described in section 2.2, is used only to provide features you ask for, such as remembering your favourites. Under UK law this counts as "strictly necessary" storage, so we don't need to ask for consent. We are telling you about it here because we believe in being open.

If we add analytics or any other non-essential cookies in future, we will ask for your consent first and update this policy.

4. Third parties who process data for us

• Hosting: the website and app run on a virtual server provided by Hostinger, located in the United Kingdom (Manchester). Hostinger processes data on our behalf under its data processing terms.
• Fonts: some pages load typefaces from Google Fonts. When they load, your browser connects to Google's servers, which receive your IP address. Google's privacy policy applies to that connection: policies.google.com/privacy.
• Forecast and overflow data: our server fetches data from Open-Meteo and South West Water. Your device does not connect to them and they receive no information about you.
• External links: the app links to other websites, such as beach webcams. Once you follow a link, that site's own privacy policy applies.

5. International transfers

Our hosting is in the UK. The only transfer outside the UK is the Google Fonts connection described above, which may be processed in the United States. Google relies on approved safeguards for these transfers, including the UK Extension to the EU–US Data Privacy Framework.

6. Your rights

Under UK data protection law you have the right to:

• ask for a copy of the personal data we hold about you;
• ask us to correct data that is wrong;
• ask us to delete your data;
• object to, or ask us to restrict, how we use your data;
• ask for your data in a portable format, where this applies.

To use any of these rights, email info@christianthorne.co.uk. We will reply within one month. Because we hold very little personal data, and most of it is in short-lived server logs, there may be nothing we can link to you.

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, please tell us first so we can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint, telephone 0303 123 1113.

7. Security

The Service is served over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection. Our server is kept up to date and protected by a firewall and malware scanning. No system is completely secure, but we keep the data we hold to a minimum, which limits the risk.

8. Children

The Service is a general surf forecast and is not aimed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy, for example if we add new features. The "last updated" date at the top will always show the current version. If we make a significant change, we will make it clear on the website.

10. Contact

Christian Thorne, trading as Clean Surf Check
Tiverton, Devon, United Kingdom
info@christianthorne.co.uk