Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 2023

1. Information We Collect

To provide you with a seamless experience—from browsing our All-Around SUP Boards to checking out with your Fishing Kayak—we collect information you provide directly and through automated technologies.

• Personal & Transactional Data: When you make a purchase, we collect your name, billing/shipping address, email address, phone number, and payment information (processed securely by our partners; we do not store full card details).
• Account Information: If you create an account, we store your login credentials and order history.
• Communications: Records of your interactions with our customer service team at [email protected].
• Technical & Browsing Data: Through cookies and similar technologies, we collect IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited (like our GO BIG Staff Picks or Canoe Accessories), and how you navigate our site.
• Preferences: Your interests in product categories (e.g., Dry Bags, Canoe Paddles) to personalize your experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data with the same practical care our team uses to select gear—only for clear, purposeful reasons:

• To Process Your Order: To fulfill purchases, calculate shipping (including our flat-rate $12.95 CAD fee), process payments in CAD, and arrange delivery—especially important for large items like Big Canoes or Boats + Boards.
• To Communicate With You: To send order confirmations, shipping updates, and respond to your inquiries. With your consent, we may send information about new Apparel or Gift Ideas.
• To Improve Our Site & Service: To understand how adventurers like you use our site, helping us optimize our menu layout and product offerings.
• For Security & Fraud Prevention: To monitor transactions and protect against unauthorized activity, ensuring your payment is as secure as “a calm lake at dawn.”
• For Legal & Compliance Reasons: To meet our legal obligations and enforce our policies.

3. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We treat your data like specialized canoe gear—we don’t share it unnecessarily. We only disclose information in these specific circumstances:

• Trusted Service Providers: We share data with partners who perform essential services for us, such as payment processing (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, PayPal), shipping carriers (who may contact you for large item delivery), and IT security. These partners are contractually bound to protect your data.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, such as to comply with a subpoena or similar legal process.
• Business Transfers: In the event WCK WaterSports Gear is involved in a merger or acquisition, customer information may be transferred as a business asset.
• With Your Consent: We will share information outside of this policy only with your explicit permission.

We do not sell your personal information to third-party marketers.

4. Data Storage, Security, and International Transfers

Your security is non-negotiable. As a Toronto-based company serving a global community, we implement robust measures:

• Storage: Data is stored on secure servers, primarily in Canada, but may be processed by our international service providers.
• End-to-End Encryption & PCI DSS Compliance: Our checkout uses industry-standard SSL technology, and we adhere to the highest payment card industry security standards.
• Data Retention: We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law (e.g., for tax and financial record-keeping).
• International Transfers: When data is transferred outside Canada (e.g., to a payment processor in another country), we ensure it is protected by appropriate safeguards as required by law.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your personal information, consistent with applicable laws:

• Access & Correction: You can request access to the personal data we hold about you and ask us to correct any inaccuracies.
• Account Preferences: You can update your account information and communication preferences at any time.
• Marketing Communications: You can opt-out of promotional emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any such email.
• Data Deletion: You may request the deletion of your personal data, subject to certain legal exceptions (e.g., where we need to retain data for legal compliance).
• Complaints: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant privacy authority in your jurisdiction.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 8.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Like a reliable cart for your gear, cookies help our website function smoothly and improve your experience.

• What We Use: We use cookies and similar technologies for essential functions (like keeping items in your shopping cart), analytics (to understand how paddlers use our site), and personalization (to remember your preferences).
• Your Control: Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie preferences through their settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website, such as the ability to complete a purchase.
• Third-Party Analytics: We may use services like Google Analytics to collect data about website traffic. This data is aggregated and anonymous.

7. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to other sites (e.g., for product manufacturers or paddling resources). This Privacy Policy applies only to westerncanoekayaks.com. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any site you visit.

8. Contact Us

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.