Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 12, 2026

STIX Outdoors, LLC (“we”, “our”, “us”) operates the KayakVault website at kayakvault.com and the KayakVault mobile applications for iOS and Android (collectively, the “Service”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using the Service you agree to this policy.

1. Information You Provide to Us

• Account information. When you create an account we collect your name, email address, and a hashed password.
• Profile content. Optional profile photo, bio, location (city/state), and the kayaks, gear, rigs, and waypoints you choose to add.
• User-generated content. Photos, descriptions, GPS coordinates, and details for catches, trips, and waypoints that you choose to log.
• Marketplace listings and messages. If you list a kayak for sale or message another user, we store the listing details and the messages.
• Customer support. Anything you send when you contact us via email or the in-app contact form.

2. Information Collected Automatically

• Usage and device data. Pages or screens you visit, actions you take, app version, device type and OS version, IP address, and crash diagnostics.
• Cookies and local storage. Used to keep you signed in and remember preferences. The mobile apps use platform-secure storage rather than browser cookies.
• Push notification token. If you grant permission, we store an opaque device token from Apple Push Notification Service or Firebase Cloud Messaging so we can deliver notifications you have opted in to receive.

3. Mobile Permissions and Sensitive Data

Our mobile apps request the following device permissions. Each is optional — you can decline at the system prompt or revoke later in your device settings — but features that depend on the permission will not work without it.

Camera

We request access to your camera so you can take photos of your kayaks, your catches, and your profile picture. Photos are uploaded to your account when you save them and are never accessed in the background. We do not access photos taken outside the app unless you explicitly choose them from your photo library.

Location (while the app is in use)

We request foreground location access so we can: (a) center the map on you, (b) attach your current GPS coordinates to a catch when you log one, (c) show weather and tide data for your current location, and (d) display nearby launch spots and points of interest. Foreground location is only collected while you have the app open.

Location (in the background)

We request background location access only to power the “Trip Tracker” feature. Background location is collected exclusively while you have actively started a trip recording, so we can record your kayaking route even when the screen is off or the app is in the background. Tracking stops the moment you tap “End Trip,” and we do not collect background location at any other time. Background location data is stored in your account and is not sold, shared with advertisers, or used for any purpose other than displaying your own trip history to you.

Notifications

We request permission to send local and push notifications for trip-tracker status updates, marketplace messages, and product announcements. You can disable notifications in your device settings at any time.

Photo Library

If you tap “Choose from Library” instead of using the camera, we read the specific image you select. We do not scan or read other photos in your library.

4. How We Use Information

• To provide, operate, and maintain the Service.
• To personalize your experience — for example, showing weather for your current location or your saved spots.
• To enable features such as trip recording, catch logging, marketplace listings, and messaging.
• To send transactional messages (account verification, security alerts) and notifications you have opted in to.
• To diagnose, prevent, and fix bugs and abuse.
• To comply with legal obligations.

We do not use your data for advertising, sell your data, or share it with data brokers.

5. Third-Party Services We Use

To run the Service we share data with the third parties below. Each is bound by its own privacy policy.

• Google Firebase (authentication, database, file storage, hosting, cloud functions, push notifications). Stores your account, content, and any push tokens. Firebase Privacy.
• Mapbox (map rendering). When you view a map we send Mapbox the area you are viewing and your IP address. We do not send your account info. Mapbox Privacy.
• Open-Meteo (weather and tide forecasts). When you request a forecast we send the latitude/longitude you are looking at — no account information. Open-Meteo Terms.
• Apple App Store / Google Play Store (app distribution and one-time purchase processing). We do not see or store your payment card details; the platform handles purchases.

6. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. Trip GPS tracks, catches, photos, and other content remain in your account until you delete them or delete your account. Server logs are typically retained for 30 days for security and debugging purposes.

7. Deleting Your Account and Data

You can request deletion of your account and all associated data at any time by:

• Tapping Settings → Delete Account in the mobile app, or
• Emailing support@kayakvault.com from the email address on file.

We will delete your account, profile, content, and trip history within 30 days of receiving the request. Anonymized aggregate analytics that do not identify you may be retained.

8. Children’s Privacy

The Service 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 with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

9. Security

We use industry-standard practices to protect your information, including TLS encryption in transit, encrypted storage at rest via Firebase, and password hashing. No system is 100% secure, but we work to safeguard your data.

10. Your Choices and Rights

You can:

• Update or correct your profile at any time in app or web settings.
• Revoke camera, location, or notification permissions in your device settings.
• Disable background location while still using foreground features.
• Request a copy of your data, or its deletion, by contacting us.

If you are in the EU, UK, California, or another jurisdiction with applicable privacy laws (e.g. GDPR, CCPA), you may have additional rights including access, portability, correction, and erasure. Contact us to exercise them.

11. International Users

STIX Outdoors, LLC operates from the United States. By using the Service, you understand that your information may be transferred to and stored in the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the revised version here, update the “Last updated” date, and, for material changes, notify you via email or an in-app message.

13. Contact

STIX Outdoors, LLC
Escondido, California, USA
Email: support@kayakvault.com
Web: /contact