The rules for using FinMatch.
Last updated January 2025. These terms explain the service, your responsibilities, and the limits of what FinMatch provides.
Welcome to FinMatch. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the FinMatch website and services (collectively, the "Service"). By accessing or using FinMatch, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using FinMatch, you confirm that:
- You are at least 13 years old
- You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms
- You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations
If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.
2. Description of Service
FinMatch provides:
- Fin Recommendations: Personalized surf fin suggestions based on your input (weight, board type, skill level, wave conditions)
- Fin Database: Information about fins from various manufacturers
- Comparison Tools: Side-by-side fin comparisons
- Quiver Management: Tools to track your boards and fins
- Session Logging: Record your surf sessions
- Purchase Links: Links to third-party retailers where you can buy fins
3. User Accounts
3.1 Account Creation
You may use FinMatch without creating an account. If you create an account:
- You must provide accurate and complete information
- You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account
- You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
- You may not share your account credentials with others
3.2 Account Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you:
- Violate these Terms
- Engage in fraudulent or abusive behavior
- Attempt to harm the Service or other users
4. Acceptable Use
4.1 Permitted Uses
You may use FinMatch for personal, non-commercial purposes to:
- Find fin recommendations
- Research and compare fins
- Manage your quiver
- Track your surf sessions
4.2 Prohibited Uses
You agree NOT to:
- Use the Service for any illegal purpose
- Scrape, crawl, or harvest data from the Service without permission
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
- Interfere with or disrupt the Service
- Upload malicious code or content
- Impersonate another person or entity
- Use automated tools to access the Service (except standard search engine crawlers)
- Reverse engineer or decompile the Service
- Reproduce, copy, or redistribute our content without permission
- Use the Service to compete directly with FinMatch
5. Intellectual Property
5.1 Our Content
FinMatch owns or licenses all content on the Service, including:
- Website design and layout
- Recommendation algorithms
- Fin descriptions and specifications we create
- Graphics, logos, and branding
- Software and code
5.2 Third-Party Content
Fin images, brand names, and product specifications belong to their respective owners (FCS, Futures, True Ames, etc.). We display this information for informational purposes.
5.3 Your Content
You retain ownership of content you submit (board names, session notes, feedback). By submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive license to use it to provide and improve the Service.
6. Recommendations and Disclaimers
6.1 No Guarantee of Results
Our recommendations are based on general guidelines and user inputs. We do not guarantee that:
- Any recommended fin will be suitable for you
- You will experience improved performance
- Our information is complete or error-free
6.2 Personal Responsibility
Surfing involves inherent risks. You are solely responsible for:
- Evaluating whether a fin is appropriate for your skill level
- Your safety while surfing
- Your purchasing decisions
6.3 Accuracy of Information
While we strive for accuracy, fin specifications, prices, and availability may change. Always verify information with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing.
7. Third-Party Links and Purchases
7.1 Affiliate Relationships
FinMatch contains links to third-party retailers. We may earn commissions on purchases made through these links. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
7.2 Third-Party Transactions
When you click a purchase link, you leave FinMatch and enter a third-party website. We are not responsible for:
- Third-party website content or practices
- Product quality, shipping, or returns
- Payment processing or security
- Any disputes with third-party sellers
Your transactions with third parties are governed by their terms and policies.
8. Limitation of Liability
8.1 Disclaimer of Warranties
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
8.2 Limitation of Damages
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, FINMATCH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- Loss of profits, data, or goodwill
- Personal injury or property damage
- Service interruptions or errors
- Unauthorized access to your data
8.3 Maximum Liability
OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR $100, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.
9. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FinMatch, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:
- Your use of the Service
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any third-party rights
- Content you submit to the Service
10. Dispute Resolution
10.1 Informal Resolution
Before filing any formal dispute, you agree to contact us at tyler@tylerbales.com to attempt informal resolution.
10.2 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.
10.3 Jurisdiction
Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in California. You consent to the jurisdiction of these courts.
11. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the updated Terms on this page
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending notice to registered users (for significant changes)
Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
12. Miscellaneous
12.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and FinMatch.
12.2 Severability
If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.
12.3 Waiver
Our failure to enforce any right does not constitute a waiver of that right.
12.4 Assignment
You may not assign your rights under these Terms. We may assign our rights without restriction.
12.5 Force Majeure
We are not liable for failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
13. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms:
- Email: tyler@tylerbales.com
- General Support: tyler@tylerbales.com
By using FinMatch, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.