Terms of Service

1. About Surf-Connect

Surf-Connect ("we", "us", or "the platform") is a marketplace that connects surf students with certified instructors and session photographers. We are not a surf school — we provide the technology and infrastructure for independent service providers to offer and receive bookings.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. By registering, you confirm that all information you provide is accurate and that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.

3. User Accounts

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
• You may not share your account or provide access to third parties.
• You must promptly notify us of any unauthorised use of your account.
• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

4. Booking & Payments

All bookings are subject to instructor availability. Payments are processed securely via Stripe. A platform service fee (displayed at checkout) is charged on each transaction. By completing a booking, you agree to pay the total amount shown, including any applicable fees.

Instructors and photographers receive payouts via Stripe Connect. Payout timelines depend on Stripe's standard processing schedule (typically 7 business days after the first payout).

5. Cancellations & Refunds

See our Cancellation & Refund Policy for full details. In summary:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the session.
• Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable unless the instructor cancels.
• Instructors who cancel are subject to penalties to protect students.

6. Price Bidding

Where instructors have enabled bidding, students may propose a price. The instructor may accept, reject, or counter the bid. A bid is not a confirmed booking until the instructor accepts and payment is completed. Bids do not hold a time slot.

7. Photography & Content

Photographers retain copyright over their images. By uploading to the platform, photographers grant Surf-Connect a limited licence to display watermarked previews for sales purposes. Students purchasing photos receive a personal, non-commercial licence to use those images.

All users grant Surf-Connect a royalty-free licence to display profile photos and publicly-shared content on the platform for service delivery purposes.

8. Instructor Responsibilities

• Instructors must hold valid certifications (ISA, BSA, or local equivalent) and keep them current.
• Instructors are solely responsible for the safety and quality of their sessions.
• Instructors must maintain appropriate public liability insurance.
• False certification claims will result in immediate account termination.

9. Prohibited Conduct

• Bypassing the platform to arrange payments directly (commission bypass).
• Submitting false reviews or manipulating ratings.
• Harassing or threatening other users.
• Uploading illegal, infringing, or misleading content.
• Attempting to hack, scrape, or reverse-engineer the platform.

10. Limitation of Liability

Surf-Connect is a marketplace and does not deliver surf lessons or photography services directly. We are not liable for personal injury, property damage, or any loss arising from sessions booked through the platform. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability to you is limited to the amount of the platform fee paid in the relevant transaction.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Significant changes will be notified via email or an in-app banner at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance.