Tuesday 05 May 2026
Total flatness for surfers and insufficient wind for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Not bad for swimmers though, mainly down on the south coast, and preferably towards evening when rainfall runoff will be minimal. Tides will be high at 9:20am and 9:30pm (8.2m and 8.3m respectively). Low water will be at 3:30pm.
Wednesday 06 May 2026
Again, total flatness for surfers and probably not enough wind for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Not bad for swimmers down on the south coast though, preferably towards evening, when rainfall runoff is minimal. Tides will be high at 9:50am and 10pm (both 7.9m). Low water will be at 4pm.
Thursday and Friday
The surf will probably be flat on both days, but there is the slim chance of rideable knee-high waves on Friday (probably nice and clean if that is the case). Swimming conditions should be pretty good all-round but more especially on the west coast. Tides will be high in the late mornings (7.5m and 7.1m respectively) and low in the late afternoons.
The Weekend
Clean 1-2 foot (0.3-0.6m) surf is on the cards (fingers crossed). Probably not enough wind for windsurfing or kitesurfing though. Swimming conditions will most likely be best in the west, with only small tidal movements… lunchtime highs of 6.7m and 6.6m respectively.
Beach etiquette
The sea and the beach belong to the earth (and the fish.)
Everyone has a right to use it. Nobody is more entitled than anyone else. Do so respectfully of all those around you.
Respect the environment. Take your litter home. Park considerately. Drive cautiously. Be aware of others (especially residents) in how you use the area.
All beaches have clear guidance at their entrances about safety and conditions on the beach and in the water. Be sure to read these.
Most beaches have zoned areas indicating where different usages and watersports are allowed.
Do not swim in the surf zones. Do not surf in the swim zones.
Vazon Bay is the beginner's beach. It has an area specifically reserved for novice surfers (north of the central steps; behind the restaurant). It's where the surf school is.
The reef at Vazon is mostly for experienced surfers. Most other breaks in Guernsey are unsuitable for novices.
Surf etiquette
All surfers should learn and follow these simple rules to maximise everyone's enjoyment of the water together!
- Right of way: nearest the break has right of way
- Don't drop in: if someone's on the wave, wait for another
- Paddle sensibly: paddle out through the foam out of the way of others on waves
- Hold on to your board (aka: don't ditch): your board is your lifeline but also a massive liability; hold on to it at all costs and for the safety of yourself and of others around you
- Don't snake (aka: don't steal position) - wait your turn!
- Avoid packed lineups: if a take-off is already crowded, don't make it worse. Find a different take-off
- Share the waves: there's plenty to go round
- Be humble and kind: if you make a mistake, apologise. Be gracious if you're the recipient of that.
- Novices: respect the experienced surfers around you. They can help you get better.
- Old guys: be tolerant of novices. Share your wisdom. You were a beginner once.
Did you know?
There is a 50-year old legal requirement to have third party insurance to go longboarding in Guernsey!
A longboard is defined as 'a board used for the purpose of riding the surf measuring more than five feet in length along a horizontal plane between the two most distant extremities of the board'!
No mention of paddleboards, kitesurfing, windsurfing or kayaks though!