Friday 27 March 2026
3 foot surf, clean at dawn but rather choppy from mid-morning onwards. Winds probably won’t ever be strong enough for windsurfing and kitesurfing though. As for the best swimming conditions, they will definitely be along the east coast. Tiny tidal movements, with low water around 7:20am and high water around 1:50pm (just 6.6m).
Saturday 28 March 2026
Choppy west-coast surf, but it will be about 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4m) and powerful, meaning that the south coast will probably have some clean 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2m) waves… tide permitting. Winds will generally be good for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but the swimming conditions will only really be smooth on the south coast. Small tidal movements, with low water around 9:20am and high water around 3:20pm (just 7m).
Sunday 29 March 2026
The surf will be just like Friday, in terms of size and cleanliness… 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2m) and the breakfast time session really being the only one when the onshore wind is light enough not to spoil things. The change in wind-strength through the day, will also mean that breakfast time is best for swimming, and that dinnertime might just be good enough for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Low water around 11:20am and high water around 5:25pm (just 7.7m).
Next Week
The return of big spring tides, with breakfast and dinnertime highs… 8.2m on Monday, increasing incrementally until they are 9.4m on Thursday and Friday. Choppy surf Monday and Tuesday… 8 feet, gradually reducing to 4 feet. Mostly clean surf Wednesday onward… roughly 3 feet throughout.
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!