Wednesday and Thursday
There may be some 1-2 foot (0.3-0.6m) waves at best around Vazon, but the widn direction will probably spoil it for surfers. That wind direction should also be considered by swimmers, because they will find that the waters of the south coast are substantially smoother than elsewhere around the Island. Tides will be high at 8:50am Wednesday (9.1m) and at 9:15am Thursday (8.9m).
Friday 26 September 2025
Hopefully the waves will be big enough to surf. They will most likely only be 1 foot, but there’s a slim chance of 2 feet. If that is the case then the windless glassy conditions will be as perfect for surfing as they are for swimming. Tides will be 8.5m high at 9:40am and then low around 4pm.
The Weekend
Ex hurricane Gabrielle is now expected to take a much more southern track, sending the bulk of her swell to Portugal and Spain. Here in the Channel, we can only expect the waves to be about 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9m) and clean on Saturday, then 4 feet and a bit choppy on Sunday. Not what we were hoping for, but definitely better than nothing. Tides will be 8.2m high at 10am Saturday, then 7.4m at 10:30am Sunday. Low tides will be in the late afternoons.
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!