Monday and Tuesday
The surf will be 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8m) and super-clean on Monday, then semi-clean on Tuesday. If the west coast proves to be a little too choppy on Tuesday then there is also the chance of some good stuff where the wind will be properly offshore… down on the south coast. Low tides will be around 9am Monday and 10am Tuesday. High tides will be around 3pm Monday and 4pm Tuesday (7.4m and 7.5m respectively).
Wednesday and Thursday
The west-coast surf will be super-clean, gradually increasing from about 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8m) on Wednesday to about 12 feet by the end of Thursday. Thursday’s swell will be very powerful too, easily pushing around the corner to make some classic waves in L’Ancresse bay. Winds will be strong enough to keep the windsurfers and kitesurfers highly entertained on Thursday too. Low tides will be in the late mornings. High tides around dusk… 7.7m and 8.1m respectively.
Friday and The Weekend
More clean and generally huge waves for surfers… probably 10 feet on Friday and Sunday, briefly shrinking to 6 feet on Saturday. However, Saturday will be by far the best day for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Tides will be high shortly before dawn and shortly after dusk (ranging between 8.2m and 8.7m. Low tides will be around lunchtime.
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!