Friday 23 January 2026
The west coast surf will be about 6 feet at dawn, then 8-10 feet by dusk. However, the wind will be far too strong to be safe, except perhaps for that dawn session, but even that one will be pretty undesirable. High tides will be very splashy on all coasts (9:15am and 9:35pm) with storm surge likely adding quite a lot to the raw astronomical values of 8.8m and 8.5m. low tide will be at 3:40pm.
Saturday 24 January 2026
Super-clean and very powerful surf… 10+feet on the west coast, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8m) hopefully on the north. The morning winds will still be stronger than ideal, but the afternoon winds will be moderate force 4, so hopefully the keen will score something special then. Tides will be about 8.8m high at 9:15am, then low at 4:15pm.
Sunday 25 January 2026
The surf will be similarly big and clean as on Saturday. However, the tides will be a bit smaller and later. High water being about 8.5m around 10:30am and then low tide being around 5pm. The high tide splashes really being reserved for the west coast on this occasion.
Next Week
Another week of solid surf every day, currently forecast to be most massive on Thursday and Friday, after a rather colossal low pressure system has consumed the North Atlantic for a couple of days mid-week. Tides will be relatively small though, with highs around midday at the start of the working week, and around late afternoon at the end (ranging in height between 7.3m and 8m).
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!