Thursday 08 January 2026
Surfers and windsurfers etc, can be glad that the wind will only really go bezurk after dusk, so we can at least enjoy clean 3 foot waves in the morning and then some 5 foot waves in the afternoon. Tides will be about 8.9m at 9:50am, then low around 4:20pm, before the particularly turbulent but mercifully not massive high of 8.5m at 10:15pm (not accounting for additional storm surge).
Friday 09 January 2026
A solid but very choppy 10-12 foot swell on the west and north coasts. However, the south coast will offer some super-clean and special novelty waves, if they are accessible. Windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions will be great, thanks to the Goretti craziness being well and truly over. Tides will be about 8.4m high at 10:30am and then low around 5pm.
The Weekend
Saturday surf will be about 80% as big and choppy as Friday’s, but Sunday morning’s could potentially be super-fun… 3 feet and super-clean (dropping off to just 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6m) in the afternoon though). Swimming conditions will be best in the south and east on Saturday, then in the north and west on Sunday morning. Windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions will be best on Sunday afternoon. High tides will be 7.7m at 11am Saturday and 7.2m at 11:50am Sunday. Low tides will be pre-dawn and post dusk.
Next Week
A good run of surf, finally. Consistently between 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5m) and clean. Plenty of breezy periods for windsurfers and kitesurfers, but also some calmer moments for swimmers. Tides will be nice and small, with afternoon highs ranging between 6.7m (Tuesday) and 7.6m (Friday).
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!