Monday 03 November 2025
Clean 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2m) surf on the west coast, along with some pretty decent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions too. Tidal movements will be getting bigger as we approach the full moon… low will be at 10:40am, then high will be 8.8m at 4:40pm.
Tuesday and Wednesday
Weather
Both days will have SSE’ly winds, strong force 6 on Tuesday, gradually decreasing to moderate force 4 through Wednesday. That wind direction will bring air that’s very mild and very moist, so we can expect temperatures to stay around 14°C throughout each night and around 15-16°C throughout each day, probably slipping up to 17°C if any sunshine slips through the cracks. Rain-wise, the cloud is going to be thick so the occasional showers will be heavy, probably adding up to 5-10mm each day, but possibly as much as 15-20mm. Timing is totally uncertain at the moment, so Budloe celebrations may be dry or they may be sopping wet.
Surf and the Water
The surf will be pretty epic… 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8m) and clean as a whistle. The offshore wind will be a tough one to paddle against, but it will be fantastic for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially on Tuesday. Tides will be low at 11:30am on Tuesday and then just after midday on Wednesday. High tides will be shortly before dawn and around dusk, increasing incrementally from 9m on Tuesday morning to 9.7m on Wednesday evening. Obviously these tides are big enough for the usual west coast splashiness, but in this instance the wind direction will be quite troublesome for the east coast as well.
Thursday and Friday
Thursday’s surf will probably be 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8m) and powerful, but the wind direction is very uncertain at the moment. Friday’s surf will be smaller (probably 3-4 feet) (0.9-1.2m) but the forecast for a clean S’ly wind is pretty solid. Friday will probably be the best day for windsurfing and kitesurfing too. Low tides will be at 1pm on Thursday and then 1:45pm on Friday. High tidfes will be around dawn and dinnertime, varying between 9.7m and 9.9m.
The Weekend
Very big surf, size uncertain but suffice to say that the north coast waves will probably be breaking, and for most people they will be a preferable size to the west coast waves. Sunday will probably be the best day for windsurfers and kite surfers. Saturday the best day for swimmers (east coast only). Tides will be high around breakfast time (9.6m Saturday and 9.2m Sunday). Low tides will be in the mid-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!