Saturday 06 September 2025
The surf will be super-clean but only 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6m) at best. Great conditions for swimming in the north and west, providing you go when the tide is relatively high, so that you benefit from the shelter of the sea walls etc. High water will be at 6:30am and 6:45pm (8.2m and 8.7m respectively). Low water will be at 12:45pm.
Sunday 07 September 2025
Flat surf to start the day, but some 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2m) chunks to finish. For swimmers, the wind direction will favour the north and west coasts in the morning, especially first thing, then the east coast will be the most sheltered area in the afternoon and evening. High water will be at 7:10am and 7:30pm (8.8m and 9.3m respectively). Low water will be at 1:30pm.
Monday 08 September 2025
Cleanish 3 foot waves for west-coast surfers. For swimmers, the wind direction will favour the north and east coasts. High water will be at 7:50am and 8:05pm (9.2m and 9.7m respectively). Low water will be at 2:10pm.
Tuesday to Friday
With fresh to strong winds expected through the vast majority of this period (varying between S’ly and W’ly), we will have a constant supply of reasonably chunky waves, but we will also have a massive tidal range, so we will have to hope that those brief moments of opportunity marry up with the most favourable winds. The wave heights will vary between 3 and 6 feet, the biggest probably being on Thursday and Friday. However, the tides will be biggest on the evenings of Tuesday and Wednesday, when they will peak at 9.9m and 9.8m respectively. Those are just the raw astronomical predictions though. When you account for the low atmospheric pressure and perhaps a little storm-surge, then they may well end up hitting the 10m mark.
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!