Friday 28 August 2026
The surf will be messy, but at least it will be getting bigger as the day progresses… 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6m) at dawn, 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2m) by dusk. Swimming conditions will be best in the east. Tides high around 7:40am and 8pm (8.7m and 9m respectively). Low tide will be around 2pm.
Saturday 29 August 2026
The surf will be 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9m) and pretty clean in the morning, then about 5 feet and messy in the afternoon. Great windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions too. Swimming conditions will be best around Richmond and Pembroke early morning, then around Havelet and Fermain towards dusk. Tides high around 8:15am and 8:30pm (8.9m and 9.2m respectively). Low tide will be around 2:30pm.
Sunday 30 August 2026
Semi-clean 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2m) surf. Decent swimming conditions around Havelet, Fermain, Pembroke and Richmond, especially around high tide. High water will be at 8:50am and at 9pm (9.1m and 9.3m respectively). Low tide will be around 3pm.
BH Monday
Messy 4-6 foot (1.2-1.8m) surf. Decent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions too, although not quite as great as on Saturday. Fermain, Havelet and Pembroke will be best for swimming. High water will be around 9:20am and 9:40m (9.1m and 9.2m respectively). Low water will be around 3:40pm.
Tuesday and Wednesday
The surf should be 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2m) on Tuesday, shrinking 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9m) on Wednesday. All of it a little bit wobbly but reasonably clean. Better swimming conditions than over the weekend, but still best of all in the sheltered east. High tides will be mid-morning (8.9m on Tuesday and 8.6m on Wednesday). 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!