Wednesday and Thursday
Flat west-coast surf, but good south-coast swimming conditions. Tides will be high at breakfast time and towards dusk, increasing incrementally from 9.1m on Wednesday morning to 9.6m on Thursday evening.
Friday 17 July 2026
Likely flat for surfers but lovely and glassy smooth for swimmers, kayakers and paddle-boarders. Tides will be about 9.3m high at 9:40am, then about 9.5m high at 9:50pm. Low tide will be mid-afternoon.
The Weekend
More flatness for surfers but some decent swimming, kayaking and paddle-boarding conditions. Tides will be high in the mid to late mornings, then low in the late afternoons.
Next Week
Weather
Mostly sunny and dry, with the wind returning to that familiar ENE’ly, varying in strength from time to time, between light force 3 and fresh force 5. Max temps most probably 24-26°C, but they might slip a couple of degrees higher if the wind relaxes more than expected, or a couple of degrees lower if the wind becomes stronger. That’s pretty much the only uncertainty. I’m afraid to say that rainfall is looking highly unlikely, so don’t forget to be wise with your water, and spare whatever you can afford to the lovely plants.
Surf and the Water
Another week of no surf, but swimming conditions down on the south coast. Simple as that really. Tides will be high in the middle of the day, moving forward from 11:40am Monday to 3:15pm Friday. Low tides will be in the early mornings and in the evenings.
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!