Jersey Surf Guide - Locals Friendly Version



Jersey has one of the largest tides in the world, the difference between high and low tide can be as much as 40ft. This means many spots only work on certain tides or for small periods of time only, therefore local knowledge of wind, swell and tidal conditions is essential for getting the most out of whatever size swell is around. If your not sure, ask before you go in, because it could save you the embarrassment of having to be rescued, when the beach you paddled out at soon becomes cut off by a fast flooding tide.

Below is a basic guide to the local surf spots without revealing too much.

The West Coast

The west coast is made up of one 5 mile long sweeping sandy bay called St. Ouen's Bay, which has large reefs at either end, that become exposed at low tide. The Bay is exposed to the full force of the Atlantic and has a variety of different types of surf spots, ranging from rolling UK style beach breaks, to French style hollow sand banks. In the centre of the bay is the Watersplash, the centre of Jersey surfing and home to the infamous Watersplash nightclub. Over the years the 'Splash' has played host to many major Championships including British and European Championships. Despite picking up the most swell, the waves here can be pretty average, unless you score one of them rare low tide Splash days when the banks are firing! 		The Watersplash
The South Coast

When the West Coast maxes out, usually during big storms in Autumn and Winter, then the South Coast comes to life. Most surfers will head for the shelter of St. Brelade's Bay. St. Brelade's offers some good wave and is even rideable during the largest of Winter storms. On certain tides good waves can also be found east of the islands capital St.Helier.		 Greve D'Azette
The North Coast

On large swells the North Coast offers some of the islands best bodyboarding conditions, when spots like Stinky Bay and Greve De Lecq come to life. Stinky is a shallow left hand reef break offering some good hollow barrels on its day. During big storms though Greve De Lecq is the place to go. Greve's steep shelving beach provides thick hollow sandy barrels, and is arguably the islands premier bodyboard wave.

 Plemont