Surfing in Jersey
Jersey is the biggest island in the Channel Island and is known for its beautiful scenery and for having some of the best waves in the UK. The island has a long time surfing reputation and it's where the fist surf club in Europe was founded in 1923. Jersey features good surfing conditions, produced by solid swells coming from the consistent area of the North Atlantic Ocean. The best time to surf is during the winter and autumn months. This is when the swells are bigger and more consistent. The water in the Channel Island is warmed by the gulf stream but during the peak of the winter temperatures can still get very cold so make sure you have the right gear. In winter it’s recommended to bring a 5/4 wetsuit plus booties, gloves and a hood. Summer also offers good surf conditions and a 3/2 wetsuit is enough. The best surf spot in Jersey is St. Ouen’s Bay, a 3 mile beach with lots of sand banks to be surfed. For many years this beach hosted the European longboarding championship tour and at some point it was considered the surf capital of Europe. Although surfing is a popular activity on the island there are still many places where you can surf with low or even no crowd. Summer is the peak season so expect a bit more crowd during this time of the year. But in the end it doesn’t matter if you are a winter surfer or a summer beginner, anyone can squeeze into a wetsuit, grab a surfboard and have fun at any time of the year on the picturesque island of Jersey.
Climate in Jersey
The Channel Islands have a Mediterranean climate. This means cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. On the Channel Islands the climate is very influenced by the ocean. That makes summers milder, usually with higher humidity, and more nocturnal fog in comparison with the mainland. The coolest months are from December to March while July to October are the hottest months. The average temperatures in January range from 15°C or 59°F. Summers are warmer with an average temperature in July that range around 22°C or 70°F. Because of the moist ocean air the temperatures in the Channel Islands are not too extreme but the high nighttime humidities usually causes frequent fog. Most of the rainfall in the Channel Islands happens between November and April. January and February are the rainiest months. The best time for surfing is during autumn and winter (September to March). This is when the Channel Island receives constant swells generated in the Atlantic North.
Best surf spots in Jersey
Jersey has an abundance of surfing spots all over the 43 miles of coastline. The west coast is more exposed to this swells and has the best and most consistent surf spots in Jersey, but when the wind changes direction you can also find nice conditions on the other side of the island. St. Ouen’s Bay is the most famous surfing area on the island and it’s also known for having great restaurants and cafes where surfers can recharge their energies or just meet for a beer. The beach is 3 miles long with nice sand banks and has several surf breaks; secrets, The Watersplash, Le Braye, La Rocco, Petite Port and Stinky Bay. Further north you will find Grève de lecq and Plemont. St. Brelade’s Bay is located on the south coast and it’s a more sheltered option. When the storms are raging the west coast this is the place to paddle out. In the summer this beach gets busy with tourists attracted by its beauty but during the stormy winter days you can score some good surf with low crowds.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
A simple meal will cost around $9-12 USD. Midrange meals are from $15-30 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from around $65-95 USD.
Equipment rental
There are a couple shops where you can rent gear. Boards start at $6-12 USD for 2 hours or $12-19 USD for the day.
Prepaid SIM cards
Sure is the leading operator on the Channel Islands. SIM cards can be purchased at retail outlets. Prepaid packages start at just $10 USD.
Public transport
Jersey’s small on size, making it easy to explore the cliff top panoramas and cycle routes that hug the coast. There is a comprehensive network of public transport to help you get around.
Public taxis are meter controlled and inexpensive.
You can find car rentals starting at $34 USD a day.
Gas prices
$1.3 3USD a liter.
Types of risks
Cold in the winter, strong currents
How to prepare
Visa
If you are an EU, UK or Irish citizen you can freely enter. Citizens from 56 countries, including the US, Australia and Canada are visa exempt, allowing you to stay for up to 6 months. You should check the most current policies, as the UK is still implementing new laws since leaving the EU.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, measles, mumps and rubella and tetanus.
Things to know
Language & Currency
English is the de facto language.
The official currency is the pound sterling (GBP), known as the pound
Best time to go
The best time to surf is during the autumn and the winter
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
In case of any emergency you can call 999 that is the official emergency number for the United Kingdom, but calls are also accepted on the European Union emergency number, 112.
Check surf pictures of Jersey at #jerseysurfing.
