The Islands of Guernsey are well known for our beautiful beaches and clear sea. Water activities are a part of Island life, so a visit to Guernsey is the perfect time to try your hand at a new outdoor pursuit.
One of the most popular activities on our Islands is paddleboarding. A great option for lots of abilities, we've gathered all the information you need to know about this growing sport - from understanding what paddleboarding is and what to take with you on your first outing, to where to hire equipment and what you need to know to be safe out on the water.
What is paddleboarding?
Paddleboarding is a relatively new water activity that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Many people on the Islands of Guernsey love getting out on their board, spending hours exploring our shores and sea. It’s a great way to get out on the sea without having to get in (theoretically - many beginners do, in fact, end up in the water, but that’s all part of the fun!).
The key equipment is minimal, involving a paddleboard (picture a large version of a surfboard) and a long paddle, but it does require some balance as you have to kneel or stand on the board and row yourself along the water.
What do I need to bring?
The more experienced and keen paddleboarders have their own boards, whether that be solid or inflatable, leads, flotation devices and more, but as a beginner, it is probably best to rent all of the major equipment you’ll need. We have a variety of companies on our Islands that offer full equipment hire, which we will detail later on in this guide.
We recommend that you bring with you:
- A dry bag/waterproof bag if you’re planning on taking your belongings with you out to sea. It is a good idea to take at least one person's phone with you, just in case.
- Water in a reusable, watertight water bottle.
- Suncream, which should be applied before going out.
- A full swimming costume and/or waterproof clothing, such as a t-shirt, rash vest and shorts (or just clothes that you don’t mind getting wet).
- Sunglasses.
- A sunhat to protect your head. You might be standing directly under the sun for several hours.
- A towel to dry off after (as we said, beginners are likely to end up in the water at one point or another).
- Snacks and a hot drink for when you return to shore. Alternatively, many of the beaches and bays that you can paddleboard out of have kiosks and beach cafes offering plenty of refreshments.
Where can I hire boards and are there any lessons for beginners?
You'll find a variety of companies offering paddleboarding lessons and equipment hire on our Islands.
Guernsey
- Outdoor Guernsey offers full equipment hire from Cobo, Petit Bot and Saints Bay daily throughout the summer, lessons and guided excursions around our waters.
- Go Guernsey Land and Sea have a range of boards to hire and offer group and private lessons.
- Guernsey Surf School operates out of Vazon Bay and has paddle boards available to hire on a first-come-first-served basis. Please be aware that Vazon is Guernsey’s surfing beach so you can expect larger waves than at other locations around our Islands.
- Guernsey SUP specialises in all things paddleboarding. They offer equipment hire, guided tours and a range of private and group lessons that can be tailored to your level of experience. Please note that if you are new to paddleboarding they prefer you to take their ‘ready to ride’ course before you can hire their equipment.
- SUP Yoga Guernsey is a unique and challenging yoga experience out on the water. Enjoy the relaxation and mindfulness of yoga, all whilst trying to balance on your paddle board.
Herm
Outdoor Guernsey also operates out of Shell Beach on Herm, with plenty of paddleboards to hire to get out on and enjoy.
Alderney
If you’re travelling to Alderney you can hire paddle boards from the Alderney Wildlife Trust. Operating out of Braye Beach, this is the perfect way to see the wildlife that lives on the rocks out to sea or in the water below.
When is the best time of year to try paddleboarding?
Paddleboarding can be enjoyed at any time of year on our Islands, but for beginners, we recommended trying it for the first time in the summer. The weather is more reliable and the sea is calmer, making for a safer, more enjoyable and easier experience. If you fall in, the sea is also likely to be a little warmer too.
Safety Tips
Paddleboarding is all about having fun and trying something new, but it must be enjoyed safely. Here are some safety tips to make sure you can have a fun time, all whilst keeping yourself and others safe.
- Check the weather - Make sure that conditions are safe and suitable for your ability so you can have an enjoyable time. Checking the weather forecast is essential, as it can get dangerous quite quickly if it is stormy, or even if there are strong Island winds to blow you about. If it is windy, make sure you can position yourself with the wind behind you on the way back to shore so you are not having to fight to get back in. If you ever get caught in a windstorm, lay down on your stomach with your paddle underneath you and paddle like you are on a surfboard.
- Check the tide conditions - Guernsey’s tidal range is one of the biggest in the world, so make sure you time your paddleboarding adventure carefully, avoiding the highest and lowest tides as there will be a stronger current and more movement then.
- Keep an eye out for other people enjoying our waters - Our beaches and bays are incredibly popular, with many people enjoying the sea; whether that be paddling in the shallows, swimming, surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding. So that everyone can enjoy the sea safely, make sure you are always aware of other people.
- Take a buddy - Not only is it more fun to have a friend with you, but it is also essential to have someone with you, even if you do have previous experience, just as a precaution. If you don’t have anyone to join you, make sure someone is aware of where you are going to be paddleboarding and how long you expect to be.
- Don't plan a long trip for your first outing – Paddleboarding is a full-body workout, and you may be surprised at how tiring it can be. Keep your first trip short and ease yourself in and remember, no matter how far you go, you have to have the energy to make it back.
- Always use a leash - A paddle board leash loops around your ankle and keeps you attached to your board if (when) you fall in. To make sure you stay close to your board and can easily retrieve it, always use your leash.
- Take a paddleboarding lesson - Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced paddler, it is always wise to take a lesson before going paddleboarding somewhere new.
