What makes a great surf spot? It goes without saying that you need good waves, but there are a couple of other things that can make a surfing destination truly legendary. First, you need a variety of beaches and reefs that face different directions so that you can catch the waves whichever way they're coming from. Secondly, the surroundings are important - natural beauty along the coastline maximises the enjoyment of surfing. Finally, warm water helps, it makes it easier to get into the water in the first place, and stay there for as long as possible. Looking at the UK as a whole, it becomes obvious that the Channel Islands are the destination par excellence for pro surfers, and those who want to imitate them.

The two main islands in the Channel Islands are Jersey and Guernsey. Set in the English Channel, they enjoy regular, reliable and radical waves that come in off the Atlantic, and as they’re surrounded by water, they can pick up swells from all compass points. They both have stunning coastlines, sandy beaches, and being further south than some parts of northern France, the warmest waters in the British Isles. All of these features drew the attention of surf pioneers, and Jersey was one of the capitals of surf in the whole of Europe in the 1960s. Guernsey has always been a less well known destination, with some hidden gems for anyone who goes off the beaten track to discover.

Where are the best places to surf in the Channel Islands?

• Jersey: The largest of the Channel Islands is also the best known among surfers - and for good reason. The west coast is made up of one huge bay, St Ouen’s Bay, where Atlantic swells are funnelled right towards the boards of eager surfers. Within the bay, you can find easy waves for learners that are kicked up by underwater sandbanks, or bigger waves that are more challenging to take on, but give the best rewards. St Ouen’s is also a good choice for a day’s surfing, because the shorefront is lined with bars and restaurants, to fuel up before hitting the waves, and unwind afterwards. But it’s not the only place to go surfing on the island. When the storms start rolling in, you can still find waves for riding at St Brelade’s Bay on the south coast which is sheltered from the worst of the weather. Or if you’re looking for something wilder, north coast breaks like Plemont and Greve de Lecq are a treat for experienced surfers, with the added bonus of unspoilt coastal views to enjoy.

• Guernsey: It may be significantly smaller than Jersey, but, with its longest coastline stretching from southwest to northeast, it’s perfectly positioned to welcome waves travelling up the English Channel. This rocky shore, combined with the small size, has earned it the nickname “the Rock,” but pretty bays and sheltered coves make great spots for getting out onto the water. The best and most popular is Vazon Bay, where the famous Centres wave barrels and rips towards the southern end of the beach. Another famous wave, Dom Hue, comes in at the beach of Perelle, while Portinfer bears the brunt of the Atlantic swells - great for short boards.

• Elsewhere: If you’ve got a desire to get further off the beaten track, you can take the boat over to Alderny, a small island that’s so unspoilt that it doesn’t even have any cars on it. It doesn’t have the infrastructure or the services for a luxury surf trip, but it has both left and right hand waves that rewards the wave hunters who make the journey out here.

Options for organising an experience

- The first surf school in Europe was founded in 1913 on Jersey. Since then, a huge surfing infrastructure has developed on the Channel Islands, particularly around St Ouen’s Bay. Most of the people who work in the schools, shops and support services are passionate surfers themselves who want you to enjoy your experience here, and come back for more. For this reason, there are lessons to suit every person, preference and budget around Jersey and Guernsey. You can have a one on one session with an instructor, join an open group or book in as a family group or group of friends, you can send the kids on a surf camp in the summer, organise a party, and even find exclusive men’s or women’s sessions. The shortest lessons on offer last just 1 hour, but 2 hours is more common, and if you’re tailoring the session to your needs or the needs of your group, you can make them longer.

- Lessons aren’t just for beginners, surf instructors will happily take on surfers with some experience and help them improve their technique, or take experienced surfers on trips to some of the biggest and best waves around the Channel Islands. But if you don’t want an instructor to accompany you and you just need a board, you can find rental services at the popular beaches and pick up some equipment.

Requirements to do this activity

As we’ve mentioned above, the 360º coastlines mean that they present different aspects to the sea, and receive waves of all levels. The Islands are a really good place to take the plunge and start learning to surf, because the conditions are reliable and the water is warmer than in most places in the British Isles. Kids as young as four years old are welcome at some schools to start riding the waves on body boards, and they can try standing on real surf boards when they reach 6 or 7 years old. And adult beginners can get involved too, as individuals or groups - going surfing with your friends is an amazing way to create lifelong memories together and mark a special occasion.

With so much on offer on thede stunning shores, there’s no way you could say no to a safari here! Have a think about what you want to do and then let us know, we’ll make it happen.