Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular across the globe over the last few years and it is the perfect way to connect with nature. Stand-up Paddleboarding is drawing outdoor enthusiasts from all over to the nearest source of still water.
Stand-up paddle is social, intense, and relaxing all at the same time, which explains why it has become so popular for both experienced water sport enthusiasts and newby beginners alike.
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In this guide, all of the below points will be discussed in greater detail.
- What is SUP
- Why choose SUP
- Where to get your SUP
- Renting a SUP in Guernsey
- Where to SUP in Guernsey
The Best Paddle Boarding Spots in Guernsey
What is Stand-Up Paddle Boarding?
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding differs from the more conventional sport of paddle boarding in one very obvious way (it’s right there in the name..). With the help of a much bigger board and a good amount of core strength, the participant stands up on the board and uses a single, long paddle to propel themselves through the water.
Why Choose Stand-Up Paddle Boarding?
Out of the many reasons that SUP is a fantastic sport to try, the main one that attracts so many outdoor enthusiasts is how achievable it is. With varying sizes of boards, it is possible to get a SUP is a sport that is easy to pick up and can gradually become more difficult as the user improves.
If you are new to the sport and do not have the best balance, the best thing about SUp is that you can start off kneeling down and gradually transition to standing up over time.
Compared to simple paddle boarding, SUP allows the user to have a much higher perspective over the water on the board. This gives you a much better view of your surroundings, makes it easier to chat with other boarders and also gives you a better view of what is under the water.
Where to Get Your SUP?
If you do not have your own SUP yet but would like to give it a shot, you can either choose to buy your own or rent one to see how you enjoy it. Due to the high popularity of the sport across Scotland, there is a huge range of rental companies all across the highlands. Wherever you plan on visiting for your SUP adventure you will be sure to find a rental board.
If you are looking to buy a SUP board of your own, Bluefin SUP is a fantastic place to look. No matter what your skills level, choice of size or budget may be, BlueFin is sure to have the board for you. They even offer ex-demo boards at a massively discounted rate for people who are not bothered about brand new equipment.
We would personally recommend an inflatable board, simply due to how practical they are. Inflatable SUPs allow you to pack a board of any size into a small car and then, in a matter of minutes, unpack and set up at a location of your choosing.
Read our full review of our inflatable, 12ft Cruise Board for all the information you need to know.
Renting a SUP in Guernsey
Outdoor Guernsey rents out a variety of different outdoors and water based equipment throughout the year when the weather suits.Kayaks and SUP’s are available everyday at Cobo and Petit Bot and other locations will be weather dependent.
The cost of hire will also include a buoyancy aid. Rental cost for 1 hour on a single SUP is £12 and for the jumbo SUP it is £50.
Where to Stand-Up Paddleboard in Guernsey?
Guernsey being an island, you can pretty much SUP anywhere. Some crazy and experienced people may wish to paddle board through large waves and others may prefer the more sheltered bays. We have chosen our favourite spots to SUP in Guernsey that we will share in more detail below.
Ladies Bay
At medium tide, Ladies Bay is perfect to get out on your SUP. This bay allows you to start paddleboarding at one bay and you can even make your way round to Chouet Bay which is just round the corner and still easy access to the car park.
Ladies Bay has a more natural feel to it, with rolling waves and soft sand that gives an easy entrance to the water.
In order to reach Ladies Bay, you can park at Chouet Bay, from which you simply need to walk 5 minutes to the north with the sea on your right. The other option is to head down the road opposite from Donkey Divers on L’Ancresse Road and you will arrive at the car park at Ladies Bay.
Pembroke Bay
The white sand and crystal clear sea at Pembroke makes this beach a no brainer for us to head out on our paddleboard. The car park sits right beside the beach as well as the Beachhouse restaurant meaning you have somewhere to warm up afterwards.
Vazon Bay
Vazon Bay is where you may see some of the more experienced boarders out riding the waves. Check the waves before heading to Vazon as it will either be flat, or big waves.
This beautiful beach is also very popular amongst surfers due to the crazy waves that can ride in here. Therefore if you do decide to paddleboard here, make sure you don’t get taken out or crash into someone.
Cobo Bay
A favourite sunset spot for many on the island, Cobo beach is another splendid place to paddle out to sea on your board. The white sand and crystal clear water sit beside plenty of amenities including the Cobo Bay Hotel, the Rockmount restaurant and a kiosk.
There is a lot of parking near to the beach however during the summer months this can be jam-packed, just warning you.
Fermain Bay
Fermain Bay is particularly stunning at sunrise as the bay turns golden and the waves roll into the beach. Make sure you check out the winds as if it is a strong easterly wind, it will not be easy to SUP here. However when there is no wind it can be a lovely sheltered bay to relax by.
After your SUP session you can enjoy some food or a drink at the Fermain Beach Cafe. There is no parking at Fermain so make sure you are prepared to carry your paddleboard back up the hill to your car.
Petit Bot
Petit Bot is a great sheltered bay for heading out on your board. It is located at the bottom of a long winding road near Guernsey airport and there is not a lot of parking at the bottom.
At high tide, the beach is very stoney, however when the tide is low it reveals a gorgeous white sandy beach.
Havelet Bay
How about SUP on your lunch break? Havelet Bay is in St. Peter port on the eastern side of Guernsey beside castle cornet. It is a beautiful spot to head out on your board, especially at low tide when the beach is revealed.
Saints Bay
Saints bay is located at the bottom of Saints Bay Road and is another beautiful bay hidden in the cliffs. At low tide, the Stoney beach is revealed. Instead of heading straight down the hill, there is the option to turn off to the right, following the dead end sign.
This takes you to a small harbour where you can also launch your SUP. We did find it quite difficult here at low tide as the ramp is steep and very slippery.
Port Soif
One of our favourite beaches in Guernsey and one of those beaches that is completely different depending on the tide. The best time to paddleboard at Port Soif is at high tide as the waves roll into the crescent shaped sandy beach.
There is parking beside the beach as well as a kiosk for your convenience.
Before You Leave for Guernsey
Before you leave on your trip to the beautiful island of Guernsey, there are a number of things you will need to organise to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best travel insurance for Guernsey.
What to Pack for Guernsey
What you need to pack for Guernsey will rely highly on when you make your trip to the Channel Islands. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and storming gales.
The temperatures generally vary from 10 oC to 25 oC during these months, with a mixture between cold, northerly winds and warmer southerlies. There is a small amount of rain, with maybe 1 in 7 days receiving rainfall, which makes it perfect for days out exploring the beautiful island.
During the Summer months in Guernsey, temperatures tend to range from 20oC to 30oC, with some days topping 35oC. Summer days in Guernsey are perfect for the beach, with many locals and travellers alike sending their day soaking up the sun and playing in the sea. When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Guernsey can be strong, especially in the summer months.
If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Guernsey, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Main Lens – Sony FE 16-35 mm f/2.8 GM
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Stand – Neewer Portable 177cm
Vlogging Camera – Sony HX90v
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 8 Black
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 2
Camera Bag – Lowepro Flipside 300 AW
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Guernsey?
If you are simply planning on heading to Guernsey for a holiday, one thing that is essential for everybody is good travel insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime and unexpected hospital bills will ruin a holiday. Remove the stress from your next adventure and get covered for the worst.
World Nomads Travel Insurance provides budget reliable travel insurance that will keep you covered for any level of adventure.
You can get your quote before you leave on your trip right here.
Where to Stay in Guernsey?
When it comes to accommodation on Guernsey, you are simply spoiled for choice with a huge range of hotels, B&Bs and even campsites to choose from. No matter what your preferred level of luxury is, there is the perfect place for you.
Luxury – Spend your time on Guernsey in true luxury at the Old Government House Spa and Hotel in St Peter Port. This hotel has beautiful views over the harbour of Guernsey’s capital, as well as access to a luxurious spa, an outdoor terrace and a heated, outdoor pool.
Book your stay at the Old Government House Spa and Hotel here.
Mid-range – If you would like a taste of luxury at an affordable price, then the Auberge du Val Hotel is perfect for you. This 19th-century farmhouse sits on the west coast of the island and offers cosy, ensuite rooms, complete with tea, coffee and tv. The hotel is just a short walk from the beautiful nature reserves in St Saviour, perfect for a romantic trip away for the weekend.
Book your stay at the Auberge du Val Hotel here.
Budget – Situated just 2-miles from Guernsey airport in the heart of St Martins, the Carlton Inn is the best value hotel in Guernsey. With free parking and wifi, as well as access to the Wicked Wolf pub that sits in the same building.
Book your stay at the Carlton Inn here.
Camping – If you are up for a more adventurous stay on Guernsey, Fauxquets Valley Campsite offer a range of glamping safari tents, glamping pods and sites for your own tent if you bring one. Visit their website for a full price list of tents and campsites.
So there you have it, your complete guide to visiting the historical sites in Guernsey! This is just some of the many great things to do in Guernsey, and we would recommend that you give living on this gem of an island a go.
If you found this guide to the historical sites in Guernsey useful, please let us know in the comments section below. We love chatting you guys about this kind of thing, and sharing our top experiences with everyone else! What site was your favourite? Do you have any places to add that we missed out?
Also, make sure you share this article with your family and friends to show them how beautiful the Channel Islands can be. Sharing is caring and we want to inspire as many people as we can to visit this unbelievable part of the world.
If you are planning a trip to Guernsey soon then check out our other Channel Islands content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from Guernsey and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers on our social channels!
Now Read:
- Things to do in Guernsey – A Guernsey Guide
- Sunset Spots in Guernsey – Best Places to Watch the Sunset
- Eating Out in Guernsey – Best Restaurants in Guernsey
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