Stinky Bay Surf Spot Guide, UK

Nestled in Jersey's stunning St Ouen's Bay, Stinky Bay delivers a classic beach-break vibe with a sandy bottom that invites surfers of all levels to score fun, ordinary waves peeling both right and left. This uncrowded gem offers an ordinary to fun power with occasional ledgey sections, creating longish rides when conditions align perfectly. Surfers love its remote feel within a surf mecca, where you can paddle out into clean lines without the usual hustle.

Geography and Nature

Stinky Bay sits on the north end of the 5-kilometer-long St Ouen's Bay along Jersey's exposed west coast, facing the full force of the Atlantic swells warmed by the Gulf Stream. The coastal landscape features sweeping golden sands backed by dunes and reefs that emerge at low tide, with dramatic cliffs framing the scene further north toward Greve de Lecq and Plemont. This relatively remote stretch feels worlds away from urban bustle, offering a wild, natural beach environment ideal for focused surf sessions.

Surf Setup

Stinky Bay fires as a reliable beach break with rights and lefts forming around sandbanks, sometimes peaking into A-frames or ledgey takeoffs influenced by nearby reefs. It thrives on northwest, west, and southwest swells, with ideal offshore winds blowing from north, south, southeast, east, or northeast to groom the faces clean. Mid to high tides bring the best shape, avoiding the shallow sucky drops and exposed rocks at low water. On a typical session, expect ordinary to fun waves up to 2 meters, delivering playful rides that wall up nicely for turns without overwhelming power.

Consistency and Best Time

This spot breaks sometimes rather than consistently, lighting up best during autumn and winter months when north Atlantic swells roll in reliably from October to March, powered by storms that send waves up to 4 meters on peak days. Summer from June to September offers smaller, more manageable surf but with less frequency, while avoiding the choppiest periods in late spring avoids flat spells. Time your trip around northwest swells with offshore winds for the highest odds of scoring.

Crowd Levels

Stinky Bay stays empty on weekdays and weekends alike, thanks to its position in the expansive St Ouen's Bay. You'll share waves sparingly with a mix of local and visiting surfers.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers from beginners to advanced, Stinky Bay's sandy bottom and forgiving beach-break shape make it welcoming for newcomers building confidence on smaller days. Intermediates enjoy the fun, ledgey sections for practicing turns, while experienced riders chase longer walls and occasional barrels on bigger swells. Everyone finds something here, from whitewater practice to solid rides.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for rocks exposed at low tide near the takeoff, which can create shallow sections and sucky drops. Strong rips may form in bigger swells, so stay aware of changing conditions.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October sees water temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, calling for a 3/2 wetsuit for comfort during longer sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, requiring a full 5/4 wetsuit with booties, gloves, and hood to battle the chill. Spring and fall hover around 11 to 15 degrees Celsius, where a 4/3 wetsuit provides the right balance of warmth and flexibility.

How to Get There

Fly into Jersey Airport (JER), just 11 kilometers northwest of Stinky Bay, with direct flights from major UK hubs. From the airport, rent a car and drive 15 minutes south along the A1 then west into St Ouen's Bay via local roads—parking is free and plentiful right at the beach with short 100-meter walks to the lineup. Saint Helier train station isn't applicable as Jersey relies on buses; catch the number 9 bus from the capital, 11 kilometers southeast, for a 30-minute ride to the bay with stops near parking areas. Public transport runs regularly, making it easy even without wheels.

Stinky Bay Surf Spot Guide, UK

Nestled in Jersey's stunning St Ouen's Bay, Stinky Bay delivers a classic beach-break vibe with a sandy bottom that invites surfers of all levels to score fun, ordinary waves peeling both right and left. This uncrowded gem offers an ordinary to fun power with occasional ledgey sections, creating longish rides when conditions align perfectly. Surfers love its remote feel within a surf mecca, where you can paddle out into clean lines without the usual hustle.

Geography and Nature

Stinky Bay sits on the north end of the 5-kilometer-long St Ouen's Bay along Jersey's exposed west coast, facing the full force of the Atlantic swells warmed by the Gulf Stream. The coastal landscape features sweeping golden sands backed by dunes and reefs that emerge at low tide, with dramatic cliffs framing the scene further north toward Greve de Lecq and Plemont. This relatively remote stretch feels worlds away from urban bustle, offering a wild, natural beach environment ideal for focused surf sessions.

Surf Setup

Stinky Bay fires as a reliable beach break with rights and lefts forming around sandbanks, sometimes peaking into A-frames or ledgey takeoffs influenced by nearby reefs. It thrives on northwest, west, and southwest swells, with ideal offshore winds blowing from north, south, southeast, east, or northeast to groom the faces clean. Mid to high tides bring the best shape, avoiding the shallow sucky drops and exposed rocks at low water. On a typical session, expect ordinary to fun waves up to 2 meters, delivering playful rides that wall up nicely for turns without overwhelming power.

Consistency and Best Time

This spot breaks sometimes rather than consistently, lighting up best during autumn and winter months when north Atlantic swells roll in reliably from October to March, powered by storms that send waves up to 4 meters on peak days. Summer from June to September offers smaller, more manageable surf but with less frequency, while avoiding the choppiest periods in late spring avoids flat spells. Time your trip around northwest swells with offshore winds for the highest odds of scoring.

Crowd Levels

Stinky Bay stays empty on weekdays and weekends alike, thanks to its position in the expansive St Ouen's Bay. You'll share waves sparingly with a mix of local and visiting surfers.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers from beginners to advanced, Stinky Bay's sandy bottom and forgiving beach-break shape make it welcoming for newcomers building confidence on smaller days. Intermediates enjoy the fun, ledgey sections for practicing turns, while experienced riders chase longer walls and occasional barrels on bigger swells. Everyone finds something here, from whitewater practice to solid rides.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for rocks exposed at low tide near the takeoff, which can create shallow sections and sucky drops. Strong rips may form in bigger swells, so stay aware of changing conditions.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October sees water temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, calling for a 3/2 wetsuit for comfort during longer sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, requiring a full 5/4 wetsuit with booties, gloves, and hood to battle the chill. Spring and fall hover around 11 to 15 degrees Celsius, where a 4/3 wetsuit provides the right balance of warmth and flexibility.

How to Get There

Fly into Jersey Airport (JER), just 11 kilometers northwest of Stinky Bay, with direct flights from major UK hubs. From the airport, rent a car and drive 15 minutes south along the A1 then west into St Ouen's Bay via local roads—parking is free and plentiful right at the beach with short 100-meter walks to the lineup. Saint Helier train station isn't applicable as Jersey relies on buses; catch the number 9 bus from the capital, 11 kilometers southeast, for a 30-minute ride to the bay with stops near parking areas. Public transport runs regularly, making it easy even without wheels.