So, first blog since taking over the reins at SURF SHAK. Only took me eight months to get around to it.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Jake Powell and I’ve spent pretty much my entire life down the beach, and more specifically a questionable amount of it hanging around the Watersplash car park… roughly one metre outside the Shak I’m now writing this from (funny how things work out!)
I grew up surfing St Ouen’s Bay and, like a lot of people in Jersey’s surf community, the Watersplash has always been a huge part of my life. I caught my first waves, met my best friends and had my first beer(s) all at this legendary place. Surfing eventually turned into coaching, coaching turned into a career, and somehow that journey ended up with me taking over at the Shak after years and years of dreaming about and hustling for it!
For those unsure of what the Surf Shak is, it’s essentially the headquarters of Jersey Surf School (our second location, alongside Le Braye) and serves as more of an advanced surf school. We employ only the top surfers, coaches and lifeguards, with the aim of catering more towards those really looking to level up!
Jersey Surf School
Jersey Surf School has been introducing people to surfing in St Ouen’s Bay for years, and that’s something we’re stoked to continue and progress.
We’re blessed to have the option of two locations, giving us the freedom and flexibility to surf the best waves every time. We run surf lessons, kids’ sessions, performance programmes, school programmes, private coaching and plenty of other excuses to get people into the sea.
Some come for their first wave, others for their first air, and some groms even end up spending the whole summer with us.
One of the best things about surfing in Jersey is how accessible it can be. You don’t need to own a board, buy a wetsuit or know anything about surfing before turning up. For beginner surf lessons, we provide the equipment and coaching. You just need to be willing to get wet and be prepared to send it.
More Than Surf Lessons
The biggest thing we want to build with Jersey Surf School isn’t necessarily the biggest surf school possible. We want to build a curriculum that helps surfers develop, become really self-aware of where they’re at, and know how to reach the next level. That means good coaching, but also creating opportunities for local kids, developing young surfers, working with Jersey’s schools, teaching people about the ocean and giving people a reason to spend more time outside.
We’ve been lucky enough to work with thousands of people over the years, from complete beginners and visiting families to some of Jersey’s best young surfers… a bunch of whom blow me out of the water (which is hard to admit). But that’s what it’s all about!
Surfing in Jersey
If you’ve landed on this page because you’re thinking about trying surfing in Jersey, you’re in a pretty good place for it.
St Ouen’s Bay is Jersey’s main surfing beach and has been at the centre of the island’s surf culture for generations. Conditions change constantly with the tides, swell and wind, which is why having someone who knows the bay makes such a difference when you’re learning. You absolutely don’t need to be “good at surfing” to book a lesson… that’s kind of the point.
Our coaches choose the right part of the beach and conditions for the session, provide the equipment and take you through everything from beach safety and paddling to standing up and catching your first waves.
Whether you’re a Jersey local who’s somehow managed to avoid surfing until now, or you’re visiting the island and looking for something different to do, come and give it a crack.
What’s Next?
We’re only eight months into this new chapter of Jersey Surf School at the Surf Shak and there’s plenty happening behind the scenes. We’ll also be opening House of Viacy next year, our flagship retail surf shop for our brand VIACY (if you’ve never heard of them, you will). We’re also continuing to develop our kids’ programmes, work with local schools, improve our facilities and create more opportunities for people to get involved with surfing in Jersey.
I’ll also try not to leave it another eight months before writing the next blog.
If you’re ever in the area, come say hi.
Jake