Seymour Hotels Centenary Magazine SPREADS - Flipbook - Page 75
The Island has changed shape and scenery over the past 100
years, but the view from the Watersplash Beach Bar & Diner has
remained the same: an almost endless stretch of golden sand with
surfers catching the waves at high tide.
A
Coastal Jersey
View from the
Watersplash
72
surf destination for nearly
100 years, Jersey was once
considered to be Europe’s surf
capital. Hardly surprising in light of
the Island’s powerful and incredible
tidal ranges. In 1923, near to where
the Splash Surf Centre now stands,
Nigel Oxenden and some friends
created the first Jersey Surf Club.
Rumour has it, this might have been
Europe’s first.
St Ouen’s Bay has played host to
many championship competitions
and a number of locals have
competed with the British Surf Team.
On land, Jersey’s surf reputation
was enhanced, being one of the
most renowned places for shaping
surfboards.
Since 1923, Jersey’s surf scene has
grown and evolved but its home
remains in the heart of St. Ouen’s
Bay alongside the Watersplash. With
the sun slipping below the horizon,
often accompanied by a rare flash of
green, the view remains as beautiful
as ever.
Today’s popular Watersplash
beach bar and diner has evolved its
offering over the years. Originally a
domestic residence, it changed hands
after World War II and entered
the tourism stage as a premier live
entertainment venue for Islanders
and locals to enjoy. Since then, it
has adapted to the changing times
and now offers nightclub style
entertainment for 18-30 years olds
as well as great food and refreshing
drinks.
Purchased by Seymour Hotels
Group in 2004, the Watersplash has
become a favourite destination in
the West with its unique ambience,
stunning views and continued
reputation as a prime surf location.
But St Ouen’s Bay is home to more
than the Watersplash and the Island’s
surf scene. Hidden in plain sight
there’s a vast collection of flora,
fauna and wildlife across the dunes,
pond, fields, heather, wetlands and
beach. This western bay is the perfect
spot for a coastal adventure.
So, why not head out west? Take
a deep breath of the fresh sea air,
feel the tide lap around your ankles
and your feet sink into the sand and
dive into your next adventure. Will
a surfboard be in your hands? Will
you be walking amongst the wildlife?
Or will you be tucking into the
outrageous Nazaré XXL Challenge
Burger at the Watersplash?
73