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The Watersplash, the beloved venue that calls the west of the island home, is marking 70 years of surfing, dancing, and fundraising this weekend... Express took a tour through its history and the plans to celebrate it...
A hotspot in St Ouen and a ‘must-go’ location for both tourists and locals, the bar, club and restaurant has decades of sun, sea, and surfing to its name.
But remaining fresh, exciting and relevant so many years later has meant plenty of hard work and innovation to ensure it stands the test of time.
As the iconic venue reaches its 70th year, Express took the opportunity to reflect on the Watersplash’s journey to where it is now with its General Manager...
The Watersplash has not always been as we know it today. Surfers have always called the area home, but depending on what decade you were in, you could expect a different kind of night to what you would now.
“The Jersey Surf Club formed around this area, so it naturally became home to the surfing community,” Piers Dupoy explained, but it was also a cabaret venue.
“The nightclub is the same shape and layout as when it was first built, except there was a grand piano in the corner and tables and chairs.
"The door to my office goes out to the nightclub, and that used to be where the cabaret girls would get dressed and ready to go out on stage to perform.”
Pictured: The Watersplash was a cabaret bar during the 50s and 60s.
"The 50s and the 60s were a booming time for tourism. Jersey was popular for weddings, honeymoons and holidays so the Watersplash was successful on the back of it.”
Before we reached the turn of the century, the Watersplash had already lived many lives. Piers added: “When the cabaret culture died off in the 80s, it was turned into a snooker hall upstairs.”
It wasn’t until the 2000s that the kitchen was added and the venue became a fully functioning restaurant.
Seven decades leave plenty of time for big moments – many of which have been made through hosting music and fundraising events.
Piers and his team have built close partnerships in Jersey's music scene,welcoming international DJs, live bands and local talent to their venue.
In 2016, the band Reef performed. “They had kind of dropped off the scene,” Piers said.
“They were just getting back up and got booked at the Watersplash. They're from Cornwall so they're part of the surfing community -– they really 'got' this place. It’s always spoken about as a legendary night.”
Pictured: Piers and his team have built close partnerships in Jersey's music scene, welcoming international DJs, live bands and local talent to their venue. (Dave Ferguson)
Piers continued: “The highlights for event promoters Together Parties, are CamelPhat, MK, Eats Everything, Ewan McVicar the Prodigy DJs.
“For Vanguard DNB, it’s Chase and Status, Groove Rider in 2001, Pendulum in 2007, Sub Focus and Goldie in 2002."
Fundraising is also at the heart of the Watersplash story, beginning back in the early days.
“The Jersey team was one of the first surf clubs in Europe that were internationally recognised, so a fundraiser was held at the Watersplash to support the team’s travel and expenses,” Piers shared.
Pictured: Piers Dupoy, General Manager.
Giving back to the community remains a priority today. In recent years, the Watersplash became home to Peas and Glove, an event to support and raise money for islander Olly Newman, who passed away last year after being left paralysed in a car accident nine years earlier.
Piers said: "It showed the community we have at the Watersplash. It was an opportunity for everyone to band together and feel like they're doing something to help him out.
"Olly was a regular down here, so it was lovely to be able to host those events."
Pictured: The Watersplash became home to Peas and Glove, an event to support and raise money for islander Olly Newman (Dave Ferguson).
Good Vibrations, an 80s-style surfing festival also based at the Watersplash, has raised money for Mind Jersey, and Splash Out for Ukraine in 2022 supported the humanitarian charity Jersey Side by Side and the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal.
“We have a lot of footfall here, and because we're in the location we are, we want to encourage people to come down to support a cause they're passionate about.” Piers said.
The Watersplash has a reputation for good times and good vibes, so the 70th celebration this Saturday is set to be one for the books.
Piers shared: “During the day, there will be a surf competition run by the Splash Surf Center – it’s fancy dress and a bit of fun. Breakdancers will be performing in the afternoon and we’ll have ramps for people to come down and bring their skateboards.”
Splash-goers can expect lots of live music too. Battle of the Bands winners 4K will be playing in the afternoon, and everything from cover bands, indie, rock and heavy metal will take you into the evening.
Piers added: “Come down, check out the new menu and enjoy the event.”
Watersplash’s 70th birthday event is on Saturday 17 August from 2am – 2pm.Entry is free in the day for all ages.
Tickets to the afterparty are £10, with all proceeds going to Healing Waves.
CLICK HERE to book your ticket.
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