Surf Forecast Horseshoe
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Horseshoe surfspot characteristics
More about Horseshoe surfspot
General: One of the famed La Jolla reefbreaks, when it’s pumping Horseshoe is not for the faint of heart. When there’s a solid groundswell running, primarily during the winter months, the break is hollow and heavy with spitting barrels over a shallow rock reef. Get stuck in the lip on the drop and you’re going to wish you’d paddled out at La Jolla Shores up the road. Depending on the tide, the lefthander can break in only a couple of feet of water, leaving little room for error. Tides: If there’s enough energy in the water, Horseshoe will break through all tides, but low tide gets especially heavy. Size: Head-high to double-overhead. Wind: E Swell: W, NW Bottom: Jagged, shallow reef. Paddling: Paddling speed is key, as getting stuck inside here is zero fun. Spot Rating: A serious reefbreak for experienced surfers only.
Since it only breaks on a big winter swell, it’s only for those with experience and comfort in more powerful conditions.
Walk north from Marine Street.
A good wintertime spot that needs significant energy out of the W or NW to start working.
Crowd Factor: When it’s firing the locals are on it — and they always know when it’s firing. Local Vibe: Not the most inviting place for unfamiliar faces. The crowd here is largely comprised of highly talented, dedicated, somewhat salty locals that don’t relish the idea of an out-of-towner chandeliering the barrel on them. The bigger and heavier it gets, the more serious the scene.
Like most spots in Southern California, caution should be exercised during periods of heavy rain.
Rock reef, strong currents, stink-eyed locals.