(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Mediocre mushy wave, increasingly crowded with inlanders and kooks jamming up the bowl. Visiting surfers often have no knowledge of surf etiquette, so locals will take measures to restrict poor behavior (wave hogging, shoulder hopping)”
jimmy from UNITED STATES - 29 Nov 2018
Horace Caldwell Pier Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 7 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.0(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.6(1: Horace Caldwell Pier is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.6(1: Horace Caldwell Pier is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Texas. 5: the best break in Texas). |
Difficulty Level: 2.1(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.8(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Horace Caldwell Pier can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.2(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Horace Caldwell Pier, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.2(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Horace Caldwell Pier are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Horace Caldwell Pier is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Horace Caldwell Pier requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.7(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.5(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.3(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Horace Caldwell Pier for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.5(1: Camping at Horace Caldwell Pier is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Horace Caldwell Pier is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 4.5(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.3(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Horace Caldwell Pier, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.2(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Horace Caldwell Pier where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Caldwell is the easiest break on Padre Island. On a good day you may have to combat the current at the pier, and you will have to paddle a good ways past the pier for the best waves but the waves are easier to catch, duck dive and ride than any other spot on the island. Superb location for beginners; the waves don't barrel and you can ride multiple sections of face/whitewater across three sandbars.
The biggest problem is catching it on a good day. Winter is the best time to surf, followed by spring. From May until October it is relatively flat with the only exception being the occasional tropical storm or windswell. The pier closes during storms, which is a plus. They leave the gate open for surfers to jump off the pier; excellent for bigger days. And for the record the pier serves the best burgers in Texas. Not to mention you can add a boiled crab to your order for $3.”
Orchard from UNITED STATES - 10 Mar 2010
Nearest