Horseshoe Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on offer at Horseshoe over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – this isn’t a classic run. The surf is there, but it’s not firing on all cylinders. The first few days are pretty marginal, with onshore winds making it messy. The combined swell energy is moderate, ranging from around 495 to 974 (units), but it’s the wind that’s the killer. The waves are mostly 3ft to 3ft, from the SW, with a very long period of 17–18 seconds – that’s proper groundswell, but it’s breaking straight with the onshore flow, so the shape is poor.

The best of the first week will be on Monday 22 July and Tuesday 23 July. The wind is still onshore, but the swell is up to 3ft – 4ft from the SSW, and the period is still long at 15–16 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (500–713). It’s still not perfect, but you’ll find some rideable corners if you pick your bank. Crowds are possible here – it’s a known spot, and with not much else going, you won’t be alone.

Now, the real standout comes in the second week. Friday 24 July morning sees a jump in swell to 5ft from the S, with a moderate period of 13 seconds, and the wind is light onshore from the WSW. The combined energy is strong at 1300 (units). That’s a solid wave for Horseshoe, but at 5ft, it’s still fine for most competent surfers. The real peak is Saturday 25 July morning – 5ft from the SSW, period 14 seconds, combined energy 1655 (units). That’s the biggest swell of the forecast, and with light onshore wind, it’ll have some push. It’s getting close to 8ft, so it’s more for the advanced crew. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The long-range call from Monday 27 July through Wednesday 29 July is promising but less certain. Swell holds around 5ft–5ft from the SSW, with a very long period of 18–19 seconds, and combined energy is strong (1695–1701). The wind is light cross-on or cross, which is a decent setup for a reef break like this. The long period is a plus for shape, but it can make it a bit straight on the peak. Still, those are the cleanest days on offer.

After that, it fades. From Thursday 30 July through to the end, the swell drops to 4ft and then 3ft, with period dropping to 12–14 seconds and combined energy falling to weak levels (253–761). The wind is onshore again, so it’s pretty poor. A gap of several days with no real recommendation follows.

If you’re chasing the best wave, Saturday 25 July morning is your call – 5ft SSW swell, strong energy, and light onshore wind. It’ll be a grunty, clean wave for the advanced crew. The water temp is about average for July, so a 3/2mm wetsuit is all you’ll need.

Rusty.

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