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Freediving
at Horseshoe Bay
San Francisco Chronicle article about diving at Horseshoe:
“
It’s one of the most powerful, magical, meditative, connected things that I’ve ever done in my life. I dream about it all the time.
Once you learn, it feels like you have a superhuman ability — even though it’s just a human ability that we’ve forgotten.
Once you learn, it feels like you have a superhuman ability — even though it’s just a human ability that we’ve forgotten.
FAQs
No. This spot is for experts only. In skiing terms, this spot is the equivalent of a "double black diamond" run. Beginner and Intermediate courses are held at San Carlos beach in Monterey, and Advanced courses at Lake Berryessa. Don't attempt to freedive at Horseshoe unless you are an experienced certified freediver with experienced certified buddies.
Bring mask & snorkel, a 7mm wetsuit with hood, a weight belt and weights, a lanyard, and long freediving fins, preferable 100% carbon fiber like these ones. Because of the strong currents, you should not swim out to this spot with scuba or snorkelling fins. Because of the low visibility, you should not dive at this spot without a lanyard.
If you are in charge of the buoy, make sure you have a tall dive flag for visibility, preferable with lights. A VHF radio with which to call the Coast Guard on channel 16 in case of emergency is recommended.
If you are in charge of the buoy, make sure you have a tall dive flag for visibility, preferable with lights. A VHF radio with which to call the Coast Guard on channel 16 in case of emergency is recommended.
Alexey Molchanov dived 59m here, but we usually dive 10-40m.
Because this is a deep spot with low visibility and strong current, a lanyard is mandatory for the diver. Dive in alphabetical order. You are the safety diver for the person diving after you. Safety is from the surface, never at depth. Test the diver's lanyard before they dive.
Boats are a hazard, especially south of the line between Lime and Cavallo points, which is a boating channel. If you are in charge of the buoy, make sure to bring a tall dive flag that is visible to boats.
The current is a hazard. It is often 1-3 knots here and sometimes more. Don't swim out here without long freediving fins. A SUP is ideal for getting to the dive spot.
Low visibility is a hazard. Safety should be from the surface, not at depth. Consider bringing a light and/or a weight belt that is luminescent.
The current is a hazard. It is often 1-3 knots here and sometimes more. Don't swim out here without long freediving fins. A SUP is ideal for getting to the dive spot.
Low visibility is a hazard. Safety should be from the surface, not at depth. Consider bringing a light and/or a weight belt that is luminescent.