Jacking Horse (General Luna)

Shortboard, Beginners
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Small waves
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Jacking Horse is a beginner-oriented reef break located just by the pier/mangrove area near the Cloud 9 zone. It features a right-hand wave that tends to “jack” as it breaks over the reef, making it a popular teaching spot where many riders can progress in a controlled, lesson-friendly environment. For surf sessions, tide choice is critical. Multiple notes emphasize that mid to high tide is the safest and most reliable window; at low tide the reef becomes too shallow and can be dangerous for beginners. Onshore wind (from the northeast) is associated with choppier conditions, while Southwest/West winds are generally offshore and help groom the wave faces. Wave conditions are described as generally soft and mushy, with short-to-moderate ride distances typical for a reef setting. When swell is larger, the wave can become more powerful and “jack” more strongly, but it’s still framed as more manageable than some nearby options—useful context if you’re deciding when to step up from the gentlest sessions. The area is commonly busy because it’s a primary lesson zone, so expect dense rider sharing, especially during the main surf season months. Safety planning matters: shallow reef and rocks (plus reported sea urchins) are key hazards, currents may increase around tide changes, and rescue availability is described as limited—so stick to local guidance and prioritize sensible tide timing and spacing.

  • Beginner-friendly right-hand reef wave right next to the Cloud 9 area
  • Best conditions generally at mid to high tide
  • Offshore Southwest/West winds help groom the face
Great for
Surfing shortboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Beginner-friendly right-hand wave ideal for progressing and lessons
  • Offshore Southwest/West winds help groom wave faces
  • Warm water year-round reduces thermal burden for most surfers
Heads up
  • Reef/rock hazards are significant, especially at low tide
  • Crowded with surf lessons, particularly around peak months
  • Rescue options are limited at reef breaks
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW, W
Offshore directions
NW, W, SW
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Light afternoon sea breezes are common during the summer months.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
July, August, September
Shadow Zones
The break can be slightly sheltered by surrounding land and mangroves in certain wind angles.

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Smaller surf is typical; the break is described as holding up better when conditions build, though exact swell maxima were not quantified in one source.
Launch
Small — Beach launch near the mangrove area and pier; short paddle to the break.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Accessible beach launch; described as an easy entry relative to other reef options.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 1/0mm tops (rash guard) / no thermal wetsuit needed
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds occur from September to November during the main surf season.

Storm/Rain Season

December to February

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Beginner-friendly right-hand reef wave that tends to 'jack' up on the reef and is frequently used for surf lessons in the Cloud 9 area.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
E, NE
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — Several sources emphasize mid to high tide as the safer/working window for the reef.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Some sheltering can occur from surrounding land and mangroves depending on wind angle.
Wind Effect
Southwest and West winds are offshore and help groom the wave faces; Northeast winds are onshore and create choppy conditions.
Bigger Swell
On larger swell the wave can become more powerful and 'jack' more, but is described as still more manageable than nearby options.
Wave Quality
Average — Also described as a regional classic with fun, manageable surf.
Wave Power
Soft — Described as a fun/beginner wave that still can 'jack' significantly when swell gets larger, but typically remains more manageable than nearby peaks.
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Slow
Ride Length
Short — Often a short ride that can end as the wave moves into deeper water or into a very shallow reef section.
Typical Ride Length
30–70 m
Ride Length Details
Typical reported ride distance ranges from about 30–70 meters in lesson-style sessions; another database describes typical length in the ~50–150 m range.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jacking Horse (General Luna) in the full forecast view.

Jacking Horse (General Luna) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
Direction
ENE65°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 277 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.1 m9s period
Temperature
27–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Jacking Horse (General Luna) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.1 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Shallow reef
  • Rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Crowded conditions with many beginners
  • Shallow reef sections, rocks, and occasional mangrove roots near the entry point
  • Coral/coral with sharp rocks (reef-coral bottom)
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest clinics are located in General Luna town center.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies. Give priority to those already on the wave and follow instructor guidance if in a lesson.

Local Tips
  • Best surfed at mid to high tide; at low tide the reef can be too shallow and dangerous for beginners.
  • Crowd density is high with surf lessons—expect to share the water.
  • Watch out for other surfers' boards in a high-density lesson zone.
  • Be mindful of moderate currents during tide changes, which can pull toward deeper channels.
  • Avoid reef-shallow sections at low water levels.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
General Luna
Nearest Town
General Luna
Parking
Motorbike parking is available along the road near the Cloud 9 entrance.
Access
Easily accessible by walking from the Cloud 9 boardwalk area or the beach path near the mangroves.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Filipino, English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Numerous resorts, hostels, and guest houses are located within walking distance in the Cloud 9 and General Luna area.
Food & Drink
Many cafes, local eateries, and bars are situated just behind the beach area.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboards are available for rent from various local vendors and schools along the beach.
Gear Storage
Some local schools and resorts offer storage for guests.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard repairs are available through local surf shops in General Luna.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Jacking Horse (General Luna)?

The best overall months at Jacking Horse (General Luna) are August, September, October, November. The best wind months are July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Jacking Horse (General Luna)?

Jacking Horse (General Luna) works with SW, W winds. Offshore directions are NW, W, SW.

What skill level is Jacking Horse (General Luna) suitable for?

Jacking Horse (General Luna) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.