Barra de la Cruz is a right-hand pointbreak on Mexico's Oaxacan coast, and one of the best waves in the region when it lines up. The headland's fang points southeast, cleaving south swell into dredging tubes at the top of the point that give way to steep, workable walls holding their size deep into the bay. It briefly went by the name La Jolla during the 2006 Rip Curl Pro Search event, when a rare swell served up long, world-class rights to a global webcast audience.
When It Works
The point draws swell from southwest through southeast, with southeast (SE) the best match; a solid south or southeast pulse is what really brings it to life. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, so there's a wide window from chest-high days up to properly overhead. Consistency can be patchy, but the spring and summer season (roughly April to September) is when the right swells show up. It breaks over sand with scattered rock, and the bank shifts with storms, so the shape of any given day depends on how the sand has settled.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest (NW) offshore wind to groom the walls. The point can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call and the lower half of the tide a reliable bet.
Local Tips
This is a shortboarder's wave that suits confident intermediate surfers, thanks to the long rights and the paddle it demands. Expect long paddles back to the top after a lengthy ride. When it's on, the lineup gets busy and the vibe is somewhat reserved, so patience goes a long way. Keep in mind it can get shallow at the top of the point.
Access
Getting in means a long dirt track down to the beach. Parking is paid and can be restricted, and there's a small charge for the beach facilities. Camping is available if you want to stick around for the swell.
