Multiple Swell Directions

I'm eying a two day weather window (Tuesday-Wednesday) for a Depoe Bay trip next week. Both days show multiple swell directions. On Tuesday the height of the other swell directions seems negligible, < 1 ft, but on Wednesday in the morning there are a W and a WNW swell of relatively equal height, about 5 ft, but with a very long period. Since I have limited experience on the ocean I was wondering what kind of conditions that might make for on the water? I could see the potential for synergistic building in wave height since the direction is relatively similar.  What is your take?

In general, if the primary swell and the secondary are coming from the same direction it will make it a but more bumpy but certainly fishable. However if the primary and secondary are coming in different directions it will turn the ocean into a washing machine and give your seasickness meds a good test.

That forecast has some other issues too. Namely your wave height to duration. Your duration should always be twice the wave height. Tuesday is borderline but wed with a 11 foot swell at 18 seconds is a no go. You should also probably cap your wave height at a max of 6 foot too. Ideally closer to 3-4 foot until you get some decent salt behind your ears. Also, with those conditions there is a good chance the coast guard won't open the bar. Check out Pelagics article on the main page if you haven't already.

It's too far out to tell what's really gonna happen Tuesday and Wednesday.  Things might actually shape up.  However, what I see in the forecast for those days is a good ole fashion beating.

The scenario you present is borderline do-able for a rookie.  Depoe blocks a south swell for the most part.  Norths can really stir it up and Wests just barrel down the throat of the bay.

Something to keep in mind out there is STAY OFF THE NORTH REEF.  This is especially true on long period, mixed swell days.  You can see it flat for an hour and then all hell breaks loose, then nothing for another half hour.  I've seen our most experienced Depoe Bay guy get pitch poled in those conditions because he decided to shortcut his return from points north.  Luckily, he's a stud and laughed about it after.

-Spot-

Thanks for your replies. I've been eying for the past week and the forecast seems to change hourly. Looked better earlier in the week. I've done 6-7 ft swells at 13 sec and I was comfortable with that. I've got to use a groupon thing for a hotel in Lincoln City by the 18th but the ocean has been a churn bucket for the past month and a half. I guess I'll do surf perch and chase some steelies on the Siletz as a backup.

With two swells you always need to be ready for the "set waves" when both swells line up.  Two 5's could equal 10 every 5 to 30 minutes.  As a long time surfer these are what we liked.  The opposite is true for fishing.