PC question

At what size swell and timing is to rough for most people at PC? I know a lot depends on skill level Im looking for a general rule to go by.

5ft or less for me and the distance needs to be at least double the size or it's a rough ride (IE) 4ft every 8 seconds also watch out for the secondary and wind waves. Ideal 2ft at 6 seconds or farther apart is a cake walk.

Thanks I was wondering the same.  I'm still learning how to read surf reports.

What exactly is the secondary swell?

For example I see today being:

Surf Report for Cape Kiwanda
3-5ft
Primary swell  5ft at 9 sec
Secondary swell 1.1ft at 11sec

Is it just basically two different waves?  (primary usually being the one to be most cautious of?)

Thanks for the help guys.

Just guessing but primary is moon induced and secondary tide induced I know the third that pops up is wind. Also know from experience if  the primary and secondary hit you at the same timing in the surf zone your punching threw a good size wave 

Swell direction makes a huge difference at PC.  Swell from the northwest is effectively blocked by Cape Kiwanda, so even a 6 foot swell can be launchable.  But a swell from straight west, or from the southwest, hits the beach full force.

Just guessing but primary is moon induced and secondary tide induced I know the third that pops up is wind. Also know from experience if  the primary and secondary hit you at the same timing in the surf zone your punching threw a good size wave 

This is not right.  Mojo, it doesn't do anybody any good to just guess, because you're most likely perpetuating false information. Swell is produced by wind over a long distance (fetch).  Swell has nothing to do with the moon or tides.  The tide can affect how waves break at the shore, but are not relevant to swell itself.  Primary is just the biggest swell. Secondary is often caused by a separate weather event.  They can come in different or the same direction.  When they align at the shore you end up with set waves.  Two 4' swells can make an 8' combined swell that might result in a 10'-12' breaking wave.  So, pay attention to both swells, and watch for a good 15 minutes before launching to see how they line up.

Just guessing but primary is moon induced and secondary tide induced I know the third that pops up is wind. Also know from experience if  the primary and secondary hit you at the same timing in the surf zone your punching threw a good size wave 

This is not right.  Mojo, it doesn't do anybody any good to just guess, because you're most likely perpetuating false information. Swell is produced by wind over a long distance (fetch).  Swell has nothing to do with the moon or tides.  The tide can affect how waves break at the shore, but are not relevant to swell itself.  Primary is just the biggest swell. Secondary is often caused by a separate weather event.  They can come in different or the same direction.  When they align at the shore you end up with set waves.  Two 4' swells can make an 8' combined swell that might result in a 10'-12' breaking wave.  So, pay attention to both swells, and watch for a good 15 minutes before launching to see how they line up.

That's why I made it clear that I was guessing  thanks for clarifying Kyle also good point to not go alone till your experienced with the ocean.