how big a swell is too much?

Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming ESE around 6 kt in the morning. Mostly sunny. W swell 9 ft. Wind waves 1 ft or less.


when is it too big a swell for u? whats the general consensus without getting too technical. the above to me seems like may be doable with wind waves 1 foot or less.  i usually have been trying for anything 5 or less.

the above is for friday at depoe bay, will know for sure if its doable when i get to the ramp at 7ish, anyone is welcome to join. 

9 ft swells will be a roller coaster ride but you forgot the seconds between swells.
Modified here's PC a little farther north but still no go for me.

9 ft swells will be a roller coaster ride but you forgot the seconds between swells.
Modified here's PC a little farther north but still no go for me.

The NOAA page doesn't include the period past 72 hours.

OP, that's a no go for me.  The bar might not even be open.

Magic Seaweed forecast is superior to the NOAA forecast, I'd recommend taking a look at it.

9 feet is a REALLY big swell and I'd be surprised if the bar was open to under 24 foot vessels.

If you have to ask Id suggestion you stick to 6 feet at 12 seconds or less. Probably less.

There will always be larger than average sets that roll in and you don't want to find out the hard way exactly where they break.

I agree with what has been said.  I've been out of Depoe Bay on an 8-ish foot day and I would NOT recommend it.  Not only is it dangerous just to be out there in those conditions but the up and down motion from that big of a swell makes fishing on the bottom very difficult.  The bar would also likely be restricted anyway.

9 ft this time of year is crazy.  But if you keep looking for a window, sometimes the calm winter small swell days are even nicer than the summer.

9 is big regardless of period. Personally I'd look at it if I was there already but I would drive there. I would not recommend going out in that to anyone I did know well enough to judge their ability level.
If you own a helmet and want some fun empty the boat and try your hand, knowing you are going to get tossed and bruised up.

I prefished Depoe ahead of the ORC I think it was 2014, might have been 2013.  Anyway, that Friday was sporty to say the least.  Getting through the hole was pucker inducing.  Swells were probably averaging 7ft at least, and there occasional 10ft rollers.  Several times I'd have to turn the kayak into an incoming swell as otherwise I'd risk swamping.  Gave up after about an hour and a half as fishing was very difficult and I was starting to get seasick and went back in.  The hole was even sportier on the way in. 

9' at Depoe would be a no-go for me.  I'm sure I could get out there and back in without killing myself, but it wouldn't be any fun. 

am outta here!!!! hey thanks for heads up to u all, not taking a chance so am just gonna go on the boats and leave the yaks at home. both fri/sat. out of depoe, will give u a report when i get back.

Here's a good rule of thumb. If you can punch through the beach break without a Huli it's small enough for you. Depoe can be deceiving because of the channel.

Depot Bay this morning; status says closed
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/marine/bars_mover.php

yep, back home now. charter canceled it this morning and then awhile later canceled for tomarrow too. my learning curve...wish i could get over it. am not sure what it was as for the swells as my buddy said the forecast had changed on wed? nite? thur. morning? for even worse for today and tomarrow, havent looked yet. i know now not to even think about it unless 7 foot or lower swell possible for the boats and 5foot and below and i schedule time off and go on that from now on with yaks. dammit thought we could at least go out on the boats. welp, another day, thanks again. i learned alot this trip. it was rippin out there and was kinda/am glad boat canceled too.   

Even if the charters make the decision not to cancel, it really pays to take a look at the ocean, and decide for yourself if it's worth it for a few bottom fish.

I'm sure a lot of folks remember this horrific tragedy several years ago.  It still blows my mind to think that the coast guard watched this unfold from the tower at Barview

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/9-die-in-oregon-boat-accident/