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Birch Bay Surfing and Downwind Laps
The long fetch coming from the west and northwest can provide downwind waves with a wind that does not have to be as high as the wind sometimes needed in Bellingham Bay. Look here on days with a NW or NNW wind starting in the mid-low teens for downwind laps.
To get better surfing waves all the way to the shore you may need somewhat higher northwest winds. Since it's a point break at Birch Bay State Park, the wave tends to peel so you can find a spot for a SUP in the pocket or for a surfski out on the shoulder. The long fetch makes for much longer period waves as long as the winds at Birch Bay aren't nuking.
Ebb tide helps build the waves but can make for a return walk across the shallow shoreline mud flats. Well worth it if the waves are good. Launch from the pavillion area has a little more protection from shore break.
Resources
- Birch Bay Paddlers Facebook Group private group you can request to join.
