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Birch Bay Surfing and Downwind Laps
The long fetch coming from the 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 WNW, NW or NNW wind starting in the mid-low teens for downwind laps. Of course if the wind and waves are cranking up in the Strait of Georgia then the swell going south can be quite swell and you can use the north land arm of the Bay for protection going upwind before you decide how far to venture into the waves for going downwind. This can be a real ocean swell with separate wind waves - just like ocean conditions in other popular destinations around the world. A great opportunity to practice ocean downwinding when Bellingham Bay does not have its usual variations of south wind that work well there.
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 walks across the shallow shoreline flats particular at max low tide. Well worth it if the waves are good. Launch from the pavillion (BP Heron Center) area has a little more protection from shore break. There are also pay hot showers in the pavillion area that take $quarters.
Reports
Conditions
- Webcam View from South End updates every 30 min.
- Cherry Point Tide Chart just south of Birch Bay
Resources
- Birch Bay Paddlers Facebook Group private group you can request to join.
