Groynes

[george]

...or Groins, if this is the correct spelling. Just wondering from those that have surfed here, what would be the setup for a good day? I assume a NW swell, but would W get in there? Also, what size swell is needed to get decent conditions in there for shortboarding, ie, not really looking for a mushy 2ft. wave?
Lastly, I've read there can be a nasty current in there... What factors would make it unpleasant there? Low, outgoing tide? Easterly wind?
Thanks a lot.
George

[Tony360]

Do you mean Groynes in the harbour entrance at Westport?

It starts working when the buoys are about 8 feet with good period. It works up to about 18 feet buoys, at that size it's double overhead plus, and gnarly. Even at the smallest sizes it's a punchy left that breaks on the outside of the groynes and runs down into the sandy coves. It's like a reverse Snapper Rocks in that you have to take off behind the rocks when it's solid.

At 20 foot plus it's not surfable with a ton of water moving. The current at size is scary, a conveyor belt effect that requires you to constantly paddle to the east to prevent being sucked around the corner to the Cove. It's a well-surfed wave with fairly tolerant locals. If nobody's out, it's probably not surfable.

At larger than 20 foot buoys the Cove can be great with intense shorebreak tubes. At less than 8 foot the outside of the Jetty can be lots of fun. Westport has lots of options all within a very quick drive.

Here is a pic of Groynes. On this day it was about 10 foot at the jetty, and about head high at Groynes.

[Michael]

Nice picture Tony. Have you ever seen anyone windsurf down there?
I SUP surfed there a few years ago and loved it and I've always wondered what it would be like to sail there. I'm talking about on the south side of the jetty although looking at that picture if the wind was from the south it would be an awesome port tack ride.

[Tony360]

This spot is north of the jetty in Westport harbour. I doubt it could be windsurfed because it would be fairly protected from most winds. Also at high tide you would have to jump off the rocks, and on any tide you would have to shlep your gear over the rock wall. Definetely not kiteable without major risk.

I have seen windsurf and kites south of the jetty, which looks fun. There's a writeup on KBC about Damon point, on the north end of Grays Harbour in Ocean shores. But I have never been there.

[Faceplant]

Really fun spot. Pretty mellow vibe when I was there. Quite a lot of current so pay attention where your landmarks are. Halfmoon bay has pretty heavy shore pound. It looks fun but I've never wanted to sacrifice my body to that degree.

[george]

Tony and Faceplant, thanks very much, that's what I needed to know, also about the locals. Just looking at a map, it looks to me that a west swell, and even a southwest swell would wrap in there, not so much a NW, unless it's pretty big or a long period, given the obstruction by the north jetty/shore.
Thanks again.
George

[tweegster]

Good rundown Tony,

Groynes or "the Fingers" is one of my favorite spots, it can be mellow & crowded in summer but winter can be downright scary. Water is colder than at the jetty (think Squamish). On big days often you have to catch a wave in front of a finger.... don't bail. On incoming tide I have seen more than one person end up in the Harbor. It is safer than getting bashed on the rocks. But generally it offers an easy wave to catch that peels consistently.

The Cove or Halfmoon Bay generally has me picking gravel out of my orifices. Longboarders need not apply.

Since I have started kiting Westhaven State Park / Jetty has offered up some fun sessions. Kiting in proper waves is amazing.

[Tony360]

Great photos Jeff! Makes me want to go back to Westport.

[tweegster]

Found a pic on an old card, here is Groynes/Fingers in February. Cold, big surf, strong current and alone, picture doesn't do it justice. A lot of water moving between the rocks, my knees were a bit wobbly gearing up.

Good times.

The big wave on the right outside is hard to catch. Would be a great SUP wave as it peaks on a sandbar all alone.