As a general rule, the swell numbers don't mean too much so long as they are spaced out. Be very wary when the waves start approaching square conditions (i.e. dominant wave at 8ft high and 8 secs apart) that is really rough weather. Wind waves are the biggest problem for small boaters as they will beat you as you pound over them. I think for your first trip, you should try to pick a day with 5-15 knots wind out of the west or northwest, wind waves less than 3 feet and a swell less 5-7 feet. The other thing to remember about the sea is: it is generally much calmer early in the morning and about 11:00am, the wind will start to blow getting progressively worse during the day. Wind and waves out of the south can make the entrance to the harbor at HMB dangerous as it is largely unprotected from that direction. You will also want to be careful not to cut the corner, keep the #2 red buoy close on your right as you enter and don't turn towards the harbor until you have passed #3 green. If there is a swell running, it is generally easier to continue heading toward the beach until you get close to the breakwater, then you can turn and run parallel to it while taking the waves on the forward quarter instead of your beam. The same is true when leaving the harbor.
