I came across this interesting U.S. Coast Guard publication.
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/vir...4302894/FID1851/BOATCREW/files/chadd/adda.htm
It looks like it was meant as a training or information tool for CG personnel.
I have been taught that waves break at half the height of their depth, so, if you see waves starting to break at 4' in wave height, they are rolling across a bottom 8' underneath them. Out in open ocean, waves break when the wind forces build them up to such a height that the wind actually knocks them over. It can be particularly bad when that happens to be right on top of your boat.
You may have seen this video before, but notice there are no obvious forces causing that wave to break.
Another interesting point made in the article is about wave interference and looking for regular lulls when entering or exiting restricted passes.
A quote from the above article: "The ability to recognize wave patterns and characteristics is essential to safe operation in surf and heavy weather. A coxswain operating in these conditions must be able to determine the timing of lulls and series, and estimate wave heights accurately."
What do you all think?
- Will (Dragonfly)
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/vir...4302894/FID1851/BOATCREW/files/chadd/adda.htm
It looks like it was meant as a training or information tool for CG personnel.
I have been taught that waves break at half the height of their depth, so, if you see waves starting to break at 4' in wave height, they are rolling across a bottom 8' underneath them. Out in open ocean, waves break when the wind forces build them up to such a height that the wind actually knocks them over. It can be particularly bad when that happens to be right on top of your boat.
Another interesting point made in the article is about wave interference and looking for regular lulls when entering or exiting restricted passes.
A quote from the above article: "The ability to recognize wave patterns and characteristics is essential to safe operation in surf and heavy weather. A coxswain operating in these conditions must be able to determine the timing of lulls and series, and estimate wave heights accurately."
What do you all think?
- Will (Dragonfly)