Wind Wave

A wind wave is a wave generated by the local or recent wind blowing over the sea surface. Unlike swell, which may have travelled far from its source, wind waves reflect nearby conditions and are often shorter, steeper, and more irregular. Their size depends on wind speed, duration, fetch, and water depth.

For boaters, wind waves directly affect comfort, safety, speed, and handling. Short, steep waves can cause slamming, reduce VMG, increase fuel burn, and make harbour approaches or bar crossings hazardous. Assess Wave Height, Wave Period, and Wind against Current together before choosing a route or departure time.

PredictWind wave forecasts help separate locally generated wind waves from swell components, giving a clearer view of the expected Sea State. In the Forecast App, web forecasts, and Offshore App GRIB downloads, wind wave data supports safer Weather Routing, Departure Planning, and more realistic passage timing.