The maximum fetch of a Shore Unit is intended to provide an index of the swell waves and, to a lesser extent, refraction effects. The Maximum Fetch is the maximum fetch distance in kilometres that can be measured from a centre point of the Shore Unit. There are several wave climate data fields within the Shore Unit section of the Shore-zone Database. Fetch Distances - the distances in kilometres as measured along a line 45 to theleft of the Shore Normal, along the Shore Normal and along a line 45 to the right of the Shore Normal. Exposure Category - the exposure category provides a summary indicator of wave exposure for the unit.
Waves are low most of the time except during high winds.
Swells, generated in areas distant from the shore unit create relatively high wave conditions. During storms, extremely large waves create high wave exposures. High ambient wave conditions usually prevail within this exposure category. Typical of open-Pacific conditions. This procedure, although preliminary and subject to refinement, offers an objective, repeatable basis for estimating wave exposure.