Waves are created by wind blowing across the surface of the water. The size of the waves depends on the amount of wind and the fetch, which is the distance over which the wind blows. Waves can be a hazard to boats, so it's important to be able to read them and understand what they're telling you about the conditions on the water.
There are two main types of waves that you'll see on a boat: swell and chop. Swell is created by distant winds and will appear as long, smooth waves rolling in from the horizon. Chop is created by local winds and will appear as shorter, choppier waves.
To read waves, start by looking at their direction. This will tell you where the wind is coming from. If the waves are coming straight at your boat, then you know that the wind is blowing directly towards you. If they're coming at an angle, then you know that the wind is blowing across them - this is called a cross-sea.
Next, look at their height. Taller waves mean stronger winds, while shorterwaves indicate lighter winds. Finally, look at how close together they are - closer means rougher conditions while further apart indicates smoother sailing ahead.
By reading waves, you can get a good sense of what conditions are like out onthe water and whether or not it's safe to sail in them. So next time you're out for a sail, take a moment to check out the waves and see what they're tellingyou!