Sneaker wave is a popular term used to describe disproportionately large coastal waves that can often appear in a wave train without warning.
Because they are much larger than preceding waves, sneaker waves can catch unwary swimmers, washing them out to sea. It is not uncommon for people walking or standing on beaches and ocean jetties to also be washed into the sea. The term sneaker wave probably refers to a universal coastal phenomenon, but is mainly used in warnings and reports of incidents for the coasts of Northern California, Oregon and Washington in the United States.
There is no scientific evidence or coverage of the phenomenon sneaker wave — as being a distinct sort of wave with respect to height or predictability — like there is on other extreme wave events as for instance rogue waves.
Contents |
In many parts of the world local lore predicts that out of a certain number of waves, one will be much larger than the rest — "every seventh wave" is one common belief that has wide circulation and has entered popular culture through music and literature.[1] These ideas have some scientific basis,[2] along with a cultural-inflicted fascination with the number 7. This saying may also serve to educate shore dwellers about the necessity of remaining vigilant when near the sea. There is no scientific evidence that these wave groups are related to sneaker waves.
  | National Park Service - Point Reyes National Seashore - Beaches of Point Reyes (U.S. National Park Service) |
| | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department - Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: State Parks Beach safety tips |
| | Six-year-old seriously injured by sneaker wave at Cannon Beach - Six-year-old seriously injured by sneaker wave at Cannon Beach | Local News | kgw.com | News for Portland Oregon and SW Washington |
| | Ocean accident claims second child in two days - OCEAN ACCIDENT CLAIMS SECOND CHILD IN TWO DAYS | Article from The Columbian | HighBeam Research |
| | "Sneaker Wave" pulls boy off log, out into ocean - `SNEAKER WAVE' PULLS BOY OFF LOG, OUT INTO OCEAN.(News) | Article from Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, WA) | HighBeam Research |
| | Washington State Department of Ecology - Washington's Coast: Hazards - Sneaker Waves |
|
|
Wikis
Quiz
Map
Search
