[QUOTE=thisistank;4775062]
I don't think that's accurate. Swell height from every scientific chart I've ever seen measures from the bottom of the trough through the point of sea level (like you're stating approximately mid section) to the crest.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...05c1de26b5.png

I agree with you 99%, that is the preferred way to measure wave height. It’s accurate and simple.

Many moons ago, I was taught the “Hawaiian Method”. It was commonly used in Australia, probably because Aussie surfers idolized Hawaii! I guess from the replies here, my method is outdated, which means I can now double the size of the waves I’ve seen when telling stories from my past......😆

Here’s the Hawaiian Method, measures off the back of the wave, not quite as I described previously but not too far different either.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...174eeac13.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b8b6ba365.jpeg

I just uploaded that "Windy" app on my phone - it's awesome! Thanks for the tip guys! I've been using "Windfinder Pro", and it doesn't have near as much information as "Windy". For what it's worth, wave height in open water is definitely measured from the trough to the peak, that is the information/vertical-distance-traveled that the buoys send to the satellites to relay/record wave height. For breaking waves along shoreline (surf), I'm honestly not sure if the wave height is measured from the front or back side of the wave. All I know is that most performance boaters WAY over-estimate the size of the water they run in. If I had a dollar for every guy that says his 28' center-pod cat runs over 4 footers like nothing, I'd be rich!

[QUOTE=Skater30;4775158]For what it's worth, wave height in open water is definitely measured from the trough to the peak, that is the information/vertical-distance-traveled that the buoys send to the satellites to relay/record wave height. For breaking waves along shoreline (surf), I'm honestly not sure if the wave height is measured from the front or back side of the wave.


This is how I have always understood it, offshore waters referred to as seas and measured by the total buoy movement.
Waves occur when the swells contact the reef or sandbar.
I’d need a really good reason to go offshore when the NOAA forecast is anything over 2’.

I will upload some of these apps also but I'm starting to wonder how much gas I will be able to burn this summer. There might be a lot more anchoring and swimming. :(

We use Ventusky for wind speed and direction on northern Lake Michigan area. That info along with some experience will give a fairly good idea of the water conditions. Weather buoys are good also but occasionally out of service.

With a 1990 34' Scarab for 20+ years, generally, we eventually stopped paying any attention to wind/wave forecasts. But started the practice with our 18' CC and a 370 SS.

Today I add a foot or so to the forecast wave height when winds will be steady in the teens (mph), 2 feet or more if steady above 20mph. I also consider which direction they are blowing in relation to direction we'll be traveling.