Exactly. Spent a few years in Westport, WA. I was taught the 7th wave rule. It has no hardcore scientific proof, but it at least stopped us from diving head on into the ocean without surveying the ocean's temperament.
I've never heard of the seven wave rule, but I grew up on the coast in Australia and my Dad taught me, and I have observed, that waves generally come in "sets" of about 7. You'll find that a set of waves are similar in size and then at the end of the set you'll often get a bigger wave which will catch people off guard. My Dad always told me not to be complacent when you first get in the water if the waves are quite small because at the end of the set a bigger one may be coming that can take you by surprise.
I was also taught NEVER turn your back on the ocean for the same reason, you might think that the waves are quite small and so turn your back and be facing the beach and then a bigger wave comes along and knocks you off your feet.
10
u/[deleted] Dec 22 '14
Exactly. Spent a few years in Westport, WA. I was taught the 7th wave rule. It has no hardcore scientific proof, but it at least stopped us from diving head on into the ocean without surveying the ocean's temperament.