What are Sets / Set Waves?

[surferdude_scarborough]

ok this might sound a bit stupid but i keep hearing on forecasting websites that the sets might get a bit bigger eg. "4ft (head high) with some overhead sets" and i have never had them explained to me. thanks in advance for help.

[freaky_welsh_chick]

i think it means some sets will be higher than normal... like most will be head height, then every now and then you'll get overhead waves. i think, someone correct me if im wrong!

[surf patrol]

Set waves is the name given to a series of waves. It can be clearly seen on a decent groundswell and clean surf. The sea can be calm and then a series of waves will come through - a set. The sea will go calm again and the process will repeat. Every so often one of these sets will come that will be bigger that the regular sets. It will then go back to the regular sets. Once in a while a really big set will come.
There is some mathmatical reason how these sets are generated, the number of waves in a set, and the number of sets between the really big sets.
You'll become more familiar with sets the more you are in the lineup. If you are surfing big waves it is important to pay attention to the sets - you don't want to be caught inside on a big day by a big set.
There is probably a really good explaination of sets on some marine / oceanography site out there - go have a look around.

[surferdude_scarborough]

Ah. I thought it might be something like that. It would explain the times when ive been sat on my board and nothing happening for quite some time!