Describing Ocean Waves: "Bumps" Isn't Standard Terminology

Proper Wave Vocabulary

The phrase "the day had bumps" is not standard terminology for ocean conditions. Mariners, surfers, and meteorologists use precise terms:

Wave Descriptors

• Swell: Waves generated by distant weather systems; smooth, organized, long-period (10–20+ sec)
• Sea / Wind waves: Locally generated by wind; choppy, shorter period
• Combined seas: Swell + wind waves superimposed
• Significant wave height (Hs): Average of highest 1/3 of waves (standard forecast metric)
• Peak period: Time between crests of dominant swell
• Direction: Where waves come from (e.g., "SW swell")

Common Scales

• Beaufort Scale: Wind force 0–12 → sea state description
• Douglas Sea Scale: 0 (calm) to 9 (phenomenal) — wave height & period
• Surf forecasts: Wave height, period, direction, wind, tide

What "Bumps" Might Mean Colloquially

• Small, disorganized wind chop ("bumpy" surface)
• Minor swell (<1 m) barely noticeable
• Choppy conditions uncomfortable for small boats

Better Questions to Ask

• "What's the swell height and period?"
• "Is it windswell or groundswell?"
• "What's the wind speed/direction?"
• "How's the chop?"