Project Summary
The main goal of the Global Waves Project is to measure waves at surf breaks around the world and revolutionize what is currently known about the physics of these waves. Data collected in this project will contribute to scientific knowledge about 3D dynamics of waves in the surf zone and will be shared with the global surfing community via this website. Surfing communities will benefit by gaining access to information about the height and shape of waves at their local surf breaks. Coastal communities will benefit by gaining a greater understanding of wave forces along their coastlines. A focus of the project is to involve volunteer surfers, bodyboarders, community members, teachers, and students in the collection of data and outreach activities.
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WaveChecker
Wave measurements in the Global Waves Project are made with the WaveChecker, a novel wave measurement device. The WaveChecker is tiny and spherical, just a little larger than a baseball, and can easily be carried in swimming trunks. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) rides in the WaveChecker and measures acceleration and angular rotation of the instrument as it travels in a wave. Wave height, acceleration, velocity, and trajectory are determined from IMU data. The device has been laboratory tested in wave tanks and field tested in surf zones, proving durable in both environments. The WaveChecker is a user-friendly device for Global Waves Project volunteers to use for collecting surf break data.
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Founder & Project Scientist
Alex Sinclair is founder and project scientist of the Global Waves Project. Very little is known about breaking waves in the surf zone, such as their exact height and shape, velocity, and impact force. Alex's goal is to change that and involve worldwide surfing communities in an effort to measure waves at surf breaks. While pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, she built a device that measured wave dynamics for the first time. Further design enhancements led to development of the WaveChecker which is used in the project today. Alex created the Global Waves Project and the WaveChecker as a way for surfing communities to learn more about their local surf breaks and contribute to scientific knowledge about waves.
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Donation & Sponsor Opportunities
The Global Waves Project welcomes support in the form of donations and sponsorship from individuals and businesses! Donations are used to cover costs of volunteer packages, equipment, advertising, volunteer coordination, outreach activities, data delivery to surfing communities, and website maintenance. The WaveChecker directly measures wave height, so we are actively seeking collaboration with sponsors of surfing competitions to provide wave height data during these events. Any amount of donation or sponsorship is greatly appreciated! Please visit our Donate page for more information.
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