CPS lesson in wave generation While sitting in Wheatley watching the 3 metre surf roll in, we've had an excellent opportunity to study, first hand, the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron lesson we had on wave generation. The height of waves depends on three factors: wind velocity, fetch (the distance the wind blows across open water), and duration (the length of time for which the wind blows out of the same direction). In our particular case we have the remnants of a hurricane force disturbance drifting up from Florida (Ernesto). The wind has been blowing in an easternly direction since we arrived 8 days ago. Since we are in the North-western corner of Lake Erie, the fetch has been across the whole lake (LONG). The velocity has been anywhere from 15 to 35 knots (STRONG). So, we have a strong wind velocity, a very large fetch, and a very long duration - BINGO - 3 metre waves.