Sneaker wave is a popular term used to describe disproportionately large coastal waves that can sometimes appear in a wave train without warning. There is no scientific evidence or coverage of the phenomenon sneaker wave — as being a distinct sort of wave with respect to height or predictability — like there are on other extreme wave events such as rogue waves.
Because they are much larger than preceding waves, sneaker waves can catch unwary swimmers, washing them out to sea. It is not uncommon for people walking or standing on beaches and ocean jetties to also be washed into the sea. The term sneaker wave probably refers to a universal coastal phenomenon, but is mainly used in warnings and reports of incidents for the coasts of Northern California, Oregon and Washington in the United States.
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In many parts of the world, local folklore predicts that out of a certain number of waves, one will be much larger than the rest — "every seventh wave" is one common belief that has wide circulation and has entered popular culture through music and literature.[1] These ideas have some scientific basis,[2] along with a culture-inflected fascination with the number 7. This saying may also serve to educate shore dwellers about the necessity of remaining vigilant when near the sea. There is no scientific evidence that these wave groups are related to sneaker waves.