Perling

The small, gentle ripples or wavelets that form on the surface of the water, typically caused by light winds or minor disturbances.

Perling describes a subtle surface condition of water, characterised by fine, delicate ripples that often appear when a light breeze moves across calm seas or sheltered waters. These small wavelets are usually uniform and closely spaced, giving the water a textured or slightly shimmering appearance. Unlike larger waves or chop, perling does not significantly disturb the water’s surface and is often an early indicator of a change in wind conditions. It can be observed in harbours, estuaries, or coastal areas where the influence of wind is minimal but still present enough to create visible motion on the surface.

Perling is generally not a concern for navigation or vessel handling, but it can be useful for mariners to assess subtle shifts in weather or wind direction. The presence of perling may also affect visibility of underwater features or marine life due to the way light reflects off the rippled surface. The term is more descriptive than technical and is often used in observational contexts, such as weather reporting or when describing sea state in calm conditions.