thanks for the quick replies, guys :)
You're probably going to need to outline what addon wave program you're using.
I downloaded one recently but when I read the "read-me text" realised that my gear wasn't up to the required specs for video card etc.
I've found the wave programs a bit of a worry, another previous installation made the water look like ink.
yes it's difficult to find the right water textures. i went through a few and was never completely happy with them. the one i'm using at the moment is this one:
http://www.simviation.com/fs2004scenery11.htm and it is the first one i am very happy with. i don't think it's a videocard problem, i have a radeon 9800 pro and the waves do look like they should on the open sea, it's just the speed of the shorebreak :(
If you use windows XP or ME try a system restore to go back before you made any changes. Or just reinstll the default effects files I think that is where the wave files are kept but it might be the textures not sure.
I hope you did not unzip straight into FS. If you did lots of luck. I know a lot of people do this and some readme files also tell you do this. I hate to keep repeating myself but NEVER NEVER unzip anything into FS. It can create all kinds of problems, like the one you are having now.
Oh by the way you might want to check out your contrails they probably are changed as well
i tried using the original wave effect files, but it made no difference :(. i don't unzip straight into fs and i always back up everything (sometimes more than necessary

) but as u said, maybe it's the textures. although i do remember that the waves were already screwed up with the last water textures installed. the contrails didn't change.
thanks for the help guys, i hope i can figure this out. but the good thing is, at least its nothing major. if it's not fixable then i guess i have to get used to seeing fast breaking waves, it sure won't stop me flying
