In ocean waves, water particles move in circles and energy moves horizontally. Ocean waves are orbital progressive waves. The water molecules that make up the wave move in circles, or orbits, as the wave progresses. The ocean orbital waves get their start when wind blows on the open ocean, A gentle wind doesn't have much of an effect, but the stronger wind becomes the more it pushes against the water. It transfers energy to the water as it makes peaks and whitecaps in the water's surface.
In ocean waves the water particles move in circles but the wave energy moves horizontally. This is the reason why a piece of wood floating in the oceans bobs up and down.
