One of the most important measurements required from oceanographic satellites is the surface wind over the ocean. The ability of three of Seasat's microwave sensors to provide useful estimates of wind is assessed, and some examples of features in the data are described. For the scatterometer attention is focused on coastal seas which have been neglected until now in the literature. Particular problems in the retrieval of wind speed by altimeters are highlighted, including the effects of atmospheric attenuation and the need for more consistent algorithms relating the radar cross-section at nadir to the wind. The forthcoming missions ERS-1 and TOPEX/POSEIDON will provide opportunities for continued study of these issues.