Estimates of the variation with depth of both the speed and direction of near-surface ocean currents within the top meter have been made using time series data collected from a dual-frequency, high-frequency radar located on the California coast, south of Monterey. Long-term averages derived from this data set over 3 different years consistently revealed an expected reduction in the speed of the near-surface current as a function of depth, consistent with a logarithmic vertical current profile. An unexpected and previously unmeasured clockwise rotation with increasing depth of the near-surface current was also observed. Hypotheses are suggested for the apparent rotation. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996