The NCAR regional climate model RegCM is coupled to the WAM ocean model, using the sea-state-dependent roughness parameterization derived in the HEXOS experiment. Coupled model simulations are shown to give reduced wind speeds U10 compared to uncoupled simulations. This is in accord with other recent studies. However, the wave-atmosphere coupling is effected through the friction velocity field u*, rather than through the wind field U10. Thus because the coupling gives enhanced resistive friction, U10 is weakened, whereas u* is enhanced. Wave heights, driven by u*, are also increased in our coupled mode simulations compared to uncoupled model simulations. Coupled model outputs are shown to compare favorably with air-sea observations collected during the recent Labrador Sea Deep Convection Experiment in 1997, both for synoptic storm timescales and for seasonal timescales. ¿ 2001 American Geophysical Union