A wave energy conversion apparatus comprises:-a mechanical element arranged in operation to move repeatedly in a cycle in response to
wave motion, wherein the speed of the mechanical element varies between a maximum and a minimum during each cycle;
power extraction means arranged to extract energy from the movement of the mechanical element; and movement assistance means arranged to assist the movement, in response to the
wave motion, of the mechanical element, during at least one part of the cycle during which the speed of movement of the mechanical element is substantially equal to the minimum for that cycle, wherein the
power extraction means comprises a fluid pressurisation
system that is arranged so that in operation fluid in the fluid pressurisation
system is pressurised in response to movement of the mechanical element, the fluid pressurisation
system comprises a one-way valve for transferring pressurised fluid from the fluid pressurisation system and the movement assistance means is located upstream of the one-way valve.