The devices capture energy from the "up and down" motion of the waves. They may be fully or partially submerged. The size really depends upon the unit, but an example might be that around 8 to 10 feet rises above the surface and the rest, around 150 feet or so, extends below the surface.

The point absorber device is small compared to a typical wavelength and can absorb energy in all directions. Waves that most typically are used for energy production using these devices vary from 40 to more than 300 meters in length. Point absorbers are bottom-mounted or floating structures that absorb energy from all directions, such as a floating buoy. The power take-off system may take a number of forms – such as a closed hydraulic system or a linear inductor – depending on the configuration of displacers or reactors.

Illustration: The devices capture energy from the "up and down" motion of the waves.

Examples are AquaBuoy, WaveBob.