a paddle wheel - driven horizontal wave generator system which is situated on the ocean shore for converting shore waves to unidirectional rotational force for generating power . by the use of a pair of one - way clutches on a single power shaft the incoming and outgoing motion of ocean waves is converted into continuous unidirectional rotational force to drive an electric generator . the generator system is attached to a base having troughs . the lower portions of the paddle wheels are positioned in the troughs , and engage incoming and outgoing shore waves which rotate the axle of the paddle wheels in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction . the one - way clutches convert the bi - directional rotation of the paddle wheel axle to unidirectional rotation of the power shaft .