Abstract: A water wave-based energy conversion system comprising: at least one buoyant body capable of floating on or below the surface of a body of water; at least one redirection device located at a stationary position; an energy converter; and at least one elongate connector operatively coupling the at least one buoyant body to the energy converter through the at least one redirection device. In use, the elongate connector transfers motion of the at least one buoyant body resulting from waves in the body of water to the energy converter for conversion into useful energy forms or products.