Abstract: An air compression system for use on the ocean surface comprising an air compressor within a moveable float. The float also contains a drive rack engaged with a drive gear wherein the float moves substantially vertically up and down on the drive rack in response to ocean waves. The float also includes a retention spring to return the float vertically upward and a drive pulley connected to the drive gear moving in response to the float moving along the drive rack and powering the air compressor within the float. Also included is a method of utilizing wave motion to compress air comprising the steps of installing a float at the ocean surface wherein the float can move substantially up and down in response to wave motion and installing a drive rack within the float wherein one end of the drive rack is fixed to a beam that is relatively stable.